Degtyarev Plant AEK-973

The АЕК-973 is a Russian selective fire (single shot, full auto, 3 rounds burst) assault rifle that was developed at the Kovrov Mechanical Plant (KMZ) by chief designer Sergey Koksharov in the late 1970s and 1980s. It is chambered for 7.62 x 39mm Soviet rounds and it is effective up to 500 meters with maximum firing range up to 1000 meters. It uses Balanced Automatics Recoil System (BARS) that enhances the traditional Kalashnikov long stroke gas piston operating system by reducing the negative effects of recoil. The assault rifle firing mechanism is equipped with a non-automatic fire selector/safety lock which blocks in safety position both firing mechanism and slot where the reloading handle goes. Muzzle brake/flash suppressor is fixed on the barrel.