The AK12 - A failure to modernize. [Russia's newest standard rifle]

Published on April 21, 2022
Duration: 27:53

This review critically analyzes the AK-12 rifle, deeming it a failure in modernizing Russia's standard infantry rifle. Expert analysis highlights significant design flaws including a shifting handguard, problematic dust cover optic mount, and difficult maintenance due to a non-removable gas tube and complex muzzle device. The video suggests aftermarket upgrades on existing AK-74Ms would be a more effective modernization strategy.

Quick Summary

The AK-12 rifle is critically reviewed as a failure to modernize Russia's standard infantry weapon. Key issues include a shifting handguard, an unreliable dust cover optic mount, and difficult maintenance due to a non-removable gas tube and complex muzzle device channel. Accuracy tests show figures around 3.0-4.1 MOA, and aftermarket upgrades on AK-74Ms are suggested as a superior modernization path.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Thesis
  2. 02:36Development History
  3. 05:09Design Deficiencies
  4. 09:08Accuracy and Zeroing Issues
  5. 13:23Corrosive Ammunition and Maintenance
  6. 17:01Modernization Alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main criticisms of the AK-12 rifle?

The AK-12 is criticized for its free-floating handguard shifting under pressure, a dust cover optic mount that fails to hold zero, and difficult maintenance due to a non-removable gas tube and complex muzzle device channel, making it a perceived failure in modernization.

How accurate is the AK-12 rifle?

Testing with Wolf 5.45x39mm ball ammunition shows the AK-12 achieving 3.0 MOA for 80% of groups and 4.1 MOA for 100% of groups, comparable to an AK-74 but not a significant modernization leap.

Why is the AK-12's maintenance considered difficult?

The AK-12's design features a non-removable gas tube and a complex channel within its quick-detach muzzle device, making thorough cleaning significantly harder than on previous AK variants like the AK-74M, especially when dealing with corrosive ammunition.

What are considered better alternatives to the AK-12 for modernization?

The video suggests that equipping existing AK-74M rifles with aftermarket upgrade kits from companies like Zenitco or Sureshot would be a more effective and practical approach to modernizing Russia's standard infantry rifle than adopting the AK-12.

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