Russian weapon designs are always interesting and many of us in airsoft are fans of these. Some of the latest designs from Kalashnikov Concern are already in the airsoft market, including the AK-12 assault rifle. But if there is one weapon that we want to have an airsoft version, it is this curious looking rifle --- the ShAK-12 bullpup and it shoots the 12.7x55mm (or the STs-130) which is also the ammo for the VKS bullpup and RSh-12 revolver.

The ShAK-12 is designed by TsKIB SOO, a subsidiary of the KBP Instrument Design Bureau, and is also behind the PP2K 9mm SMG which has an airsoft version made by Modify-Tech. It is designated as a heavy assault rifle for use by the FSB and is in service since 2011. It weights 6kg and is 40 inches long. As for the range it has an effective range of 300 metres which for an assault rifle, it falls short as compared to other assault rifles.

But the FSB are not concerned about its range and more about its stopping power in close quarters, where range is not relevant. With the Russians needing a weapon for counter-terrorist operations based on their experience with the Beslan school siege and Moscow theater hostage crisis early in the century, the ShAK-12’s provides them the weapon that has the stopping power with the 12.7mm round that will make sure the target stays down even with a body armor as compared to a 9mm which may allow the target to still strike back even if already hit with a round.

The rifle uses short recoil operation with the fire selector switch for semi and auto modes is found at the rear and the ambidextrous safety is above the pistol grip. It can be equipped with a suppressor which looking at the photos and videos, is a massive one.

For video gamers, the ShAK-12 is known as the as the ASH-12 in “Escape from Tarkov”, “Survarium” and “Cross Fire” and as Oden in “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.

Rosoboronexport, Russia’s only company company in charge of export and import of defense and security related products is working on exporting the weapon to interested organizations.