Izhmash has officially unveiled the first working prototype of the AK-12 Assault Rifle. According to Max Popenker there will be two models, a Light model (5.45x39mm, 5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm) that accepts all magazines that work with existing AK rifles, as well as a new 60 round quad stack magazine, and a Heavy (7.62x51mm) model that will use a new magazine.

The rifle’s major new features are …

• Ambidextrous forward charging handle.
• Smaller ejection port.
• New safety switch.
• New fire control switch with three modes of fire (single shot, 3 round burst and full auto).
• New hinged top cover. The cover is a lot more rigid that the previous AK rifles.
• Quad picatinny rails.
• Folding and length adjustable stock.
• Ergonomic pistol grip (with a decent radius between trigger guard and grip).
• New muzzle brake that attaches to standard NATO 22mm threading.
• Improved barrel rifling.

Whilst it is not pretty, in fact it is downright ugly, it possess all the features of the latest western assault rifles.

[ Many thanks to Russian Surt & Max Popenker for providing information. ]