Bofors AK-5 assault rifle (Sweden)

Bofors AK5 - basic version

Bofors AK5B - scoped designated marksmenrifle

Bofors AK5 with M203 grenade launcher

Bofors AK5D - shortened version with Picatinny rail

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO

Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt

Length: 1008 mm (Stock Extended), 753 mm (Stock Retracted)

Barrel Length: 450 mm

Weight: 3.90 kg

Magazine: 30 rounds box

Rate Of Fire: 650 rounds per minute

Sweden adopted its first7.62 mm assault rifle in 1963, as the AK-4. It was a license-built version ofthe Heckler & Koch G3 rifle, which served well until the adoption ofthe 5.56 mm ammunition in 1984. After extensive trials, which included designslike the Israeli Galil (made under license by FFV of Sweden), the German HK33, the American M16A1, the Swiss SIG SG-540 and some other designs, the Swedish army finally selected the Belgian FN FNC as its next weapon. The basic FN FNC riflewas modified to suit Swedish requirements, the most notable changes being the omission of the 3-round burst mode of fire, an enlarged trigger guard, a thicker forend and improved, corrosion-resistant finish on all metallic parts. First deliveries were made from FN circa 1986, and domestic rifles began to enter service a year later, made at Bofors' Karl Gustaf factories. The modified FNC rifle, adopted as the AK-5, is now in service with Swedish armed forces.

The AK5 assault rifle is essentially similar to theBelgian FN FNC rifle, except for several modifications. First, the AK5 has no provision for the 3-round burst mode, and will fire only single shots or full auto. Second, the buttstock and handguards are made longer and more suitable for winter conditions, and the charging handle enlarged for better grip when using arctic mittens. Special surface treatment isused for better protection against the elements. The AK5 is manufactured in several modifications, including the basic AK5; the AK5B with 4X telescopic sight (British SUSAT L9A1) and cheek-pad on buttstock, which is issued as a squad-level marksmen rifle; AK5C with Picatinny rail and no open sights; AK5D with the shortened barrel, and integral carrying handle with built-in telescope sight, intended for Commando units and paratroopers; and a grenade-launching version, fitted with American M203 40mm grenade launcher, which is used mostly by Rangers and amphibious forces.

Thanks for the info and pictures to: Olof "Sgt." Petersson, Sweden.

Interdynamics MKS assault rifle (Sweden)

the Interdynamics MKS assault rifle (top, with buttstock unfolded) and MKScarbine (bottom, with buttstock folded)

The Inter dynamics AB company of Sweden attempted to enter an assault rifle market with its MKS rifle in mid-1970s. The Interdynamics MKS assault rifle was more or less conventional in respect to materials and technologies, but layout was not conventional, with box magazine serving as a pistol grip. This layoutresulted in shorter overall length when compared to conventional rifles with the same barrel lengths, but seriously compromised ergonomics. Because the standard 5.56mm magazine is significantly deeper 9front to back) than a typical pistolgrip, the firing hand's hold and a trigger reach were far from being comfortable. The MKS rifles never were made in any quantities and deserved its place in firearm history more as a curiosity than anything else.

The Interdynamics MKS assault rifle was a gas operated selective fired weapon with rotating barrel locking. Gas system featured a gas regulator. The receiver was made from stamped sheet steel, magazine housing served as a pistol grip. The skeletonized buttstock folded to the right side to save the space. The L-shaped flip-up rear sight has two range settings, for 250 and 400 meters. Carbine version of MKS rifle featured shorter barrel, otherwise being similar to rifleversion.

Interdynamics MKR assault rifle (Sweden)

Interdynamics MKR assault rifle

Schematic drawing of the 4.5 mm rimfire cartridge for Interdynamics MKR assault rifle

Caliber: 4.5x26 mm Rimfire (special ammunition)

Action: blowback

Overall length: 840 mm

Barrel length: 600 mm

Weight: 3.0 kg less magazine

Rate of fire: no data

Magazine capacity: 50 rounds

The Interdynamics MKR assault rifle was another unsuccessful and unconventional design of the Swedish company Interdynamics AB. Interdynamics MKR assault rifle appeared during 1980s on the top of the "micro-caliber" craze. The idea behind micro-caliber (less than 5 millimeters / .20 inch) ammunition was to achieve high velocity, flat trajectory and good penetration in automatic weapon, and with low recoil. The Interdynamics cartridge was based on .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire cartridge case, with curved taper and 4.5mm / .177" caliber pointed bullet, made of solid brass. Lightweight bullet (1.58 g / ~24.4 grain) achieved a muzzle velocity of about 1000 m/s (3270 fps). The effectiveness of this bullet was claimed to be on par with 5.56x45mm bullet at the ranges up to 300 meters. Unsurprisingly,the stopping power of such tiny bullet was questionable at its best, and use of rimmed, rimfire ammunition obviously compromised the reliability of the rifle.As a result,Interdynamics MKR assault rifle remained only in prototype stage.

Because of the relatively low power of this ammunition, the MKR gun was made using simple blowback system. Rimmed ammunition was fed from semi-circular magazines, located behind the pistol grip, so the overall layout can be classified as bullpup. Ambidextrous charging handle was located at the top of the plastic receiver.Carbine version of the MKR rifle was similar in design, but had shorter barrel.