AK-74M

The AK-74 was designed by A. D. Kryakushin's group under the supervision of Mikhail Kalashnikov as a successor to the AKM. In 1991, the Izhmash factory in Izhevsk began production of the modernized variant designated the AK-74M.

The rifle uses a gas-operated action with a long-stroke piston and a rotating bolt. Expanding propellant gases enter the gas cylinder to drive the piston and bolt carrier rearward, rotating the bolt to unlock it from the barrel extension. The design features a side-folding stock, handguard, and pistol grip made of black glass-filled polyamide. It uses steel-reinforced black polymer magazines. The barrel hardware is dimple-pressed onto the barrel, and the muzzle is fitted with a muzzle brake containing an expansion chamber, vertical cuts, and asymmetrical vent holes. A side-rail bracket is attached to the receiver for mounting optical sights. The dust cover is smooth and reinforced, and the guide rod return spring retainer is redesigned to secure underslung grenade launchers. In 2015, an upgrade kit was introduced, adding a new safety, a modified muzzle device, and furniture featuring accessory rails and redesigned ergonomics.

The Russian Federation adopted the rifle as its standard service weapon. The weapon is also manufactured under license by the Ministry of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan. Other military and law enforcement users include Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, and Syria. The AK-74M served as the technical basis for the development of the AK-100 rifle family, which includes export variants and carbine models.