Kalashnikov Concern AMB-17


The Kalashnikov Concern AMB-17, is an integrally suppressed compact assault rifle, chambered in subsonic 9×39mm SP5 cartridge and armour-piercing SP6 cartridge. It was developed and manufactured alongside the Kalashnikov Concern AM-17, which was based on the Yevgeny Dragunov MA compact assault rifle. Both the AM-17 and AMB-17 were unveiled by Kalashnikov Concern at the Russian Army Expo 2017.
The AMB-17 is designed for covert close quarters operations, primarily for special units of the Russian Interior Ministry and the Russian Army intended as a potential replacement for the AS Val and VSS Vintorez.

Design details

The AMB-17 has an integral suppressor mounted on the front of the upper receiver which wraps around the barrel. In order for the suppressor to be integrated, the AMB-17 employs a wider opening within its handguard as compared to the AM-17, along with the front of the upper receiver which also allows for an integrated handguard half-length MIL-STD/1913 Picatinny rail. The integrated upper also includes a full-length MIL-STD/1913 Picatinny railing, polymer side-folding and adjustable shoulder stock, and longitudinal slots in the walls of the upper receiver allowing for ambidextrous controls in both the fire selector and charging handle.
The AMB-17 is chambered in the subsonic 9×39 mm cartridge, which does not produce a sonic boom when fired. It uses AS/VSS pattern detachable box magazines.

Operating mechanism

The AMB-17, unlike previous firearms in current use with the Russian military, differentiates itself by employing two receivers that connect on a hinge instead of a single stamped receiver with a lid. To do this, the upper receiver itself is made from polymer and steel reinforcements, while the lower receiver along with its magazine housing is made entirely from polymer, and connected to the upper receiver by two captive take down cross-pins, reducing the weight of the firearm significantly and allowing for easier access into the internal operation. The gas operated action uses a short stroke gas piston and rotary bolt which locks with three radial lugs on the bolt head, similar to previous 9×39mm compact assault rifles, such as the VSK-94. The bolt carrier within the upper receiver is almost streamline by design raising it towards the bolt group reducing both bolt friction and felt user recoil.

Ammunition

Additionally, the 9×39mm cartridge is very effective at penetrating body armor. It is equipped with a hardened steel or tungsten tip and can penetrate a high-density steel plate at 100 m; a steel plate or a standard army helmet can be fully penetrated at 500 m; however, its effective range is under 400 m.

Users

  • : The AMB-17 is in limited use with FSB and FSO specifically for firearms testing and has yet to complete acceptance trials.