Integrally Suppressed AK Gopak Rifle Demonstrated at Ukrainian Trials Grounds

    An integrally suppressed variant of the AK called the Gopak was on display a recent demonstration at the Goncharivske trial grounds in the Chernihiv area of Ukraine. In two videos released via YouTube this week, the rifle is demonstrated firing and being inspected by the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov. The rifle is visible in the video below, at 0:58 and 3:51:

    Notably, the Gopak is a straight bolt action manual repeater, not a semiautomatic, and it lacks any gas system or return spring and sports an oversized bolt handle. The front end of the rifle is dominated by a massive oversized suppressor, which may be intended to completely absorb the muzzle blast of even supersonic ammunition. Besides the suppressor, the rifle is also fitted with an AR-15 style adjustable buttstock, ergonomic pistol grip, Harris style bipod and a high magnification scope mounted directly to the rear sight base. The rifle fires the 7.62x39mm round, likely because the Ukrainian Armed Forces never adopted the Russian 9x39mm dedicated subsonic round and reportedly still have the 7.62×39 57-N-231U subsonic round in service. Interestingly, the rifle features the ability to fire a grappling hook using blank cartridges (no, really).

    The Hopak rifle is a modification of the AK-47 rifle

    Note the grappling hook.

    Nathaniel F

    Nathaniel is a history enthusiast and firearms hobbyist whose primary interest lies in military small arms technological developments beginning with the smokeless powder era. He can be reached via email at nathaniel.f@staff.thefirearmblog.com.


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