In the early-to-mid 1960s, Soviet engineer Sergei Simonov undertook several designs based on the world famous Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle. Between the span of 1962 and 1965, work was done on the AO-31 assault rifle which produced several major developmental forms - the base AO-31 chambered for the Soviet 7.62x39mm cartridge, the AO-31-5 chambered for the 5.45x39mm cartridge, the AO-31-6 also chambered fro the 7.62x39mm cartridge and the AO-31-7 trialing a caseless cartridge design. The weapon was gas-operated as in the AK-47 and fed from a 30-round detachable box magazine. This work then led to a slight evolution in the design, which became the compact AG-043 assault rifle. Design work on the type began in 1975.
The AG-043 looked as though a heavily compacted form of the AK-47 - its design perhaps more akin to a submachine gun with assault rifle qualities. It featured a rectangular receiver to house the internal working components, wooden furniture at the pistol grip, magazine and hand guard and a very short barrel with overhead gas cylinder. Overall length was 680mm with a barrel length of 215mm. A full length folding wire stock was added for support. The weapon was chambered for the 5.45x39mm cartridge fed from a curved 30-round detachable box magazine fitted ahead of the trigger group as normal. Muzzle velocity was 700 meters per second with iron sights above the muzzle and over the receiver. Overall weight was 2.1 kilograms unloaded.
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The AG-043 was never formally accepted into frontline service. Had it been, it could have stocked the inventories of the Soviet Army, police force and special forces due to its nice compact form. The 5.45mm cartridge was a proven round and the 30-round ammunition count was excellent for in-the-field operations. Additionally, being based on the dependable AK-47 action, the AG-043 stemmed from a solid pedigree. However, none of these factors proved enough for the AG-043 to find commercial success for Simonov and his new assault rifle.
(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.
Overall Length
680 mm 26.77 in
Barrel Length
215 mm 8.46 in
Empty Wgt
4.63 lb 2.10 kg
Sights
Iron
Action
Gas-Operated
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)*
5.45x39mm
Rounds / Feed
30-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.
Muzzle Velocity
2,300 ft/sec (701 m/sec)
AG-043 - Base Series Designation
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Soviet Union
