Q&A #23: Kalashnikov Questions w/ Larry Vickers
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- www.vickersgui...
Today's questions:
02:15 - AK as replacement for PPSh?
03:52 - Benefits of an AK over a M4?
05:52 - What you learned during the process of authoring it together that you didn't know before hand that you found fascinating.
07:46 - Opinion on the IWI Ace?
09:40 - 5.45 vs 7.62
11:28 - Does the AK still has a place as a "front-line" service rifle in comparison to the AR-15 family and the various other new generation assault rifles and carbines?
12:52 - Of all the countries that made AKM variants, which is actually the best?
14:51 - Has Russia ever attempted to replace the AK platform?
15:47 - Best AK muzzle device?
17:01 - Most significant changes/improvements made to the AK platform over the last decade?
19:08 - Followup, what about the siderail optics?
21:10 - What is your favorite offshoot of the Kalashnikov family?
22:08 - Reasons for continued use of 5.45mm?
24:32 - If you were part of the original development of the AK, what would you change from the beginning with the foresight of future development?
26:29 - AK-specific Vickers Tactical training in 2019?
27:16 - Underfolder, sidefolder, AR tube adapter, which one and why?
28:33 - Thoughts on the AK prototypes with a recoil reduction counterweight?
30:48 - How does the Russian GP-25 40mm grenade launcher compare to western 40mm launchers like the M203.
31:41 - What do the Russians think about our military rifle?
33:05 - What made the AK platform superior to the SKS?
35:10 - Where do you think the AK’s reputation for poor accuracy came from?
37:40 - Thoughts on the AN-94?
39:46 - Was AK production done with technical aid or reverse engineering?
41:52 - Unique unique features on the prototypes that never made it to production?
42:39 - If I want to own everything within 300m, what's my optimal barrel length (accuracy/velocity) for a 7.62 or 5.45 gun?
/ forgottenweapons
Holy crap, Larry is looking great! Good on him.
Was thinking the same, damn I should write a book if this is what it does to your physique ;)
Yeah, he looks so slim. Wow!
No kidding, its like he's back in his Delta days ;)
@@thegoldencaulk2742 Time to turn ISIS into WASWAS! :D :D
Larry Snickers no more.
Why you two dont have a podcast together or do this weekly is beyond me. Excellent chemistry and some of the deepest gun knowledge on the planet. More of these collabs please!
For sure. Ken Hackathorn as well. That thompson/ mp5 video they did together is one of my favorites
I would sooooo donate on patreon if they did
Schedule problems I guess.
10 out of 10 would enjoy.
@@axelpatrickb.pingol3228 they dont have to be in the same room. Recording of a video call would be almost as good
Larry's reaction to when Ian asked him about the AK107, speaks very highly of the 107.
Had not seen that before and my god, that is something else.
@@foleymaj Available in Russia for more than a year. So, if you can smuggle one from here, welcome.
Cost - about 121 900 roubles, which is about 2000$
In my local gun store - 108 000, with a discount. About 1800$.
ak.kalashnikovgroup.ru/card/sr1
@@antoncomrade2043 i'll take 2
Anton Comrade ✌🏽it’s kind of funny... I don’t know what those guys were saying in that video you linked to the AK107, but they were speaking my language. 👍🏽
@@antoncomrade2043 Please tell me that you are going to have english option on your website
Still remember the look on Larry's face after shooting that 107. " Yes"!!!!!!" That was Awesome "
Russians usually say, that SKS was a backup, a "plan B", an insurance in case if the idea of an assault rifle - AK doesn't take off. Besides SKS used proven technologies, while stamping used on AK was still brand new back then.
IIRC in Soviet comedy "Maxim Perepelyica" (Максим Перепелица) made on 1955 or 1956, starring very famous actor of the period Leonid Bikov (Леонид Быков), where the main heroe serves in army, you can see soldiers carrying mostly SKS's and some AK's, which is unusual and rare, as, just as you said, the period when something like this was happening was really short.
Is SKS still a good rifle worth buying? I have a Bulgarian AKM I love but I've always wanted an SKS just don't know what kind.
@Michael Meyer at the very beginning of its production it wasn't cheap.
@Michael Meyer that's what I'm saying. First tries with stampings failed, milled recievers were too expensive. I took years to find right production technology for the AK.
@@MegaBoooooooooooooob for a lot of them the inherent accuracy is pretty good and I know people who can shoot them very well . I've never personally like them though. The ergonomics are just wonky to me . The trigger is heavy and the cleaning process is a lot more complicated than it needs to be . Also the trigger isn't just heavy they are often gritty with a bit of a slap to it . So you get an awkward length of pull, very tiny notch sites, awful trigger, and stripper clips. Also a weird safety. they aren't cheap anymore either . So one reason to have them might be you live in a very fudd area, and hunting with an AK would be frowned on. right now the main one is you just like the idea of it . Maybe the history maybe the aesthetics . A dollar for dollar right now you can buy better AK or better AR for the same or less money . You getting in SKS it's because you just like the idea of an SKS . And that's a fine reason , but if it isn't your reasoning you probably want a different gun.in
@@GunFunZSAh ok yea I thought they went up in price, definitely just a novelty/historical buy for me. Need an AR though, thanks.
great info as always!
You should write a book...😊🤑$$$
I love seeing Larry and Ian do these videos ad I very much appreciate the sense of respect between the two even with their different backgrounds. Sometimes, guys who've been in these special team roles will have a bit of a chip on their shoulder regarding non-veteran shooters but Larry treats Ian, deservedly so, like a peer, and Ian clearly is eager to hear and learn from Larry background and wealth of experience as well. Just two great sources of information sharing their passion for engineering, learning and shooting and we all get to come along and reap the rewards of such a meeting of the minds as it were. Great content as always Ian, much thanks for what you do and much thanks to Larry Vickers for all he's done for the shooting community and showing us interesting things the average shooter doesn't get to see.
I think Larry is preparing to deploy again lol.
Rhino IV at his age I don’t know about him being deployed but I could definitely see him gearing up to do some Sam Fisher type shit in his spare time
@@jasonarmstrong5750 Exactly, when he's not making videos he's out fultoning some soldiers to create his own Outer Haven.
@@allunavaliable *laughter stops*
That's what I saw thinking.
Ryan M Is he taking applications for his Outer Heaven?
Do I get a sweet Militaires Sans Frontières beret? Vision? Dental? 401K?
11B
Damn, I want this book. Larry V is lookin like a brand new operator in this vid.
MattV2099: Guns & Food who are you? Your name seems so familiar, like a lost memory from years past.
Make a video
I'm glad that Larry lost some weight, I myself gained a lot of pounds when I left the army 15 years ago.Best wishes from Serbia to both of them!
Serbia? How's the weather on your side of the world. It's nearly winter in North america.
Snowing in the Kootenays. ....
@@dragonsword7370 It's a bit warm for this time in the year.Today in my hometown of Novi Sad, during the day was about 23 C or 73 F...
Ago.Best
year.Today
I'd like to see the class where they try to teach recruits how to disassemble and do maintenance on the AN-94.
Speed it up and set to Benny Hill music.
or g-11. Crazy germans really thought people would want a device like that.
@@dandini0698 I’d want a G11, I couldn’t afford one but I still want it
@@danielamador5932 i'd settle for a regular ar-15 mate, i cant buy rifles in my country :/
Wow, he has lost so much weight! That's great!!!
Payton Lefler, he got sick of the internet ninjas calling him fat. In my opinion he can get as fat as he wants. It doesn’t change the man!
Bano Esparza yeah, he’s still hundreds of times more badass than those people.
You are winning at life Ian. Side note: Larry Vickers is becoming one of my favorite people by showing up here so often. Looking forward to the future collaborations between the two of you. Cheers from Colorado, gentlemen!
Larry Vickers is a boss. I want to make it clear that I love him on this channel doing these Q&As and other videos. Please do more.
I love this book so much! I'm a massive AK fan and I can't wait for more. But, this book is top notch with a lot of excellent information and fantastic super rare photos. The entire team that put this book together did an unbelievable job! The other Vickers Guide books are awesome too but this one is my favorite so far.
Larry and Ian can read the dictionary and i'd still be fascinated
This is the MOST informative video on RUclips with regard of AK engineering! Larry attends crossfit and lost a lot of weight, he looks so much healthier. Keep it up! Ordering my AR and AK books straight away.
Keep these Q&A coming can listen to them all day.
Larry's fitness journey has been a great motivator and goal
Listening to them both is like heaven. I could listen to them 24/7 untill I die.
Good job staying in shape Larry, lifes too short without making it unnecessarily shorter. Excellent work with the books, loved the AR15 volumes but borrowed my mates 1911 book and was continually impressed with how clean and high quality the images were. The formatting was also excellent.
I'd love to see another Q&A with Larry.
22:09 - I know for sure that during development of what will become Makarov's pistol (PM) soviet army leaders deliberately asked for round almost identical to 9mm para/luger (which impressed them a lot) but NOT interchangeable with western block guns. Reasoning was simple - since both major wars for Russia/USSR started with deep retreat and therefore huge stock of ammo got captured, they didn't want to give chance to future enemies to use soviet ammo. It is well-known that one of the biggest problems for Germans in 1941-42 was logistics - simply getting supplies from Germany to Moscow or Stalingrad. If they had some captured ammo compatible with their guns, it could free loads of transporting lines, let them deliver warm clothes for winter for example and maybe even move further.
I have no information on 5.45, but my best guess would be that soviets had same reasons for making something like 5.56, but not compatible.
Interesting.
Ian and Larry. What a great combination. More please. 👍👍
This by far is the greatest interview you’ve done that I’ve seen
Thank you 🙏
Larry, my wife didn’t even recognize you. She said, “That’s Larry Vickers? Did he lose a ton of weight?” She thought you were some “young man.” My wife is 33. That must make you feel good.
Careful before she bears his kids
It's always an honour to have you two just sit and talk, thank you.
Over 30 years ago I was issued with a AKS 74 N and an Makarov by the east german army during my national service. I had only expirience with airguns. First time on the shooting range I was 3rd place!
The sound was awful but the 74 handled like an airgun. Never had a malfunktion. The ugly safety leaver was extrem helpful in cold conditions. With the 9mm Makarov on the other hand I was unable to hit a barndor (from inside). Mr. Vickers is absolutely right. For untrained drafted Soldiers it was easy to handle. I'm happy that I never had to point a weapon on a human being.
Would be very interesting to hear those arguments on STG influence.
My two favorite weapons guys. Excellent.
I traded off my SKS's for AK variants. Prices are crazy on them now compared to what they were, so it worked out for me.
Keaton Jorgensen
They’ve gone up in price? My dad bought his when they were being sold for dirt cheap.
Super fun to watch. You both are a lot of fun to listen too
Youre really looking great Larry. Awesome to see you doing so well
The discussion was fantastic. It was great to listen to Larry's and Ian's ideas on the specific AK design details and their value.
Excellent presentation, thank you for your time posting this incredibly well done content.
Quite informative. Good to see two masters cooperating on an important work.
I really enjoyed this one. Larry always has excellent insight on the practicality of a firearm and it meshes so well with Ian's engineering background and design knowledge.
First Forgotten Weapons video I didnt watch primarily for learning about weapons. I saw Larry on the picture and had to see whats this about. Really Larry is looking great. Thumbs up
Great work. Very informative Q&A.
I can't wait until the next Q&A this is some very interesting stuff from Ian and Larry. I always enjoy the different points of view and the natural unedited nature of these Q&As
Still, some of the most intelligent content on the web.Mr. Vickers is a true American Hero. You, Ian are scholar. Hell, I had to buy the book, so I can enjoy the material with out the infrastructure. Thanks to you both.
Larry, my deepest respect. You got the courve, we say in Germany. Lost 20 kilos myself during the last year.
@ChiliContestWinner :-) Curve, I made a spelling mistake. "Die Kurve bekommen" means "get one's act together".
Great discussion, hope you guys do more collaborations and that book looks great!
God bless the men and women in uniform.
I thank God,there’s men like LAV standing watch in parts unknown always at the ready. And Mr.Vickers, you owe nobody an explanation. Thank you for your time ,thank you for your service.
If you like guns, you gotta love this. Thank you Ian and Larry.
Thank you for this great video!
Heavier sights mounted on the AK side rail would wiggle with each shot because A) the stamped receiver is not rigid enough for scope mounting, B) the AK side rail mount creates a cantilever, not stable enough even for the forged receiver like SVD or VSS rifle.
For problem A, SG550 series has a stronger receiver and the inside frame as bolt carrier rail to improve the overall stiffness. Other rifles like FNC has a similar design for scope mounting.
Problem B is a little more tricky, but Russians have some excellent designs to solve it. If you search Russian patent RU 2530794, this is a side rail designed for VSS/AS VAL/SR3 family. It has two pins interacting with two openings on the receiver to help the side "dovetail" to keep the scope mount stable. Of course the previous and newer AK12 have better designs to deal with it.
Talk about a study in contrasts! Ian is about the most humble guy there is, while Vickers takes himself so seriously - totally cracks me up !
Thank you so much for the timestamps in the descriptions.
I have watched many videos of Larry - I think I have never seen him so hyped about any gun as he did with AK-107. It is officially on my bucket list now.
You'd have to go to Russia to buy one.
always great so see larry on the channel
This is pretty good stuff. Hope that these collaborations continue regardless of what books come next.
There is just something beautiful about watching two professionals talk about their field of expertise.
I am not a "gun person", I am a hilariously bad shooter, and do not own even a single gun. I watch RUclips channels like Forgotten Weapons (Ian) and C&Rsenal (Othias) for the historical, and engineering context. But I if I have enough money I think I am getting that book as a Christmas present for myself!
Most excellent video. Thank you Master Sgt. Vickers you are a legend and a phenomenal addition to Ian and Forgotten Weapons.
I thank you both as well for being such stand up models for gun ownership. A man could possibly not ever find 2 more knowledgeable gentlemen anywhere.
I just received my signed copy. Simply amazing and the pictures are stunning. I'm extremely impressed at the quality and in depth information, very well done and detailed. Not just a "coffee table book". Looking good Larry and best of luck Ian. Glad to see you guys collaborating on projects like this, my question is to Larry: how was it to work with Ian, were you starstruck? :) .
THIS IS SUCH A GOOD VIDEO!! Thank you so much!
Larry is probably the best guest youve brought onto the channel
Geez Lazza, shifted you from the back to the front paddock mate. Nice work. Fantastic insight to a firearm that we only get to see on the six o'clock news down in Aus. Cheers to you both.
Great video. Ian and Larry seem to vibe real good together.
Great video! Definitely worth the time spent watching it and then some!
One of the best videos I have seen a while! GREAT WORK!
And I get a strange satisfaction (No homo) when Larry Vickers vocalizes the way I feel about the AK platform and the 7.62x39 cartridge. Like I've naturally followed the right path.
Excellent video with lots of information, thank you for taking the time to make.
Haha, I love Larry's honesty and frankness in the beginning!
I could listen to/watch larry/ian talk about/pontificate about the ak all day every day ;-)
Finally a video with Vickers that does not have a filter.
You both are my favourite gun channels
Спасибо, приезжайте ещё.
Great vid, always a pleasure to listen to Larry, in real life or on video. But here one thing that you're are wrong about. Yugoslavia started production of AKs without soviet tooling and help, they reverse-engineered guns that they acquired through several different sources. I will touch on that in my article about Iraqi AK that I am writing right now.
I am from yugoslavia, and i used our version in the army. Owned a few years later, just for the fun of it. Illegaly though, there was no other way of owning it. And i had a opportunity to try out a russian one, army issue, made in 1986. they were on par quality wise, both well made akms. And i shot a 5.45 ak 74. having to chose, i would go with 7.62. bullet weight. AKs are just a different tool compared to ARs. different. I would love to try out 100 series, and give 2 litres of blood for an opportunity to shot one in 9x39. just for the sake of curiosity.
I fought against the AK in Viet Nam. but it was 25+ years later before I bought one for my own.
~My first AK was the Arsenal SLR-95 and I've been hooked ever sense. Today I own three AK Rifles with a hankering for a forth and a fifth.
~IMO, the 7.62 x 39 is the perfect 100 to 400 meter range battle cartridge with the AK the perfect platform to use it.
~I have always prefered iron sights on my AK Battle Rifles, but if I need a magnified sight, I will use an RS Regulate Side Mount or an TWS Dust Cover Mount. I have both available for me to use. My older eyes are needing magnified sights. Nature reminds me I am not 25m anymore..
I have never heard Larry Vickers laugh before. Great video as always
I can mod any brake to hide flash. With virtually no added weight,and btw people have forgotten the uses of the sling we buy things to aid in recoil management,instead of using time tested techniques.
Looking good Vickers!
I just found this video. What an excellent interview and discussion. Thanks
The more I hear Vikers talk about AKs the more I like him.
Good talk! Thanks guys :)
Woaw Larry looks amazing. 😍
Holy shit Larry Vickers back in beast mode.
A couple things I appreciate about Mr. Vickers is his service to his country, if he doesn't know the answer to a question he will actually say "I don't know" instead of filling you up with bullshit like most gun guys would, and he doesn't hate AK.
Awesome interview guys. Congrats on that book. It's beautiful.
Great conversation. Really enjoyed it!
Just ordered a copy of the AK book! Looks fricking great; thanks for all your hard work guys!
Q #1:
a) AK and SKS were both developed and tested to use new intermediate cartridge and solely because of the emergence of that cartridge. That program was sort of a long shot started in the middle of a war.
b) Ian's idea of SKS replacing SVT and AK replacing PPSh is based on both pre-war and end-war ideas of soviet automatic weapon distribution policy. See below.
c) Pre-war idea was that SVT would be main service rifle for all combat units with Mosin remained a support unit / some marksmen / reserve weapon. PPSh was intended as a sergeant (trained soldier) weapon (the idea shared with Wehrmacht, although some TOE describe a squad with sergeant armed with SVT and two guys with SMGs). Officers got their pistols/revolvers.
Some 1941 pre-war rifle rgt. TOE had ~50 SMGs, ~1200 SVTs, ~900 Mosins.
d) In the course of the war expensive and hard to produce SVTs were phased out, new cheap SMGs introduced, SMG companies did emerge in every rifle rgt. Industry demonstrated an ability to mass produce crap loads of ammo to support mass auto weapons rearmament.
e) So SKS and AK were roughly distributed 50/50 in combat units, SKS for accurate long range fire, AK for automatic fire.
f) Later on, SKS was considered too expensive and under powered in contrast to miraculous AK. It was repurposed for rear-echelon troops like AA units (in use until late 80s).
That's the short version of it, i did omit some crucial details.
Wow Larry have seen you in a few years. You look super fit, good for you!!
Looking great Larry!
Hey guys, great video! I hope to see more videos put out like this one!
Excellent Q & A.
Thanks Larry. I spoke to a former Red Army soldier in the early 2000's who said that they (Russian Army soldiers) were afraid of the M16A2. They were afraid of its advancements over the Ak system, extended range and use of optics.
Omg...best AK vid ever aswell as YOUR best production. Thats saying a lot! Thank you and thamk you again.
Wow! Larry's looking sharp! Great vid, fellas!
these two guys are the gun kings
Larry & Ian on the same video?? 🤯🤯🤯🤯 Thanks God!! must see it!! 😎
I’m sensing a Captain price kind of vibe from Larry bc that beard
I used both in the army. The 5.45x39 is a really big deal for accuracy, recoil managment and mobility for its weight
Dam, just looked at 2015 ak 107 Larry video, and you are compleatly different person, also great Jan great video this is :)
A very great video Ian and Larry. Both of you are incredible with your knowledge. Also Larry some very good points about the AK, as to selector, sights, folding stocks. Like you Larry I am still an AK 7.62X39 man. I prefer the AK over the M-4 M-16 system. However I agree about the positive things about the M-4 etc. Thanks again.
Larry's really trimmed down; kudos to him!
Excellent discussion!
Im surprised about your level of knowledge about our firearm stock in Finland. Very flattering 🤭😄
Bravo! Very interesting conversation.
A big reason 7.62x39 isn't going anywhere, especially compared to 5.56, is its solid performance in very short barreled applications without losing effectiveness and that the blast is a lot less severe. The velocity loss going from a 16" to a 10" 7.62x39 is minimal compared to what you see in 5.56. There are also superb flash suppressing devices, such as the Bulgarian 4 Piece, that eliminate flash, and direct the blast forward, far better. That or a suppressor.
@Proper 3D Yeah, 5.45 does well too. It just hasn't caught on nearly as widely as the .30 cal unfortunately.
You should both check Sureshot Armament Group (SAG), they build a chassis for the AK that resolves all the issues.
It's fixed on the front trunion, it doesn't move when you shoot, the barell is free-floated, they have a custom gas tube, they have a m-lok handguard replacable with all ACR-compatible handguards if you want. The mount is very low and yet you can remove the top cover. You have iron sights still and enough real estate to mount peq-15's, flashlights, light intensification, etc.
With the rail system and handguard mounted, the weight of the rifle is lower than the base rifle with wood or polymer furniture.
Any AKm or ak-74 in it's basic configuration can be turned in a 21st century rifle with only this mod (and a krebs selector if you want).
I tried a prototype, the barell heats less, there is no POI shift, you can mount a bipod and retain perfect zero, etc. On a 74 you hit a torso target 100% at 500 meters with barnaul ammo. At 300 meters you hit a head 80% (might also be shooter's error).
I think if you want the most modern and ergonomic AK, you take a Sig 550, but if you want an "original" AK you take a 1000$ russian 74 and this 500$ chassis.
Great guest. Good QA.