Russian weapons manufacturer Kalashnikov Concern got another rifle to show for the world to gawk at what the company will do to further expand its offerings of Kalashnikov rifles. This year, they revealed the AK-19, a variant of the AK-12 rifle that fires the NATO 5.56x45mm round and they follow up with another type called the AKV-521. In October, there was a teaser video and photos that were leaked.

Whilst it still has that AK look, it differs from other AK rifles since it has different fire selector system, with 85% compatible with the civilian version of the AK-12, the TR3 carbine. It also has similarity to the AR as the upper and lower assembly can be separated with just one takedown pin. The prototype shown is made of milled steel but actual production will use stamped steel.

As explained by the company, here is the initial information on the AKV-521:

The most distinctive feature here is the fact that, while staying about 85% compatible with the TR3 carbine (a civilian-market version of the updated AK-12 rifle), the new model boasts a receiver split into upper and lower. The bolt guiding rails, bolt, trunnion, barrel, gas block, and muzzle brake have been relocated to the upper, while the magazine fixture, trigger group, fire selector switch, and buttstock remain integrated with the lower half. The recoil spring locks against a post attached to the lower.

Another feature is the charging handle made removable to provide for disassembly through the rear end. The receiver on the prototype is milled, while it will be stamped on the production model. The fire selector switch follows the logic traditional for the AK, meant to be operated with just the index finger. In this current version, we have a vertical fire selector switch on the left side, made like that to provide for folding the buttstock and locking it.

Another major feature is the sight rail staying permanently linked to the barrel in all use cases, including disassembly, reassembly, and cleaning of the carbine. The rail here is just the correct height for a micro reflex sight installed on a low mount to be 1/3 co-witnessed with the iron sights, which allows for using a red dot sight simultaneously with the iron sights.

The AKV-512 is chambered in the 5.45×39 and is said to be paving the way for a new AK-500 series as there are plans by the company to release versions for other rounds such as 7.62×39, .366 TKM, and the .223 Remington.

Here is an earlier video showing the CEO, Dmitry Tarasov, test firing the rifle. Kalashinkov Concern say that the AKV-12 is mainly aimed at the civilian market.

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