Tag Archives: Kalashnikov Concern

Folks, there is a really cool page in the Russian language that has an excellent breakdown of the Kalashnikov Concern’s AK-12. You can visit it and get a ton of info . A trick I would recommend is to use your browser’s ability to translate a webpage – it will not be perfect but you sure will get a much better idea of what they are talking about.

Click here to go to that page.

We also have a great video in English that gives an overview of the AK-12K, AK-15K AND RPK-16K if you are interested. Click here for that.

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Please note, the image shown above is from the article and remains the property of its respective owner.

Video: Kalashnikov Concern Releases the Civilian Version of the AK-12: The AK TR3 Rifle

July 7, 2019 RoninsGrips

I wish I had better news but Youtube cancelled the channel for the Kalashnikov Concern so the video is no longer available. I am leaving the post up so at least you can see the screen shots.

Because of the import restrictions of the Russian firm Kalashnikov Concern, Americans will not get a chance to see a cool new rifle just released by them. Their AK TR3 rifle is a civilian version of the modern AK-12 and will be available in both 5.45×39 and 7.62×39 cartridges. [Click here for a previous post that goes into the AK-12 in more detail.]

The AK TR3 is identical to the military AK-12. Note that it has three fire control group pins.

The AK TR3 is chambered for both traditional Russian cartridges, the 5.45×39 and 7.62×39

Yeah, I sure wish I could buy an AK TR3 but given the political issues between our countries, that is not going to happen. Regardless, it looks like a very slick rifle and I’ll just have to ogle it from afar.

All images were extrated from the video and remain the property of their respective owner.

Russia and also USSR

Brief Overview of Russian RPK-16

January 4, 2019 RoninsGrips

At a tradeshow, a representative gives a brief overview of the RPK-16 light machine gun in 5.45×39. He highlights design features including the adjustable buttstock, full length Picatinny rail, 4 kilogram light weight, 96 round drum, ability to use AK magazines, free floating handguard, different barrel lengths and that the barrels can be changed in the field.

The RPK-16 builds on the innovations developed for the AK-12.

The RPK-16 in 5.45×39 can use a 96-round drum or standard AK magazines.

Here’s The Video

Please note that all images are extracts from the video and remain the property of their respective owner(s).

Russia and also USSR

Larry Vickers Interview in Russia – Is the AK Outdated?

December 24, 2018 RoninsGrips

During his visit to Russia in 2018, Larry Vickers was interviewed by
Vladimir Onokoy, a technical consultant with the Kalashnikov Concern, about Larry’s views on the traditional AK platform.

The two discussed a number of topics and I’ll just hit some personal highlights that I found interesting:

Larry mentioned that people get hung up on the design of the safety and the short sight radius but the positives of the design far outweigh the negatives. This is especially true because the safety works just fine once you get used to it and the addition of a good red dot is a game changer. I agree with both points.
Vladimir asked Larry his caliber preference. Larry said if he had to only pick one, it would be 7.62×39. That’s definitely my go-to caliber for the rifle.
Larry made a really interesting point – the tapers of the 7.62×39 and 5.45×39 aid in reliable feeding in the AK platform. The 5.56×45 is at a disadvantage because it does not have the same degree of taper. That caught my attention – I never really stopped and thought about the impacts of case taper on reliability given how to AK operates. Interesting point.

So, is the AK obsolete? In my opinion, it is an extensible platform but watch this interesting video and here Larry’s thoughts first hand.

Russia and also USSR

Promotional Video From the Kalashnikov Concern Showcasing Military Modernization

November 24, 2018 RoninsGrips

This 3:40 promotional video from Kalashnikov Concern was released in 2017 but I am unclear as to exactly when it was made. You’ll note that they spend a lot of time showing their assault boats and they were unveiled in 2015.