Ever since discussions have started about the "21st Century Russian Assault" Rifle started last May 2010 when it was first revealed by the Russian media and called as the AK-200, finally we get to know more details about the AK-200 being designated as the "AK-12" which means that it will finally get into full production for issuance to the Russian Armed Forces next year. According to Izhmash, the home of Kalashnikov rifles, this is the 5th Generation of AK Rifles.

According to Moscow Times, it is designed as a model for one-handed use, meaning that if a soldier is wounded, or a person only has one arm free to use the rifle, he/she could operate it with that free hand. This also has a bigger magazine which has a capacity of 60-rounds. The only magazine for M4s or M16s that can match this is the Surefire high capacity magazine that is available in 60-round and 100-round versions.

As known by now by most gun enthusiasts, the AK-12 has interchangeable barrel lengths and can use calibres 5.45x39mm, 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x39mm, and a fourth calibre which was not revealed yet. The AK-12 seems to be based on the AK-74 model and that the gas and piston system still remains the same just like the previous models, which of course is a tried and tested system making the AK family of rifles the most reliable and distributed rifles in the world.

Apart from those internal changes and a new, higher capacity magazine, the AK-12 comes with Picatinny rails as standard, allowing Russian operators to mount optics and tactical accessories to it. A shorter version of the AK-12 will be made available for the Russian special operations forces. It's also a wonder where the AN-94 would be placed, since it is an advanced Russian assault rifle that is said to be more accurate and can fire 2-round bursts, recoil delay, and 1800 rounds per minute.

Moscow Times also said that that full testing of the AK-12 prototypes will start this December before full production starts next year.