• SUBSCRIBE
Athlon Outdoors Supersite
Tactical Life Website
Ballistic Website
Personal Defense World Website
Skillsetmag Website
  • Guns
    • Handguns
      • Semi-Automatic Handguns
      • Revolvers
    • AR Pistols
    • AR Rifles
    • Rifles
      • Semi-Automatic Rifles
      • Lever Action
      • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Custom Guns
      • Handgun Build
      • Rifle Build
      • Shotgun Build
    • Specialty Guns
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Shooting Rests
    • Targets
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
      • 9mm
      • 10mm
    • Rifle Ammo
      • .223
    • Shotgun Ammo
      • 12 Gauge
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
      • Ears
      • Eyes
        • Thermal Vision
        • Night Vision
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
      • Body Armor
    • Knives
      • Fixed Blade
      • Folding Knives
      • Tactical Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
      • Hand to Hand Combat
    • Home Defense
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
      • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
      • Shooting 101
    • Survival
      • First Aid
    • Tactical & LE
    • Pop Culture
      • People
      • Rides
      • History
      • Military Lifestyle
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • VIDEOS
No Result
View All Result
Athlon Outdoors
  • Guns
    • Handguns
      • Semi-Automatic Handguns
      • Revolvers
    • AR Pistols
    • AR Rifles
    • Rifles
      • Semi-Automatic Rifles
      • Lever Action
      • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Custom Guns
      • Handgun Build
      • Rifle Build
      • Shotgun Build
    • Specialty Guns
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Shooting Rests
    • Targets
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
      • 9mm
      • 10mm
    • Rifle Ammo
      • .223
    • Shotgun Ammo
      • 12 Gauge
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
      • Ears
      • Eyes
        • Thermal Vision
        • Night Vision
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
      • Body Armor
    • Knives
      • Fixed Blade
      • Folding Knives
      • Tactical Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
      • Hand to Hand Combat
    • Home Defense
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
      • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
      • Shooting 101
    • Survival
      • First Aid
    • Tactical & LE
    • Pop Culture
      • People
      • Rides
      • History
      • Military Lifestyle
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • VIDEOS
No Result
View All Result
Athlon Outdoors Super Site
No Result
View All Result
  • TL
  • PDW
  • BM
  • Skillset
 
ENTER TO WIN: FREE GUN FRIDAY ft. Browning, Caldwell & Black Hills!

21st Century AK-74: Kalashnikov Concern’s Next-Gen Upgrade Kit

ShareTweetPin230
Kalashnikov Concern AK-74 Upgrade Kit

This AK-74M rifle has been equipped with Kalashnikov Concern's basic upgrade kit.

Maxim PopenkerbyMaxim Popenker
February 23, 2016
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Thanks to the longstanding Soviet tradition of keeping large stocks of military surplus weapons and equipment just in case World War III unexpectedly breaks out, today’s much smaller Russian army still has millions of AK-74 rifles in service and in storage. Most of these guns are in perfect working condition, but today they seem a little bit outdated, especially for more active elements of the Russian army, like airborne troops, naval infantry and recon, and Spetsnaz troops.

  • RELATED STORY: Gun Review: Concern Kalashnikov Saiga IZ132SM 7.62x39mm

Of course, this could be solved by the introduction of entirely new, modern tactical rifles into service, such as the A-545 (an AEK-971 derivative) or the AK-12, but this would require a lot of time and money, while existing AK-74 rifles in storage were paid for many years ago.

Combat Kit

Assuming the need for the quick and cost-effective modernization of the existing assault rifle stocks, Kalashnikov Concern produced its own version of the “AK-74 upgrade kit,” which is now being evaluated by the Russian army. Initial test batches of these kits were produced early in 2015, and first displayed to the general public during the Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 9th, 2015, as a troop of naval cadets from the Makarov naval officers’ school in Vladivostok marched through Red Square armed with upgraded AK-74s.

According to the Kalashnikov Concern representatives, certain parts designs and the exact contents of the kit are not yet finalized, pending feedback from the Russian military. It is planned to have the kit be available in several versions, starting with the basic one for “ordinary” troops, and then at least two more advanced and extensive kits for recon troops and for various Spetsnaz units. It is rumored that the latter kits will also include sound suppressors, special carry bags for rifles and equipment, various “advanced” slings and other ancillary equipment according to the requirements of these specialized troops.

The key requirements for the new upgrade kits are improved ergonomics, improved flexibility, affordable costs and ease of installation.

  • RELATED STORY: Top 10 Concern Kalashnikov IZ132SM Features

As of now, the kit is still in development, with test batches already being issued to certain units within the Russian army. Based on their input, kit design and materials will be finalized before being offered for formal adoption by the Russian army and law enforcement organizations. Obviously, this kit will be also offered commercially. The basic upgrade kits include:

  • New side-folding, polymer shoulder stock. These are adjustable for length of pull and equipped with a rubber buttpad. These stocks have an all-steel hinge with a button-operated lock, and they are strong enough to withstand the pressures generated from the rifle’s 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher.
  • New polymer upper and lower forends with integrated Picatinny rails. The lower forend will feature optional bolt-on points for short side rails.
  • New receiver top cover with an integrated Picatinny rail. The top cover is hinged to the receiver at the front, using the original rear sight base as a mounting point. The top cover’s lock has been redesigned, utilizing captive crosspins in the cover that engage a modified return spring base.
  • Simplified flip-up, L-shaped rear sight with two range settings, marked “1” (100 meters) and “P” (400 meters) with the typical U-shaped notch.
  • New polymer pistol grip. The grip is hollowed at the base and may contain a cleaning kit inside its compartment.
  • New flash suppressor/muzzle brake, which has a mounting interface for a quick-detach tactical suppressor.

Overall, this kit noticeably improves handling of the venerable AK-74, adding about a half-pound of weight to the rifle compared to its basic version.

For more information, please visit KalashnikovConcern.ru/en.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

MOST POPULAR

bond arms, bond arms derringer, bond arms derringers, Bond Arms snake slayer

10 of the Best Backcountry Pocket Pistols for Hunting, Self-Defense

13 Best Snub-Nose Revolvers for Concealed Carry [2023]

13 Best Snub-Nose Revolvers for Concealed Carry [2023]

300 Blackout vs 308, rifles, ammunition

300 Blackout vs 308 Win: Which Round Reigns Supreme in AR-15s?

Taurus Home Defender revolver in .410.

KA-BOOM: Here Comes the Taurus Judge Home Defender!

TRENDING

Testing the CZ Bobwhite G2 Intermediate and Southpaw shotguns.

VIDEO: Shooting the CZ Bobwhite G2 Intermediate, Southpaw Shotguns

The Primary Weapons Systems MK1 MOD 2-M.

Primary Weapons Systems MK1 MOD 2-M Enhances the User Experience

Grand Power Stribog pistol carbine

The Grand Power Stribog Pistol Carbine Is Now Available Stateside

The Bushmaster .450 Bushmaster BOAR.

Bushmaster Releases the Dialed In .450 Bushmaster BOAR

BROWSE BY BRAND

Skillset-Logo_yellow-153x47png
Ballistic_LOGO-217x47
CH-Logo_blue-153x47
T-L-SS-stack life-47x140
PDW_CCH_LOGO-300x101
PDW-2022-Sidebyside-logo 160x30-blk
GOW LOGO x101
AF_LOGO-184x47

SPOTLIGHT

The ZeroTech Optics Thrive HD Micro Reflex Sight.

ZeroTech Optics Thrive HD Micro Reflex Sight w/Long Battery Life

Still fairly new to the optics scene ZeroTech is making waves with products like its Thrive HD Micro Reflex...

RELATED POSTS

The Sig Sauer P226 Zev.

The Sig Sauer P226 Zev Reviewed: Is It the Best P226 Ever?

...

The September/October 2023 Issue of Tactical Life Magazine.

Tactical Life September/October 2023: Tactical Reload

...

The limited edition RISE Armament Topo Watchman rifle.

UPDATED: New RISE Armament Topo Watchman Limited-Edition

...

Load More

TRENDING

1892 Alaskan Takedown, Taylor's 1892 Alaskan Takedown Rifle, apart

1892 Alaskan Takedown: Taylor’s Stow-and-Go Rifle in .44 Magnum

With firearms, I like to “Keep it simple, Stupid.” I prefer revolvers, double guns and lever-action rifles because of their...

Taurus Home Defender revolver in .410.

KA-BOOM: Here Comes the Taurus Judge Home Defender!

The home defense revolver just got swole. The new Taurus Judge Home Defender brings a beefed up new version...

10 .22 Pocket Pistols for Last-Ditch Self-Defense.

Best .22 Pistols for Self-Defense [2023]

When it comes to concealed carry, the clear defensive options are typically .380 ACP, 9mm, .45 ACP, 10mm, etc. However,...

The Bond Arms Grizzly.

The Bond Arms Grizzly: Shooting the Multi-Cal Derringer

When you think of firearms for combat and defensive purposes in today’s modern age, images of custom-built ARs and tricked-out...

MOST POPULAR

The Mossberg MC2sc semi-auto pistol.

12 Best Micro-Compact Handguns for Concealed Carry [2022]

A thick veil of fog stood forever in front of me as I cruised down the highway at 6:30 in...

Police Sidearms, police duty pistols, Handguns, America's Largest Police Departments 2018

Police Sidearms: Handguns of America’s 10 Largest Departments

Law enforcement in the United States is in constant evolution and that includes various police sidearms. These days, law enforcement...

U.S. Secret Service adopts Glock G47

FIRST LOOK: Glock Just Very Quietly Unveiled the New Glock 47 Pistol

Tuesday afternoon we broke news that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection selected three Glock 9mm pistols as its new standard...

All the best new handguns seen at SHOT Show 2023.

21 Best New Handguns [2023]

The NSSF SHOT Show is the premier event to get your hands on new gear. It gives us a first...

VIDEO SERIES: AT THE READY | SEASON 2

MORE VIDEOS

The ZeroTech Optics Thrive HD Micro Reflex Sight.

ZeroTech Optics Thrive HD Micro Reflex Sight w/Long Battery Life

The Steiner MPS (Micro Pistol Sight) in FDE.

The Steiner MPS (Micro Pistol Sight) is Now Available in FDE

HANDGUNS

The Tisas Model 1911A1 Aviator

Tisas 1911A1 Aviator: Bringing Back the ‘Feel’ of the Original

The Sig Sauer P226 Zev.

The Sig Sauer P226 Zev Reviewed: Is It the Best P226 Ever?

The Girsan High Power Negotiator.

The Girsan Negotiator Series Gets a High Power Addition in 9mm

Taurus Home Defender revolver in .410.

KA-BOOM: Here Comes the Taurus Judge Home Defender!

holster, holsters, full-size pistol, full-size handgun, handgun, handguns, pistol, pistols

Practical Concealed Carry: How to Carry A Full-Size Pistol

The Bond Arms Grizzly.

The Bond Arms Grizzly: Shooting the Multi-Cal Derringer

RIFLES - click to see all

The limited edition RISE Armament Topo Watchman rifle.

UPDATED: New RISE Armament Topo Watchman Limited-Edition

The MDC “Trench Art” Classic AK-47 Rifle.

MDC “Trench Art” Classic AK-47 is Back with Limited Availability

Davidson's Ruger American Predator

Ready to Pounce: Ruger American Predator From Davidson’s

The Exclusive HKMR762A1 from Davidson's.

Davidson’s HK MR762A1 in 7.62mm Brings Exclusive Battle Rifle

AMMO - click to see all

Ammo Storage, Survival Ammo, long term ammo storage, Prepper

Best Methods for Long-Term Ammo Storage

6 .410 Ammo Options for Home and Personal Defense.

.410 Ammo for Home Defense [2023]

.44 Magnum dirty harry

Your Guide to the .44 Magnum Cartridge

The Escort PS Youth 20-gauge shotgun.

The Escort PS Youth Shotgun is Now Available in .410 Bore

The 2022 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous event.

Rendezvous Roundup: Guns & Gear at Athlon’s Signature Event

fbi ammo testing protocol

Understanding FBI Ammo Testing Standards

Magazines Available Now! Subscribe today for Home Delivery!
FREE NEWSLETTERS! Subscribe!
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TERMS OF USE
  • CORPORATE
  • ADVERTISE
  • EDIT DESK
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • Handguns
      • Semi-Automatic Handguns
      • Revolvers
    • AR Pistols
    • AR Rifles
    • Rifles
      • Semi-Automatic Rifles
      • Lever Action
      • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Custom Guns
      • Handgun Build
      • Rifle Build
      • Shotgun Build
    • Specialty Guns
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Shooting Rests
    • Targets
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
      • 9mm
      • 10mm
    • Rifle Ammo
      • .223
    • Shotgun Ammo
      • 12 Gauge
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
      • Ears
      • Eyes
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
      • Body Armor
    • Knives
      • Fixed Blade
      • Folding Knives
      • Tactical Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
      • Hand to Hand Combat
    • Home Defense
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
      • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
      • Shooting 101
    • Survival
      • First Aid
    • Tactical & LE
    • Pop Culture
      • People
      • Rides
      • History
      • Military Lifestyle
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • VIDEOS

© 2023 Athlon Outdoors - Premium Firearm product and industry news, reviews and magazines" .