Editing AK-74 (section)

===AK-74M===
[[File:Ak-74mpdomain.JPG|thumb|The AK-74M]]

In 1991, the Izhmash factory in the city of [[Izhevsk]] began full-scale production of a modernised variant of the AK-74—the '''AK-74M''' ("М"—{{langx|ru|Модернизи́рованный|Modernizírovanny|translation=modernised}}) assault rifle that offers more versatility compared with its predecessor. Apart from several minor improvements, such as a lightened bolt and carrier assembly to reduce the impulse of the gas piston and bolt carrier during firing, the rifle features a new [[Fiberglass|glass-filled]] [[polyamide]] stock that retains the shape of the original AK-74 fixed laminated wood stock, but side-folds to the left like the skeletonised AKS-74 buttstock. As a result, pistol grip reinforcement plates that were once exclusively used on the folding stock variants are standard on all AK-74Ms. Additionally the AK-74M features an improved muzzle device with extended collar and threads to reduce play and a machine cut beneath to allow easier cleaning rod removal, a reinforced smooth dust cover and a redesigned guide rod return spring retainer that allows firing the GP-25, GP-30 and GP-34 underslung grenade launchers without having to use the previously necessary additional receiver cover fastener. To reduce production costs, barrel hardware, such as the front sight base and gas block, are dimple pressed on to the barrel instead of pinned on (commercial semi-auto variants are still pinned on to maintain user serviceability).

Other economic changes include omission of lightening cuts on the front sight block and gas piston as well as a stamped gas tube release lever, replacing the milled one. The bullet guide and bolt guide were also separated, with the bolt guide becoming a simple bump held in place on the left side of the receiver with an additional rivet (often called a "bump rivet" because of this) making it easier to replace in case of wear. Each AK-74M is fitted with a side-rail bracket for mounting optics that is a simplified version of the 74N mount with less machining cuts. The AK-74M would have been adopted by the Soviet Union as the standard service rifle, and has been accepted as the new [[service rifle]] of the [[Russian Federation]].

====AK-74M UUK (Universal Upgrade Kit)====
[[File:Комплект модернизации "Обвес".jpg|thumb|Upgrade set ''Обвес'' for the AK-74M and [[AK-100 (Rifle family)|AK-100 rifle family]]]]

An AK-74M universal upgrade kit consisting of a new safety, dust cover and furniture featuring improved ergonomics and [[Rail Integration System|rails]] to attach accessories like aiming optics, [[optoelectronic]] sights, laser sights, weapon lights and vertical fore grips and a new muzzle device had its official debut on 9 May 2015 in Moscow as part of the [[2015 Moscow Victory Day Parade]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rbth.com/news/2015/05/07/kalashnikov_to_show_off_upgraded_ak-74m_at_victory_day_parade_45825.html|title=Kalashnikov to show off upgraded AK-74M at Victory Day parade |website=[[Russia Beyond]] |agency=[[TASS]] |date=7 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729044532/https://www.rbth.com/news/2015/05/07/kalashnikov_to_show_off_upgraded_ak-74m_at_victory_day_parade_45825.html |access-date=9 May 2015|archive-date=29 July 2020 }}</ref>
The Kalashnikov Concern has further developed three sets of additional equipment for the modernization of [[5.45×39mm]] and [[7.62×39mm]] chambered [[Kalashnikov rifle|AK-pattern]] assault rifles for normal military units, reconnaissance units, and special forces units.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rostec.ru/en/news/4516453 |title=An improved Kalashnikov rifle will be on display at the Victory Day Parade |work=[[Rostec]] |date=6 May 2015 |access-date=9 May 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150511180352/http://www.rostec.ru/en/news/4516453 |archive-date=11 May 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, the Kalashnikov Concern announced a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence to deliver upgrade kits for their AK-74M assault rifles.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://blog.predatorbdu.com/2015/06/russian-armed-forces-upgrade-kit-for-ak.html |title=Russian Armed Forces Upgrade Kit for AK-74M |date=June 17, 2015 |website=PredatorBDU.com |access-date=May 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624182051/http://blog.predatorbdu.com/2015/06/russian-armed-forces-upgrade-kit-for-ak.html |archive-date=June 24, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>{{Clear}}