Russian military propagandists are going to the mat: AK-12 turned out to be "rusty shit"
Russian telegram channels and so-called "military bloggers" continue to complain about the quality of the AK-12 assault rifle, which is officially considered the "most modern" in the Kalashnikov line. The propagandists claim that the weapon does not withstand field conditions, quickly rusts, jams and collects shavings after several rounds.
In a series of posts on Telegram, propagandist Thirteenth stated: "Criminal cases must be opened against the management of the Kalashnikov concern, as these [censored] must answer for at least the AK-12. Freaks [censored], I hope your hands dry up, you crooked bastards." He also accused the manufacturer of selling the Ministry of Defence "broken assault rifles", and the country's leadership is "happy with it": "everyone says and knows that the AK-12 is [censored], just like its design".
Other telegram channels joined the criticism. "The Rusich RRG showed a photo of the assault rifle after six months of use. Despite regular maintenance, after three days in a humid climate without rain, the metal was covered with rust.
Alex Parker Returns added: "It's rusting, the metal is so delicate that after a turn the whole machine is clogged with chips, often wedged. Corrosion is a given. It is not suitable for field conditions. And no one would have thought."
Context
The AK-12 was developed as part of the small arms modernisation programme for the Russian Armed Forces. It was first introduced in 2012, and deliveries to the army began in 2016. In 2023, an updated version of the AK-12 was introduced and is currently being tested. The AK-12 has already been used in combat operations, including in conflicts involving Russia. The AK-12 is officially considered to be the main small arms innovation of the Russian army in recent years, but the military has repeatedly complained about problems with assembly, quality of materials and failures during combat. Some problems have been identified with the compatibility of standard silencers and the need for adapters. New design revisions do not seem to have solved the problems, but only raised the cost of the weapon, which proves to be deadly for its owners in damp trenches.
An AK-12 rifle. Illustration: Wikipedia
Main characteristics of the AK-12
- Calibre: 5.45×39 mm
- Weight (with magazine, without ammunition): approx. 3.5-3.7 kg (depending on the modification)
- Length: 875-940 mm (with the stock extended), 690 mm (with the stock folded)
- Barrel length: 415 mm
- Rate of fire: about 700 rounds per minute
- Sighting range: up to 800 metres
- Magazine capacity: 30 rounds of ammunition
- Firing modes: single, automatic with 2-shot cut-off, fully automatic
- Automatic: gas operated with long piston stroke
- Stock: folding, adjustable, polymeric
- Cocking and release mechanism: trigger, single action
The AK-12 has improved accuracy due to the shift in the weight of the bolt carrier and reduced recoil, allows for quick barrel changes (short or long), has a reloading handle that can be moved to either side, a two-way fire mode switch and safety, the ability to change the side of the ejection of shell casings, compatibility with GP-25 and GP-34 under-barrel grenade launchers, and supports the installation of various sights, laser designators and silencers.
