Originally Posted By themao:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R5YKIKVVho

Please watch before Youtube takes it down.

I think the use of a punch for disassembly has to do with Russian gun laws. He also mentions that it cannot be fired with the stock folded.

They could still make some improvements to make it on par or superior to the Sig 550, Galil ACE and FN SCAR in my opinion. A non-reciprocating charging handle and an improved safety selector would be a great start.

Originally Posted By InfamousAK:


Love the video, super depressed due to its unobtanium status.

How It Came About
The Kalashnikov AKV-521 was developed upon request of Russian users who extensively use LPVO optics together with Thermal/NV Clip-ons and Weapon lights/IR illuminators on their go-guns. The Kalashnikov AKV-521 was first announced via social networks in late 2020 in semi-auto version geared toward the civilian market.
Kalashnikov AKV-521 is built upon a strong foundation of original Kalashnikov AK system, but with many modern features. Designed by team led by Valentin Vlasenko, the AKV-521 is intended to provide users with modular, multi-caliber weapon which solves key problem inherent to basic AK-47 type platform – lack of a stable base for mounting modern LPVO optics and NV devices. To achieve this goal, the Kalashnikov AKV-521 is designed with basic layout similar to weapons such as SIG SG 550 or FN FNC. This means that instead of the traditional U-shaped receiver with detachable top cover the AKV-521 now features separate upper receiver with solid top, and a lower receiver which houses trigger and magazine. Due to modular nature of the gun, it is planned to be offered with optional additional upper receivers with barrels, allowing for quick caliber or configuration change. The Kalashnikov AKV-521 carbine was scheduled to enter initial serial production by mid-2021 and offered in several most popular intermediate calibers, such as 5.45x39mm, 5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm, and with two barrel lengths, standard 415 mm and short 345 mm.

The Reason Behind AKV 521
The primary reason for designing the 500-series rifles is probably the need for having a solid full-length top Picatinny rail. Kalashnikov’s Avtomat originally didn’t have any optics mounting provision as the gun was designed in an era where scopes were specialized gadgets and not something that every rifleman was supposed to be equipped with. Later on, facing a need for mounting scopes on AKs, some rifles were fitted with the side scope mount. In 100-series AKs, the side rail became standard. While the side rail is not a bad scope mounting solution, it has its limitations in terms of scope location and ergonomics. With the adoption of AK-12 and AK-15 rifles, the Russian military ditched the side rail and transitioned to using the Picatinny rail on large scale. However, these rifles have a Picatinny rail on the receiver top cover and although the Kalashnikov Concern came up with an advanced way of top cover attachment, it’s arguably not ideal either. Now, in the AKV-521, the railed upper receiver and barrel are basically “permanently” attached to each other. We think it is safe to say that this series of rifles will be the factory Russian AKs with the most rigid and reliable top Picatinny rail.

How It Works
The Kalashnikov AKV-521 uses traditional Kalashnikov-type gas operated system with long stroke piston and rotating 2-lugs bolt. Major departure from traditional layout is that charging handle is moved to the left side of the bolt carrier and is made detachable for disassembly. Charging handle slot is covered by a spring-loaded dust cover, similar to that used on the FN FNC or IWI Galil ACE rifle. Gas system, with fixed gas tube welded to the upper receiver, and with removable maintenance plug at the front is taken off the Kalashnikov AK-12 rifle. Both the upper and the lower receiver are made from stamped steel. Upper receiver formed from 1.5mm thick steel sheet, with forged and machined barrel trunnion pinned at the front. Additional strength is provided by bolt carrier rails and the rear cross-bridge, pinned inside the receiver. Lower receiver of AKV-521 is based on the receiver of the AK-12 rifle, with necessary modifications at the front and at the rear.