AN-94

AN-94 is chambered in the same 5.45x39mm M74 cartridge as the AK-74, and it utilizes a rotating bolt to lock the action. Nikonov and the other engineers use the Russian term смещенный импульс свободного затвора (smeshchonnyy impul's svobodnovo zatvora) to describe the rifle's method of operation, meaning "blowback shifted pulse". When the bolt carrier is driven backwards by the force of the gas from the cartridge, a pulley activates a cartridge-feeding device. This mechanism allows a much higher rate of fire than would otherwise be possible. This high rate of fire (1800 rounds/min) is employed in two-round bursts. These form the first two shots on fully automatic fire, with following rounds fired at 600 rounds/min. This is highly effective against body armour; the second round impacts at the same point as the first, enabling the penetration of armour that a conventional 5.45 mm system cannot. The rear peep sight is a dramatic improvement over the standard Kalashnikov notch and post. The muzzle brake is much more effective and produces a quieter weapon report than the AK-74.

The AN-94 is more accurate than the AK-74. It has a higher rate of fire in burst mode, and it can mount a GP-30 grenade launcher and bayonet simultaneously. It can also use newly designed 60-round magazines.

However it is reported that the AN-94 costs five to six times more to produce than the AK-74. The internal mechanism of the AN-94 is extremely complex and much harder to maintain than the AK-74, so it also costs more to train soldiers to look after it effectively. Notably an uncomfortable pistol grip and a folding stock that covers the trigger, rendering the weapon unusable when folded.

(( Taken from Wikipedia. ))