Arsenal AD AR-M1 Assault Rifle

Specifications

Year: 1998
Manufacturer(s): Arsenal AD - Bulgaria
Roles: Frontline/Assault;

Action: Selective-Fire; Gas-Operated; Rotating Bolt
Caliber(s): 5.56x45mm NATO; 7/62x39mm
Sights: Iron Front and Rear; Optional Optics
Overall Length: 735 mm (28.94 in)
Barrel Length: 206 mm (8.11 in)
Weight (Unloaded): 5.95 lb (2.70 kg)

Muzzle Velocity: 2,415 feet-per-second (736 meters-per-second)
Rate-of-Fire: 650 rounds-per-minute
Effective Range: 1,315 ft (401 m; 438 yd)

Operators: Bulgaria; Iraq

Arsenal AD of Bulgaria, founded in 1878, produces a local, improved version of the storied Soviet-era Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle as the "AR-M1". The design includes the front sight base of the AK-74 series rifle and is operated with a black polymer stock, flash suppressor at the muzzle and illuminated iron sights. A section of rail is provided for the mounting of various optics. The weapon is available in 5.56x45mm NATO and 7.62x39mm chamberings.

Variants include the AR-M1F which is a folding stock model. The AR-M2 is a further evolved form of the base AR-M1 though which shortened barrel assembly, flash suppressor/muzzle booster attachment and AKS-74U style front sight base. Its folding stock counterpart is the AR-M2F.

An assault carbine model is seen as the AR-M4SF and includes a red dot sight from the AKS-74 series. There is also support for various night and low-level light optics. The AR-M7F features an AK-101-style folding stock. The AR-M9 has a thumb-operated fire selector and revised polymer stock section. Its folding stock counterpart is the AR-M9F. Black polymer linings and illuminated sights greet the AR-1 and AR-1F folding stock designs. The AR-SF is influenced by the AKS-74U and includes a laser-aimer.

The AR-M1 makes up part of the new Iraqi Army inventory.

Variants / Models

• AR-M1 - Base Series Designation; AK-74-style front sight base; black polymer stock; illuminated sights; flash suppressor; accessories rail section.
• AR-M1 - Folding stock variant of AR-M1
• AR-M2 - Shortened barrel assembly; AKS-74U front sight base; flash suppressor/muzzle booster fitted.
• AR-M2F - Folding stock variant of AR-M2
• AR-M4SF - Assault Carbine Form; AKS-74 influence; night vision support; red dot sights.
• AR-M7F - AK-101-style folding stock; based on AR-M1 model.
• AR-M9 - Based on AR-M1; thumb fire selector switch; revised polymer stock section.
• AR-M9F - Folding stock variant of AR-M9
• AR-1 - Illuminated sights; black polymer lining
• AR-1F - Folding stock variant of AR-1
• AR-SF - AK-74U influence; laser aimer