The .50 Cal. AK!
An interesting and somewhat new weapon is the Russian 6P62 Anti-Material Rifle. It is essentially just an AK (heavily reinforced, of course) that is chambered for the Russian 12.7x108mm round, a bit more powerful version of our 12.7x99mm M2HB round commonly used in America and supposedly a bit more accurate as well. |
| Note the Piston-Like Stock for Shock Reduction While Firing |
This weapon was no doubt developed around the same period of time as the AK-104 and/or simply shares some of the same traits as it is created in that configuration. And much like the idea of chambering the AK for very different sorts of ammunition like the Bizon 9mm and the Saiga 12ga, this is no doubt one of many offshoots of the application of the completely rugged, dependable and versatile AK design. So likely, this weapon is just as dependable and deadly as any of the other versions of the AK, only in anti-material level power. No doubt a bit weighty (weighs 33lbs. empty). The shorter barrel reduces the velocity of the 12.7x108mm round to 2099 fps (reduced from the 2800 fps if a more "standard" barrel length were used). The decrease in velocity results in a decrease in penetration but increases the "felt" impact and overall effect of such "grab" (as is true with all ammunition).
The 6P62 In ActionThe muzzle brake/suppressor also acts like any AK-104 or Krinkov style brake (which this is), which means it is there to compensate for the lack of barrel length in order to ensure that a sufficient amount of force is applied in ejecting and chambering the next round - as well as vented out of the firearm in some manner other than just through the barrel in order to reduce the force against the shooter. A very interesting idea and no doubt easier to use in tighter quarters or to maneuver in APC's and installations. The barrel is also JUST long enough to give some good accuracy to the round as well as power, while still being obviously as short as possible. This weapon is obviously intended to take on LAV's and other such from roadblocks, installations and other areas of that nature. It's 14 round magazine and fully automatic capability (400-500 rpm) hint at it being used for such, or as an additional weapon to be used in raids where quick disabling or destruction of vehicles or machinery is a must. Overall an interesting weapon that does indeed have an increasing role on today's battlefield of increasing use of light armor and tight urban conditions as well as increased use of heavy body armor - something most are not keeping in mind when viewing seemingly exotic weapons such as this one. It has it's place, but is just a bit before it's truly needed time. It has yet to be adopted by any active military for this very reason. The weapon is 47" in total length in the pictured configuration.
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| A Cylindrical Suppressor Is Used To Redirect More Muzzle Pressure Into Cycling The Weapon Due To Barrel Length |
For more information on weapons or weapon modifications see - HERE
