Full version with all the shooting footage is available for all Patrons:
http://www.patreon.com/ForgottenWeapons
It is also available to subscribers on Pepperbox and Floatplane:
https://www.pepperbox.tv/video/12941
https://www.floatplane.com/post/cvS8e83PUH
The AK-12 went through an extensive development program that attempted to substantially change the AK design, but failed. In 2015 the early design plans were scrapped, and the project reverted to simply making some changes to the AK-100 series. This resulted in the AK-12 being adopted as the new Russian standard infantry rifle in December 2017. The rifle in today’s video is that original adopted pattern. It uses a collapsing and side-folding stock, a substantially redesigned railed top cover with a rear-mounted RPK-style aperture sight, a combined gas and front sight block, a permanently affixed gas tube, and a trigger mechanism with safe, semi, 2-round burst, and full auto settings.
This AK-12 was captured by Ukrainian forces with the Magpul magazine you see in the video. The folks who gave me access to film it remain anonymous, and I very much appreciate their help!
AK-12 improved 2019 model:
Very nice… I’ve been hoping Ian would get his hands on one of these.
I think that this exists just goes to prove out my theory about the NGSW program: Nobody in combat going up against body armor feels the need for that miniature anti-tank rifle. If they did, the Russian Federation would be at the forefront of handing out bigger ‘n better, to deal with the Ukrainians wearing Western body armor.
For right now, the individual weapon is just fine with the “legacy” intermediate calibers. And, actually, much better than that overpowered monstrosity the US Army decided to field as “M-14/7.62 NATO Redux”.