I've been saying this for about 6 months that the likeliness that both rifles will be accepted in to service are great...I'm starting to look like a profit now lol! People who like to whine that the AEK may have not 'won' the competition, don't seem to realize that a great rifle will still find it's way in to service.
The purpose of the tests was to see if they measured up... both makers know what they are doing so there was every likelyhood both would pass even if minor changes might be needed.
Now, a question. What would spec ops choose ? Allegedly more accurate AEK ? Or better-understood AK12
Well that is the problem... they would be in the best position to get the best from an accurate rifle, so plus one for the AEK assuming it is the more accurate of the two, but having a modular multi calibre rifle designed with special forces in mind is a plus for the AK12SN. AFAIK the AK12SN is a family of weapons from SMG to LMG including assault rifle, carbine, and of course DMR type weapon and likely combat shotgun and perhaps even light grenade launcher.
So it is one all for special forces, but ease of manufacture and use also goes to the Ak12, and even if slightly more complicated the fact that you can have a base rifle and barrels for different versions and calibres means although more expensive for a single rifle, it will be cheaper to have a range of weapon components than to have a range of different weapons with different optics.
that robot scope allowing different bullet types and different calibres could be zeroed in for the different calibres and barrel lengths for easy transition in the field...
[quote]Because it's still in the running. The AEK is a one trick pony, if it wasn't a better performer than the basic AK-12 assault rifle variant, it would have been eliminated.[/quote[]
This isn't a test to find the best weapon... it is a test to ensure each weapon is up to scratch to be used in the Russian military... it is not a one wins all thing.
The VDV and naval infantry have already selected the ADS as a rifle for underwater use to replace the APS... will they consider the AEK and AK12 or just adopt the ADS in full scale deployment...
And for some reason it vanished on the newer variants.
Perhaps because it was deemed not necessary?
Perhaps they will demand new scopes are in line with iron sights so no raised cheek position will be needed?
This isn't a target shooting rifle, it's a service rifle. Some man or women has to carry it around all day. Handling and weight are important considerations.
Very true and some users might prefer a bit of weight further forward...
Excellent news. It'll be interesting to see who adopts each rifle.
Both systems working with Ratnik is a good thing... previous information on RATNIK showed the AK-74M and the AN-94 and the AK-107. Hopefully this result will eliminate these three rifles from the running/distraction, and both companies can focus on two service weapon families.