The AK-105 is a short barrel, carbine version of the AK-74M rifle, originally developed to replace the shorter barrelled AKS-74U. The AK-105 is chambered in 5.45×39mm ammunition[1] and is used domestically by the Russian Army in contrast to other AK-100 series rifles.[2]
The carbine is produced at Izhmash factories in Izhevsk, Russia. It is part of the AK-100 family.[3]
Design
Compared to the AK-74M, AK-101, and AK-103, which are full-length assault rifles of similar design, the AK-105 is a carbine rifle featuring a shorter 12.4 in (310 mm) barrel, and a solid, side-folding, polymer stock allowing convenience in transportation or paratrooper operations, while still providing a stable firing platform when extended; the AK-105 retains the ability to fire with the stock folded.[4]
The AK-105 has matching polymer furniture including pistol grip, magazines and forward handguard. It was developed to replace the even shorter compact AKS-74U, (however both rifles are in-service)[5] that featured a shorter skeleton stock and a shorter, 8.1 in (210 mm) barrel.[6][7] The AK-105 uses an adjustable, U‑notch, rear tangent sight, calibrated in 100 m (109 yd) increments out to 500 m (547 yd). The front sight is a post, adjustable for elevation in the field, while windage adjustments are done prior to issue by the armory.[5]
According to the manufacturer's web site in 2014, "Protective coatings ensure excellent corrosion resistance of metal parts. Forearm, magazine, butt stock and pistol grip are made of high strength plastic."[8][failed verification]] The AK‑105 has a muzzle booster derived from the AKS‑74U that aids in reducing recoil and improving stability of automatic fire, through the use of exiting gasses.[citation needed]
Users
Armenia[9]
Azerbaijan: Used by the State Border Service.[10]
Brazil: Brazilian military and law enforcement have adopted the AK-105 as it is suitable for urban and counter-narcotics operations.[11]
India: Used by the Indian Army with some units.[11]
Kazakhstan: The Kazakh military use the AK-105 as a standard-issue carbine rifle.[11]
Namibia: Used by Namibian Marine Corps[12]
North Korea: Produced locally as an unlicensed copy (Type 88 carbine), used by Special Operation Forces and armored crew.[13]
Russia: In service with the Russian Army,[14] and limited use within the Ministry of Internal Affairs[15] and other law enforcement,[16] including Alpha Group of the Federal Security Service (FSB).[17]
Syria: Used by some Syrian special forces.[18]
References
- ^ https://modernfirearms.net/en/assault-rifles/russia-assault-rifles/ak-102104105-eng/
- ^ "AK105". russianoptics.net. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20120216091731/http://milparade.udm.ru/27/026.htm
- ^ "Russia exports more than 100 000 AKs -". The Firearm Blog. 22 September 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
- ^ a b "Kalashnikov AK-100". Weaponsystems.net. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
- ^ "AK-100 series Assault rifle". Military Today. Archived from the original on 21 November 2022.
- ^ "AKS-74U Shortened Assault Rifle - Modern Firearms". Modern Firearms. 20 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
- ^ "5.45 mm Kalashnikov assault rifles AK74M, AK105". Archived from the original on 21 February 2015. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
- ^ "UNROCA (United Nations Register of Conventional Arms)". www.unroca.org. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
- ^ Jenzen-Jones, N.R. (September 2012). "The 100-Series Kalashnikovs: A Primer". Small Arms Review. Vol. 16, no. 3.
- ^ a b c "AK-105 The Versatile Carbine Assault Rifle". 26 August 2023. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
- ^ Defence Web (June 2016). "Namibia receives Russian small arms". defenceweb.co.za. defenceweb. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20231017124402/https://21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com/2023/03/10/the-elite-small-arms-of-north-korea/
- ^ "Russian Special Forces Federal Security Services to get new Kalashnikov AK-400 assault rifles TASS 2605162". armyrecognition.com. 25 May 2016.
- ^ Приказ Министерства внутренних дел РФ № 651 от 9 июля 2002 г.
- ^ Постановление Правительства РФ № 776 от 2 октября 2009 г. "Об обеспечении боевым ручным стрелковым и иным оружием, патронами к нему, специальными средствами, оборудованием и снаряжением Федеральной службы судебных приставов"
- ^ Приказ Министерства внутренних дел РФ № 611 от 4 августа 2006 г. "Об утверждении перечней специальных средств, видов, типов и моделей огнестрельного и газового оружия, патронов и боеприпасов к нему, норм обеспечения ими работников военизированных и сторожевых подразделений ФГУП "Охрана" МВД России" (приложение № 2)
- ^ "Сирийский спецназ получил автоматы АК-105 в современном обвесе" [Syrian special forces received modern AK-105 assault rifles]. rg.ru (in Russian). 1 August 2018.