AG-043 (АГ-043) was a Soviet compact fully automatic assault rifle or carbine chambered for the 5.45×39mm round, developed in 1975.[1] The weapon is a derivative of the earlier and similar AO-31 which also is Simonov's adaptation of the AK-47.
The AG-043 had folding stock; a version with fixed stock was given the designation AG-042. Both were designed by Simonov after the GRAU launched Project Modern intended to adopt a carbine capable of automatic fire, inspired by the US experience with XM177 in Vietnam. The Soviet contest for this design was won by Kalashnikov's AKS-74U.[2]
| AG-043 | |
| Origin: | Soviet Union |
| Type: | Assault rifle carbine |
| Is Ranged: | YES |
| Designer: | Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov |
| Design Date: | 1974 |
| Production Date: | 1974 |
| Weight: | 2.1 kg (without rounds) |
| Part Length: | 215 mm |
| Cartridge: | 5.45×39mm |
| Caliber: | 5.45mm |
| Action: | Gas operated |
| Velocity: | 700 m/s |
| Feed: | 30-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights: | Iron sights- |
| Length: | 680mm 420mm (folded) |