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]

AK-105
The AK-105 carbine
TypeAssault Rifle, Carbine
Place of originRussia
Service history
In service2001–present
Used bySee Users
Production history
DesignerMikhail Kalashnikov
Designed1994
ManufacturerIzhmash
Produced1994
Specifications
Mass3.2 kg (7.1 lb) with empty magazine
Length824 mm (32.4 in) with stock extended / 586 mm (23.1 in) with stock folded
Barrel length314 mm (12.4 in)

Cartridge5.45×39mm
Caliber5.45mm
ActionGas-actuated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire600 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity840 m/s (2,800 ft/s)
Effective firing range300 m (330 yd)
Feed system30-round detachable box magazine or 60-round casket magazine
SightsAdjustable iron sights, equipped with a side mounted dovetail rail for attaching various optics and night sights

The carbine is produced at Izhmash factories in Izhevsk, Russia. It is part of the AK-100 family.[3]

Design

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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

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A map with AK-105 users in blue


References

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  1. ^ https://modernfirearms.net/en/assault-rifles/russia-assault-rifles/ak-102104105-eng/
  2. ^ "AK105". russianoptics.net. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  3. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20120216091731/http://milparade.udm.ru/27/026.htm
  4. ^ "Russia exports more than 100 000 AKs -". The Firearm Blog. 22 September 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Kalashnikov AK-100". Weaponsystems.net. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  6. ^ "AK-100 series Assault rifle". Military Today. Archived from the original on 21 November 2022.
  7. ^ "AKS-74U Shortened Assault Rifle - Modern Firearms". Modern Firearms. 20 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  8. ^ "5.45 mm Kalashnikov assault rifles AK74M, AK105". Archived from the original on 21 February 2015. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  9. ^ "UNROCA (United Nations Register of Conventional Arms)". www.unroca.org. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  10. ^ Jenzen-Jones, N.R. (September 2012). "The 100-Series Kalashnikovs: A Primer". Small Arms Review. Vol. 16, no. 3.
  11. ^ a b c "AK-105 The Versatile Carbine Assault Rifle". 26 August 2023. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  12. ^ Defence Web (June 2016). "Namibia receives Russian small arms". defenceweb.co.za. defenceweb. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  13. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20231017124402/https://21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com/2023/03/10/the-elite-small-arms-of-north-korea/
  14. ^ "Russian Special Forces Federal Security Services to get new Kalashnikov AK-400 assault rifles TASS 2605162". armyrecognition.com. 25 May 2016.
  15. ^ Приказ Министерства внутренних дел РФ № 651 от 9 июля 2002 г.
  16. ^ 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"
  17. ^ 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)
  18. ^ "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.