The AK-400 is a new Russian-made assault rifle offered exclusively to the Presidential Security Service and the FSB. The famous Russian company Kalashnikov is behind this new assault rifle developed solely for use in FSB’s Spetsnaz units.
New adaptive rifle
Kalashnikov Concern is the largest arms manufacturer in Russia and probably one of the largest in the world. They have had exclusive contracts and ties with the Russian government for years. A new adaptive rifle can be equipped with a sight scope of any type, a flashlight, or a laser target marker through Picatinny rail. Depending on the user’s physiological parameters or the selected mission, it can also be customized.
In terms of operational accuracy, the AK-400 assault rifle exceeds the tried-and-true old-fashioned AK-47 as well as the newest AK-12 assault rifle previously delivered to the Spetsnaz. Both AK-12 and AK-400 have numerous improvements over the legendary AK-47. However, most of these improvements are accumulations of improvements from previous models of the AK.
“The AK-400 rifle was first presented at the end of last year, at a meeting organized by the Presidential Security Service. Currently, the service is considering the purchase of the new rifle. There are several versions of the rifle for different gauges, including the old 7.62 mm gauge and the modern 5.45 mm,” an anonymous defense source told the Russian newspaper Izvestia.
According to the same source, the AK-12 rifle, which was presented previously as part of the new combat gear Ratnik, could not meet all requirements of the Spetsnaz, which designates elite forces of different military and law enforcement divisions Russia.
“The AK-12 is a weapon for infantry forces, airborne troops and reconnaissance units. But Special Ops forces need a rifle with the same accuracy but it should be lighter and more compact,” the source said.
First of all, the AK-400 assault rifle is planned for the special operations units of the Presidential Security Service and the FSB, as we already mentioned. That also includes Spetsnaz units Alfa and Vympel.
Technical specifications
The technical specifications of a new Spetsnaz assault rifle are similar to the AK-12. The AK-400 assault rifle has a length of 940 mm and a weight of three kilograms with an empty mag. It is also featured with a new firing mode which allows firing three bullets at only one pull-off, similar to the system used on the submachine guns.
Opposite the AK-12, the AK-400 rifle is decorated with a telescoping stock and Picatinny rails. Picatinny rails are designed as a standard mounting platform for various types of sights and additional equipment. According to a source related to the Russian security services, the new rifle would successfully replace previous versions of the AK-47 and other rifles used as the primary weapon in the units mentioned above with improved accuracy and usability. The AK-400 could reach solid potential in Russia’s military service.
Are Spetsnaz operators satisfied with the new rifle?
This answer mainly focuses on the ammo topic, and there is a fierce discussion about whether or not AK should start using larger cartridges. AK-400 has reasonable control, and modern optics make it easy to hit a target far away; combined with its versatility, it is indeed great. But the cartridge isn’t strong enough for the long-range capability. However, many wanted to keep the standard 5.45mm.
According to the end-users, the gun is straightforward to shoot, extremely accurate and has minimum recoil, which pushes you straight back into the shoulder (no up, down, or sideways pull). The gun’s ergonomics are fabulous; the gun is extremely well balanced.
The AK-12 is a gas operated, selective-fire assault rifle with a long stroke piston. It is chambered to fire the 7.62?39 mm round.