Russia is considered to be one of the world leaders in the development and manufacture of small arms. The famous AK-47 is so popular that its images are used even in state symbolism. However, the designers of the Kalashnikov concern prefer not to rest on their laurels, but to move forward and create new, even more advanced types of weapons. Recently, the public was presented with an AK-308 machine chambered for 7.62x51 mm, information about this event appeared on the website kalashnikov.media.
The demonstration took place on the forum "Army-2018". The new product is made on the basis of the AK-103, in its design used some elements and components of the AK-12. Currently, preparations are underway for testing new weapons.
Description of the design of the AK-308
It is reported that the capacity of the store of new weapons will be 20 rounds, its mass without ammunition - 4.3 kg, total length - 880-940 mm. On the AK-308 mounted diopter sight, it will equip a folding butt, which can be adjusted in length. The weapon shop is made of lightweight and impact resistant plastic. Provided and installing a bayonet. The rate of fire of new weapons is 700 rounds per minute.
AK-308 is built according to a scheme that can be called a classic for the products of the Kalashnikov concern. The steel box forged from steel has a reinforced structure, the barrel bore is locked by turning the shutter, the automation works according to the scheme with a long stroke of the gas piston. On the top of the receiver lined Picatinny rail. Handguard does not apply to the barrel, which eliminates external influences and increases the accuracy of shooting. On the right side of the weapon is a fuse, which is also a translator of fire modes. The barrel of the machine is equipped with a highly efficient muzzle device, it is also possible to install a tactical silencer. The handle of fire control has a case for accessories. In the butt is a compartment for collapsible ramrod. On the AK-308 it will be possible to install a 40 mm sub-barrel grenade launcher.
It is curious that the 7.62x51 mm cartridge, under which the new machine gun was developed, is the standard rifle ammunition of the North Atlantic Alliance, which was put into service in 1954.
What weapons will get the Russian army?
In early 2018, the Russian military department adopted several new assault rifles at once: the AEK-971 and AEK-973, which were developed at the plant to them. Degtyarev, and AK-12, AK-15, created by experts of the concern "Kalashnikov." It should be noted that the development of the “Warrior” complex, the combat equipment of the second generation, which is planned to equip the military of the Russian army by 2020, is ongoing. It consists of several dozen subsystems, the most important of which is undoubtedly small arms.
Now it is decided what kind of machine will be included in the "Warrior". The kalashnikov.media publication reports that the samples created at the plant. Degtyarev, more suitable for shooting from unstable positions, therefore, probably, they will be armed with fighters of special units. And the products developed by the engineers of the Kalashnikov concern are traditionally the best in terms of "simplicity - efficiency", therefore they are ideally suited for ordinary parts of the ground forces, airborne forces and marine units. Earlier, the Ministry of Defense said that the machine for the complex "Warrior" will be selected according to the results of tests AK-12, AK-15 and AEK-971. Also in the media there was information that the Russian military made some comments on the AK-12 and AK-15 assault rifles, after which the Kalashnikov concern modified them.
