| TKB-517 | |
| Type: | Assault rifle |
| Origin: | Soviet Union |
| Is Ranged: | yes |
| Manufacturer: | Tula Arms Plant |
| Variants: | TKB-317 TKB-454 TKB-516 TKB-523 |
| Weight: | (unloaded) (loaded with 30-round magazine) |
| Length: | 910mm |
| Part Length: | 415mm |
| Cartridge: | 7.62×39mm |
| Action: | Lever-delayed blowback |
| Rate: | 560 rounds/min |
| Feed: | 30-round detachable box magazine Belt (TKB-516) |
| Sights: | Adjustable iron sights |
The TKB-517 (Russian: ТКБ-517) is an assault rifle designed by German Aleksandrovich Korobov. This rifle was externally similar to the AK-47, but based on the lever-delayed blowback mechanism invented by John Pedersen and refined by Pál Király. It turned out to be more reliable, more accurate and controllable under full auto, and easier to produce and maintain.[1] Like the AK series, it was also manufactured with folding stocks, longer, heavier barrels with bipods (forming light support weapons) and even a belt-fed variant. Its rejection was because of a greater proficiency with the AK-47 among the Soviet military, though it is just as likely it was rejected due to relatively high extraction pressure, which is a common issue firearms using lever-delayed blowback actions.[2]
The TKB-517 is externally similar to the AK-47 and field-strips similarly, but instead it uses lever-delayed blowback for its operation, slightly reducing recoil and making it more controllable. The receiver is made from pressed steel with laminated wood stock, grip and handguards.[3]