Page 395 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

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ASSA
“Birdcage” UL
flash hider
M203 grenade
launcher tube T RIFLES

Grenade-launcher trigger

GP25 grenade
launcher
▲ AK74 Based closely on the AKM,
Date 1978 the AK74 is an improved version
30-round Butt Plastic rechambered for the high-velocity
detachable magazine Origin Soviet Union intermediate 5.45 × 39mm
box magazine Weight 7 ⁄4lb (3.3kg) cartridge. The example shown
1
1
Barrel 16 ⁄4in (41.5cm) here has been equipped with
a GP25 grenade launcher.
Caliber 5.45 × 39mm
1.5-power
▼ L85A1 (SA80) Although dogged by early optical sight
Date 1985 development problems, the
“bullpup”-configured SA80 is now
Origin UK firmly established as the infantry
Weight 11lb (4.98kg) rifle of the British Army, featuring
Barrel 20 ⁄2in (51.8cm) the use of high-impact plastics and
1
optical sights as standard.
Caliber 5.56 × 45mm Flash suppressor

▲ STEYR AUG Dating back to the 1970s, the
Date 1978 futuristic and highly successful
Bipod (folded) Origin Austria AUG was among the first assault
rifles to utilize an integral optical
Weight 9lb (4.1kg) sight, plastic components, and
Barrel 20in (50.8cm) a “bullpup” configuration.
Carrying handle
containing sights Caliber 5.56 × 45mm

◀ FAMAS F1 A “bullpup” design, the FAMAS
Date 1978 F1 is a very compact weapon,
and has been used by the French
Origin France armed forces since the late
Weight 8lb (3.61kg) 1970s. Like many assault rifles,
1
Barrel 19 ⁄4in (48.8cm) it makes full use of plastics
and metal stampings.
Caliber 5.56 × 45mm
Carrying
handle
High-impact
plastic butt stock

▲ HECKLER & KOCH G41 A progression from H&K’s 7.62mm
Date 1981 G3 rifle, the G41 was rechambered Safe, semi,
to take the 5.56 × 45mm NATO burst, and fully
Origin Germany round, and could be fitted with other automatic settings
Weight 9lb (4.1kg) NATO standard features including a
Barrel 18in (45cm) universal sight mount and magazine.
It had limited military use.
Caliber 5.56 × 45mm