AK-9

This article is about the firearm. For Alaska Route 9, see Seward Highway.

The AK-9 is a Russian special-purpose compact assault rifle, chambered in 9×39mm cartridge. Its development started in 2004, when Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant (Izhmash), now part of Kalashnikov Concern, started working on a compact assault rifle based on the AKS-74U, designed to use a quick-detachable suppressor. Another prototype was later developed in 2007, which was based on the AK-104, thereby making the AK-9 a part of the AK-100 rifle family. The AK-9 is primarily designed for special units of the Interior Ministry and the Russian Army.^[2]

AK-9
AK-9 with a suppressor
Type	Assault rifle
Place of origin	Russia
Service history
In service	2007–present[citation needed]
Used by	See Users
Wars	Syrian civil war[citation needed]
Production history
Designer	Izhevsk machine-building plant
Designed	Early 2000s
Manufacturer	Izhevsk machine-building plant
Produced	2000s
No. built	Few hundreds (limited usage)
Specifications
Mass	3.1 kg (6.83 lb) (without suppressor) 3.8 kg (8.38 lb) (with suppressor)
Length	881 mm (34.7 in) (with suppressor) 705 mm (27.8 in) (without suppressor) 465 mm (18.3 in) (stock folded & without suppressor)
Barrel length	200 mm (8 in)
Cartridge	9×39mm
Action	Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire	750–800 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity	290 to 305 m/s (950 to 1,000 ft/s)
Effective firing range	400 m (437.4 yd)
Feed system	20-round detachable box magazine
Sights	Iron sights and various optical sights by the use of a Warsaw Pact rail
References	[1]

According to its characteristics, the AK-9 competes against the AS Val, SR-3M and 9A-91, but has seen limited use compared to these counterparts, which have already seen service in Russian military and police units.

History

In 2006, Russian authorities wanted the Izhmash factory to design a rifle with Kalashnikov properties, but suitable to be used in special operations. Factory manager Vladimir Grodetsky stated that the rifle was for special forces for anti-terrorist operations. Alexei Dragunov, one of the designers of the AK-9, says "It shoots virtually without a sound and it can go through a bullet-proof vest". The AK-9 is also lighter than earlier Kalashnikov models.^{[citation needed]}

From the Vladimir Zlobin interview in February 2013:

We are working on an entire line of various small arms based on the AK-12. These would be submachine guns and compact assault rifles, automatic carbines and hand-held machine guns. A series of special-purpose rifles will be developed based on the AK-12 platform. For example, the AK-9 special-purpose assault rifle was transferred to this platform. The AK-9 is planned to go under preliminary tests this spring.^[3]

Design details

The AK-9 is a select-fire special-purpose compact assault rifle chambered for the 9×39mm subsonic cartridge (SP-5 and SP-6), and features a quick-detachable suppressor. The original prototype of the AK-9 was designed in 2004, which was based on the AKS-74U. Then in 2007, Izhmash designed another prototype based on the AK-104, which was then used as the basis of the AK-9's further development.

The AK-9 features the same tried and proven gas operated, rotary bolt action, and same "Kalashnikov-style" controls including reciprocating bolt handle, safety/fire selector lever and overall layout with side-folding polymer buttstock. The Polymer furniture is improved with the addition of accessories such as a Picatinny rail on the bottom of the forend and the left side of the receiver is fitted with a Warsaw Pact rail. The barrel can be fitted with a specially designed quick-detachable suppressor (sound moderator), which is especially effective with the 9×39mm subsonic cartridge. The magazine is made of black polymer, holds 20 rounds of ammunition and appears to be of proprietary design, making it not compatible with other (competing) rifles of the same calibre, which are already in service with Russia military and law enforcement.

The AK-9 supports wide range of attachments such as a mounted grenade launcher, laser sights, tactical lights and other tactical accessories. The trigger mechanism allows it to fire in semi-automatic fire and fully automatic fire. The firing module is similar to that of the Kalashnikov assault rifle and is located on the right side of the rifle.^{[citation needed]}

Users

Map with AK-9 users in blue

• Mongolia: Used by the Mongolian Armed Forces and Police, S.W.A.T.^{[citation needed]}
• Russia: In very limited usage.
• Syria: Used by the Syrian Army and Police.^{[citation needed]}