Kalashnikov AK-308

Assault Rifle Prototype [ 2018 ]

The Kalashnikov AK-308 was unveiled in August of 2018 as a possible successor to a host of in-service Russian military small arms.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 06/20/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

Image from official Rosoboronexport marketing materials.

VIEW SPECIFICATIONS [+]

In August of 2018, longtime Russian gunmaker Kalashnikov unveiled its latest AK-related offering, the "AK-308". Largely mimicking the original in both form-and-function, this assault rifle is influenced by experience garnered through work had with the AK-103 and AK-200/AK-12 assault weapons utilizing lightweight composite materials with a mix of alloys and supporting a variety of calibers through a gas-operated, internal automatic action. The new gun is chambered for the proven 7.62x51mm full-powered rifle cartridge giving it good penetration-at-range.

During January of 2018, the Russian military made it known that it was seeking to replace an aging stock of Cold War-era AK-74M assault systems as well as more modern AK-200/AK-12 and AK-15 assault weapons, currently in inventory which rely on a mix of calibers - complicating the logistics process for the large Russian Army and its lower departments.

The general arrangement of the new rifle is largely conventional with all pertinent internal working components set within the hardened, rectangular frame. As a gas-operated weapon, the adjustable gas cylinder sits over the barrel in true Kalashnikov fashion with the barrel protruding ahead and capped by a slotted brake and iron forward sighting device. A handguard protects the supporting hand from the generated heat of the barrel. The charging handle is retained along the right side of the body as is the ejection port and firing controls. The shoulder stock is skeletal and hinged to fold over the frame for compactness. The weapon is fed by a 20-round, spring-loaded detachable box magazine with the feed mechanism set ahead of the trigger / pistol grip unit.

Operating weight reaches 9.5 lb. The rifle measures 945mm with the stock extended and 695 otherwise. The barrel assembly is 415mm long.

Like any modern small arm, the AK-308 is given a long run of Picatinny rail over the receiver for the mounting of optics, aimers, magnifiers, and related tactical accessories. Similarly, the handguard also supports mounting additional tactical devices (including a bayonet) to aid the operator in Close Quarters Battle (CQB), ranged, and low-light-level fights. Market materials also state the ability to mount the popular American M203 Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher UBGL) to the weapon. The base rifle configuration is ranged out to 800 meters.

With the Russian need to find a true successor to a mix of automatic weapons, the AK-308 is a possible solution as the Army looks to modernize its warfighter capabilities in the coming decade. If the AK-308 ends up retaining all of the excellent qualities (namely reliability and ease-of-use) of what made the original AK-47 such a success in the post-World War 2 era, the newer incarnation stands a good chance to repeat even a small portion of this global fame.©MilitaryFactory.com

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Specifications

Service Year

2018

Origin

Russia

Classification

Assault Rifle Prototype

Rosoboronexport (Kalashnikov) - Russia

(View other Arms-Related Manufacturers)

Russia (possible)

(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)

✓ Automatic Function
Features a mechanical function to automate the firing action.

✓ Assault Rifle
Modern class of long gun featuring select-fire properties, automatic internal function, and magazine feeding.

✓ Special Forces
Qualities of this weapon have shown its value to Special Forces elements requiring a versatile, reliable solution for the rigors of special assignments.

SEMI-AUTO FIRE

Internal action allows release of single round per trigger pull, actuating a semi-automatic loading mechanism for successive shots.

FULL-AUTO FIRE

Internal action allows release of multiple rounds with a trigger pull in quick succession.

REPEAT-FIRE CAPABLE

An automatic, or pseudo-automatic, function is built into the system, allowing for repeat firing to be achieved.

SCOPE-CAPABLE / SIGHTING ASSIST

Supports mounting of optics (scopes) to aid in accuracy for ranged fire.

IRON SIGHTS

Supports 'iron sights' allowing for inherent accuracy in ranged fire.

CUSTOMIZEABLE

Design allows for user adjustability of certain components for customization.

ADAPTABLE

Design offers mounting points for external, after-market hardware including laser aimers, flashlights, scopes, and grips.

Overall Length

945 mm
37.20 in

Barrel Length

415 mm
16.34 in

Empty Wgt

9.48 lb
4.30 kg

Sights

Supported Over-Frame Optics; Back-Up Iron Sights.

Action

Gas-Operated, Selective-Fire.

Gas-Operated
Gas-operated system is featured, typically involving a gas cylinder and rear-driven piston directing energy to the bolt component.

(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)

Caliber(s)*

7.62x51mm (.308Win)

Sample Visuals**

Rounds / Feed

20-round detachable box magazine.

*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources.
**Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.

Max Eff.Range

2,625 ft
(800 m | 875 yd)

Rate-of-Fire

700
rds/min

AK-308 - Base Series Designation.

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Image from official Rosoboronexport marketing materials.

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