| AEK-971 | |
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 The primary AEK-971 model, chambered in 5.45x39mm. |
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| Type | Assault rifle |
| Place of origin |  Russia |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Sergey I. Koksharov |
| Designed | Early 1970s |
| Manufacturer | Degtyarev plant |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 3.3 kg (7.28 lb) |
| Length | 960 mm (37.8 in) |
| Barrel length | 420 mm (16.5 in) |
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| Cartridge | 5.45x39mm (AEK-971) 7.62x39mm (AEK-973, AEK-973S) 5.56x45mm NATO (AEK-972) |
| Action | Gas-actuated, rotating bolt, balanced recoil system |
| Rate of fire | 900 rounds/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 900 m/s (2,953 ft/s) |
| Effective range | 400 m |
| Maximum range | 1,000 m |
| Feed system | 30-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | Hooded front post and the V-notch open rear |
The AEK-971 is a Russian assault rifle made by the Kovrov Machinebuilding Plant (now called the Degtyarev Design Bureau) Degtyarev plant and designed by Sergey I. Koksharov in the 1970s. The AEK-971 uses the 5.45x39mm M74 round fed from standard 30-round magazines used by the AK-74. Two other members of this series—recognised by the different pistol grip angles are the AEK-972 and AEK-973—are chambered for 5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm respectively, and are compatible with 30-round magazines from the AK-101 and AKM/AK-103. The updated AEK-973 also received a three-shot burst fire mode. The AEK-973S is a modified version with a new trigger mechanism with the location of the thumb safety-selector lever on the right side and an extended lightweight stock. When the stock is retracted, a shoulder rest connects with the pistol grip, thereby forming a streamlined structure.
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The AEK-971 has two fire modes: semi-automatic and fully automatic fire. The modernised AEK-971 is also able to deliver fire with three-shot bursts. The AEK-971 is based on previous AK rifles in internal design and layout, but is also equipped with a recoil balancing mechanism. The rifle has a counter weight that negates the impulse of the gas piston and bolt carrier: this is the balancing mechanism and results in more controllable automatic fire. Though losing an initial contract for production against the AN-94, mainly due to being underdeveloped at the time, the Russian army has begun field trials of this weapon. The AN-94 assault rifle has a slight edge over the AEK-971 only in short burst (2 rounds only) mode.[1] In full-auto medium or long burst fire mode (3–5 or 7–10 rounds per burst), the AEK-971 is superior, as well as in single shot mode (while in AN-94 recoil is only delayed by a fraction of second, in AEK-971 it's effectively reduced). It's also some 0.5 kg lighter than AN-94, more simple in design and cheaper to manufacture.
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   | Overview of AEK-971 - Modern Firearms - AEK-971 assault rifle |
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