STL-1A

The STL-1A (or also called the STL-A1)^[2] rifle is an assault rifle made in Vietnam chambered in 7.62×39mm.^[3]

STL-1A
Type	Assault rifle
Place of origin	Vietnam
Production history
Designed	2015
Manufacturer	Z111 Factory
Produced	2015
Variants	See Variants
Specifications
Mass	3.5 kg (7.7 lb)[1]
Length	940 mm (37 in)[1]
Barrel length	415 mm (16.3 in)[1]
Cartridge	7.62×39mm
Caliber	7.62
Action	Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire	600 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity	715 m/s (2,350 ft/s)
Effective firing range	300 m (330 yd)
Maximum firing range	800 m (870 yd)
Feed system	30-round magazines
Sights	STL-1B has picatinny rails for attachment of various scopes

History

It was originally announced in 2015 that the Z111 Factory would begin producing STL-1A rifles^[4] in an occasion to celebrate Vietnamese National Day for Vietnamese defense industry accomplishments.^[5]

Design

See also: AKM

As the STL-1A is based on the older AKM rifles, the Z-111 Factory would convert AKMs and its variants into the new STL-1A rifles^[6]. It also has the ability to produce these new rifles from scratch.

Although the rifle itself is an upgrade of the AKM that highly resembles a Vietnamese AK-103,^[3] it's upgraded in many areas such as new polymer handguards, folding stock, a new ergonomic pistol grip and muzzle brake based on the AK-74 with side-mounted rails to attach scopes.^[7][3]

A suppressor and an M203 underbarrel grenade launcher can be attached to the STL-1A.^[7]

Aftermath

At the Indo Defence Expo 2018 event, a new variant which combined the STL-1A and the Galil ACE was announced under the name GK3.^[8][9]

Introduced as a technology demonstrator, STL-1A and its variants were not mass produced or issued by the Vietnam People's Army. Instead, the PAV adopted the STV rifles as the new standard issue service rifle.^[10]

Variants

STL-1B

STL-1A variant fitted with Picatinny rails.^[3]

See also

• STV rifle