#7.62x39

Meridian Defense Corporation offers a new AK build called VOLK. The choice of parts and the overall layout of the rifle is really well thought out. If the AK is the weapon platform of your choice, then something like the VOLK rifle will be an ultimate all-around gun.

EMTAN KARMIEL Ltd announced the introduction of three new assault rifles that will be shown at the Defense & Security Thailand 2017 exposition in Bangkok. The new rifles are the MZ-47, the MZ-4P and the MZ-300.

The experiments dedicated to finding out whether magazines can stop this or that caliber bullets or not have been arranged by many different people. Some of them seem to be done just for fun. But others’ goal is to find out whether loaded magazines can be a sufficient obstacle in the way of the bullet? Can the magazines stop, deflect or break apart the projectiles thus decreasing their terminal performance on the tissue. What is the probability? Can one rely on magazines as being a protection level?

Although the Russian Kalashnikov assault rifle is the one that is most famous, it is arguably the Chinese Type 56 AK that made the bigger impression on the world in the 1960s and 70s. This rifle was initially developed with Russian technical assistance just before the Sino-Soviet split beginning in 1956, but subsequent development took place without Russian input, leading to an entire family of unique AK variants. The name “Type 56” actually refers to this entire family of Chinese AKs, which includes milled receiver variants derived from the Russian Type 2 AK, as well as stamped versions similar to (but distinct from) the AKM. These guns showed up all over the world, and for many they are THE iconic “AK-47”. They were the primary weapon of the North Vietnamese Army in the latter half of the Vietnam War, were exported by the Chinese to Africa, Asia, and South America. It was the most used AK variant by the mujahideen during the Soviet-Afghan War, up against Russian AK-74 rifles. Too this day remains one of the most common if not the most common AK variant, and it’s the Chinese Type 56 with its distinctive integral spike bayonet that is famously depicted as a symbol of liberation on the Flag of Mozambique.

If you want a Mini-14 buy one.

According to Russian news agency TASS, Russian state corporation Rosoboronexport has decided not to take part in the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs tender of procurement of about 20,000 assault rifles chambered in 7.62x39mm caliber.

The Arsenal ARS30-1 made it’s public/dealer debut this week at the NASGW Wholesaler Expo in San Antonio, Texas. Made by Gemtech, the ARS30 is obviously purpose-built for the AK47/AK74 platform but is capable of withstanding a variety of calibers and barrel lengths. Constructed of titanium it weighs in at 19.5 ounces and features a quick disconnect system.

Malfunctions are a given when using semi automatic firearms. Some guns run better than others and there are a variety of reasons why they stop working. In many cases it comes down to maintenance, ammo and or magazine. Often those malfunctions are usually fail to feed and fail to eject. Sure there are other odd hiccups that can occur but this is definitely a new one to me. From the photo it appears the round has escaped and is trying to squeeze its way between the receiver and the dust cover. Perhaps this is a fail to feed? I imagine a failure to extract or a round is already chambered and a second round tried to be loaded. Since it has no where to go it took the path of least resistance. Is there another explanation besides the possibility it was staged?

The following is an article that was originally written in Russian by TFB contributor Maxim Popenker, and Andrey Ulanov, and translated to English by Peter Samsonov. With their permission, I have replicated the text here, and edited it, for the enrichment of you, our readers!

It’s a blunder so bad it makes you look twice: On the new sculpture dedicated to Russia’s most famous small arms designer, there is an unintentional homage to a weapon of Russia’s hated adversaries during the Great Patriotic War. Behind the tasteful statue unveiled last Tuesday of Mikhail “Mikhtim” Kalashnikov cradling his invention like a fine instrument, there lies a sculpture panel dedicated to his inventions themselves – and, by accident, the Nazi Sturmgewehr of World War II. While the majority of the panel is filled with models of Kalashnikov’s inventions and derivatives, nestled in the backdrop of the representation of the AKS-74U compact assault rifle is a slab depicting an exploded view of the MKb42(H),, a World War II German assault rifle which helped serve as the inspiration for the program Kalashnikov’s rifle was designed to satisfy.

In the the constantly expanding category of ‘things I didn’t know existed’, TFB reader “ ABKThereal” sent me these pictures of Zastava 7.62×39 AK magazines made specifically for the Serbian Special Forces. These mags are made with a combination of polymer and steel, feature a heavy duty baseplate and are “available” in 30 and 40 round capacities. Has anyone seen these for sale in the U.S. or abroad?

While the 7.62×39 Russian round enjoys a reputation as a fantastic overall cartridge, it has sadly been largely relegated to generally inaccurate platforms. Now, before the fanboys get all over me, yes, the AK can be accurate – its just harder to get one than say an AR or bolt-action. Fortunately, that is changing. With the success of the Howa mini-action, it seems that Ruger cannot let the offshore-made rifle have its way with the bolt-action market.

Within the last couple of months, Rifle Dynamics has been releasing short Q&A videos where Jim Fuller, the founder of RD, was answering to customers’ questions and showing some AK manipulation drills. I’ll post these videos in chronological order.

Your chance to own a semiauto reproduction StG-44 is coming soon: Hill & Mac Gunworks recently announced that the first of their Sturmgewehr rifles would be shipping before the end of this month. In an announcement made through the latest InRange TV Question & Answer Session with the company, HMG founder Mac Steil explained that series production of the Sturmgewehr has, at long last, begun, and that the first rifles will be shipping to pre-order customers before the end of August. Further, he stated that HMG would be publishing a Sturmgewehr release calendar, so that preorder customers could figure out when exactly their rifles would ship based on their preorder dates.

Mikhail Degtyaryov of Russian “Kalashnikov” gun magazine has visited Molot’s premises and published on his social media pages several images of a new Vepr rifle. The rifle will feature a quick change barrel system. It will be possible to switch between the 7.62x39mm, .366 TKM, and 6.5x39mm calibers.