AK-74

The AK-74 assault rifle is the modernized version of the AK-47, chambered in a smaller cartridge (5.45mm vs. 7.62, or .21 vs .30). It was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, and was adopted in 1974. Externally, it looks essentially identical. The receiver is made of stamped sheet metal, and is extremely durable; the Kalashnikov series of weapons are world-renowned for their reliability. The system of operation is a long-stroke gas system, with a rotating bolt locking mechanism.