Prior to the fall of the Soviet Union (1922-1991) and the end of communist Romania (1989), the Romanian Army moved on adopting a new, all-modern Kalashnikov-based assault rifle for standard issue to its infantry force. Design work was handled by Romtechnica with manufacture out of RomArm S.A. (Cugir). The weapon became an 8.15lb long gun chambered for the 5.45x39mm cartridge and known as the "Pusca Automata Model 1986". A gas-actuated action with rotating bolt function was retained as was feeding from a 30-round curved detachable box magazine.
The shift to the smaller 5.45mm cartridge was in accordance to the Soviet push to standardize the new round of 1974 and move away from the tried-and-true, though decidedly larger and heavier 7.62x39mm cartridge common to Kalashnikov rifles (this was similar to the change from 7.62mm to 5.56mm seen in the West).The Romanian version incorporated some carry-over design elements from the original AK-47 while instituting some proven qualities of the modernized AK-74 derivative as well as the AKM (both detailed elsewhere on this site). The rest of the weapon was finalized to better suit Romanian Army requirements through and through and included a vertical foregrip as standard and inherent support for an Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) component. A three-round burst mode was also included as was a side-folding metal stock (folding over the left side of the receiver). The folded, skeletal stock reduced the overall length of the weapon which made it suitable for issue to airborne troopers and other space-strapped infantry elements like vehicle crews. There was also broader tactical accessories support.
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As can be expected, a standardized frontline service rifle like the Model 1986 served as the basis for several major variants to form a complete family line of automatic weapons. This included a dedicated carbine form and a Light Machine Gun (LMG) - the former became the PA Model 1986 "Cu Teava Scurta" and was inherently shorter due to a reduced barrel length while the latter became the PA Model 1993 which incorporated a carrying handle, barrel change feature, reinforced receiver and bipod support assembly.
The export version of the Model 1986 Assault Rifle was designated as "AIMS-74". The rifle was also introduced into the civilian firearms market under various names.
The Model 1986 family of guns has seen service in the Bosnian and Kosovo wars of the 1990s as part of the peacekeeping Romanian presence in those hotspots. It has seen combat exposure in the Afghanistan and Iraq theaters due to the Romanian involvement there as well.
(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.
✓Fire Support
Capable of suppressing enemy elements at range through direct or in-direct fire.
Overall Length
943 mm 37.13 in
Barrel Length
432 mm 17.01 in
Empty Wgt
8.14 lb 3.69 kg
Sights
Iron Front and Rear
Action
Gas-Operated; Rotating Bolt; Selective-Fire
Rotating Bolt
System utilizes internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.
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.
Max Eff.Range
985 ft (300 m | 328 yd)
Rate-of-Fire
700 rds/min
Muzzle Velocity
2,885 ft/sec (879 m/sec)
Pusca Automata Model 1986 (PA md 86) - Base Series Designation.
Pusca Automata Model 1986 "cu Teava Scurta" (PA md 86 Short) - Short-barreled carbine variant.
Pusca Automata Model 1993 (PA md 93) - Light machine gun variant based following the form and function of the Soviet RPK LMG; includes carrying handle, bipod assembly, strengthened receiver an dbarrel change function.
AIM S-74 - Export Designation of the PA md 86 line
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns / operations.
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Paraguay; Romania
