During the ARMY-2021 exhibition, Kalashnikov Concern introduced two new versions of the AK-12 rifle designed to meet the requirements of Russian special forces. The new rifles are called AK-12SP (АК-12СП) and AK-12SPK (АК-12СПК). Let’s take a closer look and see what features have been added/changed in these rifles as well as what are the differences between the two models.

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AK-12SP. Photo credit: Kalashnikov Media

Both AK-12SP and AK-12SPK rifles are chambered in 5.45x39mm. The main difference between the two models is that the former is a full-length rifle whereas the latter is a shorter, AK-12K/AK-105 length one. Another major difference between the two models is the handguard. The AK-12SP utilizes an AK-12 pattern lower handguard with an aluminum upper handguard/gas tube cover that has M-LOK slots on the sides. The AK-12SPK has a new M-LOK aluminum handguard extending all the way to the gas block. The rifles shown at ARMY-2021 were also equipped with different muzzle devices. As seen in the pictures, the AK-12SP has a standard AK-12 muzzle brake whereas the AK-12SPK has a flash hider.

AK-12SPK. Photo credit: Vladimir Onokoy

Both rifles feature a new pistol grip with an integrated trigger guard as well as a new folding and adjustable stock. The new safety selector consists of an ambidextrous thumb safety working along with the standard AK pattern safety. Compared to the standard AK-12, these rifles don’t have a 2-round burst mode. The action parts of new rifles are unchanged. As stated in the Kalashnikov Group’s press release, “these solutions are aimed at further improving the efficiency of the rifle without intervening in the components, that ensure the reliability of the AK family“.