Kalashnikov Concern AM-17

Kalashnikov Concern AM-17
Kalashnikov Concern AM-17
	AM-17M prototype
Type	Assault rifle
Place of origin	Russian Federation
Service history
In service	2018–present
Used by	see Users
Wars	Russian invasion of Ukraine
Production history
Designed	2015
Manufacturer	Kalashnikov Concern
Produced	Starting 2025
Specifications
Mass	2.5 kg (5.51 lb)
Length	750 mm (30 in)(stock extended); 490 mm (19.3 in) (stock folded)
Barrel length	230 mm (9.1 in)
Cartridge	5.45×39mm
Action	Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire	850 (±50) rounds/min
Feed system	30-round detachable box magazine
Sights	Adjustable iron sights and various optical sights by the use of Picatinny rail

The Kalashnikov Concern AM-17 (Russian: Aвтомат Малогабаритный, romanized: Avtomat Malogabaritnyj, lit. 'Small-sized Automatic Rifle', GRAU index 6P74^[2]) is a compact assault rifle that is chambered in 5.45×39mm intermediate cartridge.

History

The AM-17 was first unveiled in the Russian Army Expo 2017 alongside the integrally suppressed AMB-17, it was developed and manufactured by Kalashnikov Concern. Its development began in the late 2010s, and was based on the Yevgeny Dragunov MA compact assault rifle.^[3]

In November 2024, the AM-17 has completed the acceptance trials.^[4] Serial production of the carbine is expected to begin in 2025.^[5] On September 1, 2025, Kalashnikov Concern reported that the first experimental batch of the weapon had been manufactured.^[6]

Design details

The AM-17 is designed for close quarters operations, primarily for combat vehicle crews, special forces and law enforcement units of the Russian Interior Ministry, Russian National Guard, and Russian Army to replace the AKS-74U.^[7]^[6]

The AM-17 features an integrated upper full-length MIL-STD/1913 Picatinny rail system, polymer side-folding and adjustable (telescoping) shoulder stock, and longitudinal slots in the walls of the upper receiver allowing for ambidextrous controls in both the fire selector and charging handle.

Operating mechanism

The AM-17, unlike previous firearms in current use by the Russian military, differentiates itself by employing two receivers that connect on a hinge instead of a single stamped receiver with a lid.

To do this the upper receiver itself is made from polymer and steel reinforcements, while the lower receiver along with its magazine housing is made entirely from polymer and connected to the upper receiver by two captive take down cross-pins reducing the weight of the firearm significantly and allowing for easier access into the internal operation.

The gas-operated action within is a short-stroke gas piston and rotary bolt which locks with three radial lugs on the bolt head similar to historic 9×39mm compact assault rifles, such as the VSK-94.

The bolt carrier within the upper receiver is almost streamline by design raising it towards the bolt group reducing both bolt friction and felt user recoil.^{[citation needed]}