Kalashnikov unveils NATO standard AK-19 rifle for export market
A new shortened AK-19 military rifle has been shown to journalists in Russia by defence manufacturing company Kalashnikov Concern.
Chief designer Sergey Urzhumtsev presented the 5.56mm machine gun during the annual traditional Military Correspondent Cup at Kalashnikov Shooting Centre in Patriot Park, Moscow.
Based on the AK-12, the new shortened barrel AK-19 is chambered for NATO standard 5.56mm cartridges with a magazine capacity of 30 rounds and a rate of fire of around 700 shots per minute.
It has been designed with single shot or full auto fire modes, a folding and adjustable polymer buttstock, standard issue slotted flash suppressor, optional grenade launcher as well as Picatinny rails on the dust cover and forward handguard.
The rifle is expected to aim for the international export market and take advantage of its switch to NATO 5.56mm ammunition.
Urzhumtsev said compared to the base model of 2019, significant changes have been made to the design of the AK-19 to make it a whole new line of AK-19 assault rifles.
“For the first time, we present you with a version with a short barrel and a double-sided fire translator (selector),” he said
“The fact is that at present, the demand for compact models is high on the world arms market. I will not hide the fact that this machine is being developed by us with an eye on export contracts.
“At the same time, in the Russian domestic market, we clearly see demand for such models from law enforcement agencies and law enforcement agencies.
“We regard the prospects of this product as very promising. By the way, this is entirely our initiative development, it is carried out exclusively at the expense of the Concern’s own funds.”
