AG-043 (АГ-043) was a Soviet compact fully automatic assault rifle or carbine chambered for the 5.45×39mm round, developed in 1975.[1] The weapon is a derivative of the earlier and similar AO-31 which also is Simonov's adaptation of the AK-47.
The AG-043 had folding stock; a version with fixed stock was given the designation AG-042. Both were designed by Simonov after the GRAU launched Project Modern intended to adopt a carbine capable of automatic fire, inspired by the US experience with XM177 in Vietnam. The Soviet contest for this design was won by Kalashnikov's AKS-74U.[2]
| AG-043 | |
|---|---|
 The AG-043 | |
| Type | Assault rifle carbine |
| Place of origin | Soviet Union |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov |
| Designed | 1974 |
| Produced | 1974 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 2.1 kg (without rounds) |
| Length | 680mm 420mm (folded) |
| Barrel length | 215 mm |
| Cartridge | 5.45×39mm |
| Caliber | 5.45mm |
| Action | Gas operated |
| Muzzle velocity | 700 m/s |
| Feed system | 30-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights - |