The AK74 | AKs74 and the 5.45x39mm: the Soviet response to the M16 (Feat. Maxim Popenker)

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The early AK74 | AKs74 series of rifles are perhaps the icon of the Soviet Afghan campaign in the late 70’s. Although the straight orange bakelite magazine, triangle folding stock and muzzle brake give the Soviet AKs74 it’s distinctive appearance, it’s the cartridge that makes the rifle unique. You may be surprised at how the US military plays into this development.

We delve into the development of the AKs74 and 5.45×39 cartridge in this episode with Russian military historian, Maxim Popekner who also founded www.modernfirearms.net .

This is the first of a two-part series on the development of the AK74 type rifles. Our next part will cover interesting optics and modernization kits of the AK74 as it steps into the arena of modern warfare.

A special thanks for Maxim Popenker from www.modernfirearms.net for talking about the backstory of the 5.45×39 cartridge!

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9-Hole Reviews

The hosts Henry and Josh started shooting from humble backgrounds, and families that had no foundation in the shooting sports or firearms. Through their journey in shooting sports, they have both developed extremely different backgrounds that compliment each other with perspectives in historical firearms development, employment, rifle performance, munitions development, firearms manipulation, and publications.

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