Kalashnikov to Release Civilian Batch of AK-12 Mock-Ups for First Time.

JSC Concern Kalashnikov has announced its plan to release the first large-scale batch of mass-dimensional mock-ups (MMG) of the AK-12 assault rifle (2018 model) to the civilian market. These replicas are intended for training and familiarization purposes and will soon be available for retail sale.
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The AK-12 is a modern 5.45×39 mm assault rifle designed to meet the needs of the Russian armed forces. (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)

The demand for the AK-12 MMG currently exceeds Kalashnikov's production capacity, as the company primarily focuses on fulfilling combat weapons contracts, which remains a priority. However, the production of these replicas will continue alongside the manufacturing of operational weapons.

The mass-dimensional mock-ups are detailed, life-sized replicas of the AK-12, identical to the original in terms of weight and dimensions. While they allow users to operate the safety, cock the trigger mechanism, and perform partial disassembly and reassembly, the MMGs are not functioning weapons and are safe to use without requiring a license for purchase.

This release aligns with broader educational initiatives in Russia. Following the implementation of a unified career guidance model in Russian schools, Kalashnikov has seen a surge in requests for these replicas for military-patriotic education programs aimed at teenagers. The MMGs allow students to learn about the design and handling of firearms, fostering interest in military service or careers in weapons design.

“We must reintroduce basic military training in schools,” said Alan Lushnikov, president of JSC Concern Kalashnikov, in a previous interview. “We need to ensure access to training weapons both in schools and outside. People must have the opportunity to acquire these skills, as they can be vital for survival on the battlefield.”

The AK-12 MMG replicas are expected to be available for retail sale in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The AK-12 is a modern 5.45×39 mm assault rifle designed to meet the needs of the Russian armed forces. Part of the renowned AK assault rifle series, the AK-12 was developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, Vladimir Zlobin, and Sergey Urzhumcev. Introduced in 2018, it is manufactured by Kalashnikov Concern, the successor to Izhmash. The rifle has been used in several conflicts, including the Syrian Civil War and the Russo-Ukrainian War.

The AK-12 operates on a gas-operated mechanism with a long-stroke piston and a closed rotating bolt, ensuring robustness and reliability, hallmark traits of the AK series. It has a rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute and a muzzle velocity of 880 to 900 m/s, making it effective at a range of 440 meters. With an overall length of 922 mm, which reduces to 688 mm when the stock is folded, and a 415 mm barrel, the AK-12 offers great maneuverability and improved accuracy.

Several variants of the rifle exist, including the AK-15, which uses 7.62×39 mm ammunition, and the AK-19, designed to fire 5.56×45 mm NATO rounds. The AK-308, another version, is chambered for 7.62×51 mm NATO and offers an alternative for those seeking a battle rifle rather than an assault rifle. The carbine variants AK-12K and AK-15K are more compact versions of these models, while the RPK-16 serves as a light machine gun variant.

The AK-12 is equipped with a 30-round detachable magazine but can also accommodate larger 45-round magazines or even 95-round drums from the RPK-16. This flexibility, combined with the ability to mount various optics thanks to an integrated Picatinny rail, makes the rifle adaptable to different combat scenarios, enhancing its effectiveness on the battlefield.