Kovrov AeK-919

Also known as the Kashtan, the Kovrov AeK-919 was designed and manufactured for three remnant state offices of the KGB. These are the SVD, MVD (Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs) and FSB (Russian Federal Security Service - the successor to the FSK since 1995). It was in active use during Russian operations in Chechnya.

This selective-fire submachine gun is loosely based on the Austrian Steyr MPi-69 and features a suppressible, collapsible stock, made of steel with rubberized shoulder pad. It fires 9 mm SMG rounds from a 42-round clip. It gets its name from its manufacturer - the Kovrov Mechanical Plant, which produced it in the mid-90s for the Russian Army and select Russian law enforcement agencies.

The original AeK-919 weighs 1.65 kilograms unloaded and measures 325 mm with the stock collapsed (485 mm with the stock extended). The barrel is 167 mm long and features a polygonal geometry of rifling. The unit can fire 900 rounds a minute at an effective range of 100 meters. It works on the blowback principle and features a bolt that encloses the rear portion of the barrel. This kind is commonly known as a sleeved bolt. It is equipped with L-shaped open rear sights that are gauged for distances of 50 and 100 meters. Its receiver is made of steel and the grip, trigger guard and heat shield of reinforced plastic. It shoots from a magazine that holds between 20 and 30 rounds. Kovrov has developed a version for 9 mm Parabellum rounds. All versions of the AeK-919 cost between $272 and $286.

The AeK-919 is not exactly the ideal ambidextrous weapon, owing to the fact that the safety/selector switch is positioned in such a way that the free hand must engage and disengage it during use. A recent addition is a red dot targeting sight that adds to the weapon's overall accuracy. It is also a remarkably safe submachine gun, which will not discharge if dropped accidentally. Firing it requires actual pulling of the trigger and a simple bump will not do. It is equipped with a suppressor as well as a mount on which optical accessories such as laser aiming devices and tactical illumination can be fixed.

Though considered a handy and compact weapon, it was found to be lacking in reliability during actual use by the Russian military. Accordingly, it was modified and the AYEK-919 was the result. This version is not significantly different from the original as far as appearance is concerned. The follow-up version - the AEK-919K assault rifle - has even more modern features a silencer and collimator sight. These fittings are done directly at Kovrov Mechanical Plant in Russia, which is a leading manufacturer and supplier of military supplies in that country. In fact, it received the prestigious Order of the Red Banner of Labor in 1978.

The plant got into the armaments act sometime in the 1960's, launching off with a series production of 40 mm portable multi-use anti-tank grenade launchers and diversifying into assault rifles in the early 70's. Situated in a city in Vladimir Oblast, 250 km from Moscow on the right bank of the Klyazma River, Kovrov is a major defense industry nexus. Another famous armament product by the Kovrov Mechanical Plant is the AEK-971, an assault rifle designed by Sergey I. Koksharov. It fires 7.62 x 39 mm or 5.45 x 39 mm rounds, depending on the variant, and employs standard AK-47 or AK-74 magazines with holding capacities of 30 rounds. It is reputed for being lightweight , very controllable and accurate in automatic fire mode.