Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Interesting Observations On The Kalashnikov

Via David

Interesting Observations On The Kalashnikov

A while back we ran a story here on AP about the Indian Army working a deal with the Russians to domestically produce the AK-203, an AKM with a handful of upgrades in order to replace the 5.56 INSAS rifle, which is commonly viewed as a failure in combat. Its not really a shock, considering the reputation of the INSAS as unreliable as well as being heavy for what it is. The AK on the other hand, even in its most basic form, is fairly lightweight and I doubt anyone who’s been on the receiving end of one doubts its capabilities in combat.

But with that said, the AK is considered by many to be a dated platform. I don’t share that point of view, but its a data point nonetheless. As reliable as it is, the venerable Kalash was designed for the parameters of the era- and when implementing modern add-ons such as lights and IR lasers, most rail interfaces come up being compromises at best when compared to other purpose built designs that have come along since. So why in the world would an Army adopt it, in a retro intermediate caliber such as 7.62×39?

4 comments:

  1. If you are ever in a firefight where you have US firepower up against Russian firepower the further away the better. The 5.56 and 7.62x51 retain power further than what a 7.62x39 can. A 7.62x39 at 450 yards is like getting hit with a paintball at close range. At 600 yards the 5.56 is still deadly. At 1000 yards the 7.62x51 is deadlier.

    My favorite gun is a GAU-8

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    1. Thanks and I guess the M-164 came before it in Vietnam.

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    2. At 450 yds, the 123 gr. 7.62 x 39 has 1,131 fps and 349 ft. lbs. Which is to say it still has very good penetration and will drop you in less than one second after firing.

      Anyway, to answer the question in the article; I think it is because a socialist country like India finds it problematic to implement modern platforms and possible because they were given an ultimatum which featured a deal they shouldn't refuse on the tried and true AK.

      Rick

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    3. At 450 yds, the 123 gr. 7.62 x 39 has 1,131 fps and 349 ft. lbs. Which is to say it still has very good penetration and will drop you in less than one second after firing.

      That's what I saw also. As far as the rest, if I was offered one of the two (AK v AR) in a SHTF situation I would pick the AK. Thanks.

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