AKSZ
The AKSZ, known as Avtomat Kalashnikova for the Midwest (Russian: Avtomat Kalashnikova dlya Srednego Zapada), or under its Midwestern classification the KAR-1(223) (Kalashnikov Automatic Rifle 1 - .223) is a select-fire rifle chambered in .223 employed by the Midwest Union Armed Forces. Adopted in 1981, originally manufactured in the USSR and later homeland steel and milling factories near Chicago. In 2000 it was succeeded by the KAR-4. It was also used in Ope, Kurwa! (1998) by Dakotan police officers.
| AKSZ | |
|---|---|
 AKSZ 1980 Digitized Patent Drawing | |
| Type | Assault rifle |
| Place of origin | Soviet Union |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1981-present |
| Used by | The Midwest Separation Union |
| Wars | See Conflicts and Employment |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Mikhail Kalashnikov |
| Manufacturer | Kalashnikov Concern and various steel mills (Midwest) |
| Produced | 1981–present |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | Without magazine: 3.80 kg (8.4 lb) Magazine, empty: 0.50 kg (1.1 lb) |
| Length | Fixed wooden stock: 900 mm (35 in) 890 mm (35.0 in) (folding stock extended) 660 mm (26.0 in) (stock folded) |
| Barrel length | Overall length: 415 mm (16.3 in) Rifled bore length: 369 mm (14.5 in) |
| Cartridge | .223, 5.56 |
| Action | Gas-operated, closed rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | Cyclic rate: 580 rounds/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 715 m/s (2,350 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 350 m (380 yd) |
| Feed system | 25-round, 30-round, round detachable box magazine, Mini-14 Compatible |
| Sights | 100–800 m adjustable iron sights Sight radius: 378 mm (14.9 in) |
Design
The AKSZ accepts stripper clips, and has a detachable 30 round magazine, interchangeable with Ruger Mini-14 magazines. Classically equipped with a folding wire stock, some coming with wood. The receiver is notably longer than AK-47, and the trigger is further back to make room for the longer bolt and slot for stripper clips, this also slightly dampening recoil. As rounds are entered via the ejection-clip port, they are redirected down by the a telescoping extrude of the bolt, moving forward when cycling, into the inserted magazine. The foregrip is sheet metal with heat ports. The barrel is fitted with an M14 style compensator, compatible with M6 bayonets.
In later models, after complaints of the gun being too top heavy, such as the AKSZ-1, KAR-1(223)A1, the stripper clip functionality is removed, the trigger moved forward, and bolt shortened. The length of the receiver remains, simply shortening the stock. The Kalashnikov apologized, claiming failure to properly understand Midwestern gun culture in his design.
In 1984, when homeland manufacturing began, logging from northern states began to be shipped down for usage in stocks and foregrips, in addition, adding optical mounts, making early homebrew models obsolete.
Conflicts and Employment
The Department of Civilian Defense is a common user of the AKSZ variants, previously over the M14 and Mini-14, and now over the KAR-4 for its ruggedness and reliability in extreme conditions. Many police agencies are also recorded using it under surplus as the KAR-4 replaces the KAR-1 and its variants.
The AKSZ was the most common rifle of Midwestern Forces during the 1983 Dakotan Theatre for Midwestern forces, alongside the M14 and Mini-14. Use has been recorded in the Bloodletting of Kansas by Midwestern supporters.
Variants
"Homebrews"
Many soldiers of the Midwest Armed Forces have been recorded modifying their rifles, even encouraged by officers, notable modifications include:
- Wood stocks and foregrips.
- Optic mounts
- (singularly) "Private Anderson's Water Cooled LMG DMR jack-of-all-trades"
KAR-2(308)
The KAR-308 is a Midwest designed rechambering of the original model, built for armor piercing and self defense in bear country. It was also adopted by the Department of Civilian Defense's Paranormal Division for the theorized stopping power against cryptids. .
KAR-3(45)
The KAR-45 is a PDW adaption, sporting a shorter barrel, and rechambering into .45 ACP. With a "Tommy Gun" style foregrip.
