AK-74M

Real-world history

The AK-74M (Aвтомат Kалашникова образца 1974 Модернизи́рованный; Romanized: Avtomat Kalashnikova obrazca 1974 Modernizírovanny) or "Kalashnikov's Automatic Rifle year 1974 modernized" is a select-fire, gas-operated assault rifle designed as the successor of the AK-74. The AK-74 platform are chambered in 5.45x39mm, the cartridge itself was developed in respond to the similar 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge used in the M16 rifles. The 5.45 cartridge not only to achieve all the benefits of these lighter .22 caliber intermediate cartridges, but also to lower the fielding costs of Russian firearms (a benefit made particularly important by the sheer number of armies the Soviet Union was forced to provide arms for). Compared to the original AK-74, the M variant sports significant tactical upgrades to its older predecessor; a new polymer handguard that could mount optics on Picatinny rails, a lighter fiberglass-filled polymer buttstock, and carbon fiber magazine were all employed. The AK-74M has since been employed as the standard-issue rifle of all Russian Ground Forces, along with the fully polymer-furnished AK-12 (designed in 2012) and 7.62mm AK-15 (upgraded from the base AK-12 in 2015), which were both adopted in 2018. The original wooden-furniture AK-74 is still used by various post-Soviet states and non-state actors due to the large quantity of rifles left behind by the now-defunct Soviet Union.

In-game

Overview

The AK-74M, like its real-life counterpart, is a cheap and cost-effective weapon, especially useful for new players strapped for cash. Featuring rifle-grade stopping power and range, the AK-74M also sports everything a player could want in a rifle: decent modularity, good damage, and controllable recoil at close range. The weapon's iron sights are clean and usable with no obstructive rings or other objects.

Compared to its main competitor, the M4A1, the AK-74M offers better damage per shot, velocity (resulting in better bullet drop), and more controllable full auto firing due to the reduced rate of fire. However, the M4A1 does have a lower time-to-kill (TTK) to the head and torso due to its higher rate of fire.

Tips & tactics

With the AK-74M being a starter weapon, it is relatively basic and has no unique qualities that allow it to stand out too much. However, being an assault rifle, it can be primarily used to lead the way and fire upon enemies with fair ease of use. Thanks to it's moderate damage output and fire rate, it can be a good rifle for cover shooting or peeking-and-firing tactics. The recoil can be smoothened out with a grip and a muzzle device which can also considerably lower the blowback, overall allowing the AK-74M to be a more effective rifle, even just for a starter weapon of it's class.