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Friday, January 28, 2011

Replacing the Russian National Treasure, AK-47

Now I'm sure most have seen the news about the Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov's statement regarding the replacement of the AK-47: 

What Are They Really Thinking

Of course the news took me by surprise.  One of the most coveted supplies in any survival arsenal is the AK-47.  With over 60 years of tradition in killing, it's hard to find reason to replace a weapon with such durability.

A few statements in the article caught my eye, “accuracy target of 400 meters is not good enough for modern day warfare”.  And this is according to what military strategy.  The US continues to train troops in close quarter urban combat.  The good ole days of knowing and seeing your enemy over the hill down yonder are remnants of the first Gulf War.  400 yards makes for a lot of ground in an urban combat setting.
The second comment to draw attention, “likely the Russians would look toward something else, like the equally superior German G-1 or the smaller French and British 5.56 rifles.”  I see a truer reason for a change in the AK-47.  Red Dawn and the Russian have invaded the United States.  No better way to arm you troops than with the round/caliber of choice of the invaded nation.  There’s no doubt at times Russian troops will be in the heart of America cut off from resupply.  All a resupply that is needed is to pick it off our dead bodies.  No bigger of an insult.
Besides a change in military strategy, I am curious towards the economics of the replacement decision.  Will the demand for the rifle go down with decline in production?  Or will the demand go up.  If Russia chooses a 5.56 round, will that mean a surplus in that ammunition?  Keep and eye out, this will get interesting.

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