AN-94 is so damn cool. Nice work, Jonathan Ferguson, the keeper of firearms and artillery at the Royal Armouries Museum in the UK, which houses a collection of thousands of iconic weapons from throughout history.
Hey Dave! I have to say I really appreciate your work bringing Jonathan and the museum into our awareness, I hope you get back on your feet and I'd love to see you do more of the same on an independent channel, or even on something similar to Loadout on Royal Armouries!
As a young girl who grew up in the mountains with rifles, and was kind of a nerd, I remember hearing about this rifle in some magazine somewhere: this was in the Pierce Brosnan James Bond days, and I really had a crush on him and fancied myself as a Bond girl. And I always was fascinated by this rifle and dreamed of owning one, because it really did seem like one of the most advanced ideas in a rifle that I'd ever heard of. Two accurate shots with the recoil of a single shot? It was a fascinating idea to me. I didn't know much about the world then, and as I came of age in the 90's after the fall of the iron curtain: didn't really know much about the Soviet Union, (and so had no idea they had gazillions of AK's in storage), and so I thought this was going to be the future Russian rifle. As an adult, I learned that a lot of really innovative ideas are often not used simply because they're more expensive. One could theoretically engineer an incredible rifle using watch-like gear drive systems, or electronics: but it would drive the cost up and the complexity. I've learned that in a lot of rifles: simpler is often better, as simpler usually means more reliable and easier to fix. But still, I've always had a kind of romance for this rifle, as it's just an incredible idea to my nerdy self, even now.
"One could theoretically engineer an incredible rifle using watch-like gear drive systems, or electronics: but it would drive the cost up and the complexity." Not just in theory. The crazy Germans at H&K did just that with the G11. And yes, it was way to expensive to ever be introduced as a service rifle 😅
I will second this, it felt much less "sterile" than previous videos, if that makes sense. More clever editing helped introduce some nice levity, and the structure made it feel more like a high-cost commercial production. This one definitely stuck the landing.
One the greatest AN-94 videos with shooting, breakdown, historical significance, it’s purpose, thank you Royal Armories, and Johnathan Ferguson for showing us how awesome these rare firearms from
Magnificient, thank you! About the Abakan trials, it's worth to mention the other "blowback shiftted pulse" gun, Igor Stechkin's TKB-0146. It worked similarly to the AN-94, as it had the recoiling, gas operated "gun inside the gun", with similar two stage feeding from a stationary magazine. Instead of the pulley, the bolt carrier had a hooked "tail", which pulled the next round from the magazine to the lifter, in parallel with the bolt chambering the previous round from the lifter. Because of this, the gun had to be charged twice after reloading. TFB had a nice article about it in 2018. This gun was designed about a year before Nikonov came up with prototype of the AN-94 (named "ASM" during the trials), so it's possible, that Nikonov took inspiration from Stechkin's two stage feeding method, and develepod it further with the pulley and cable, to eliminate the need of the dual charging after reload and unload. Sorry, if I commented this multiple times.
I miss Jonathan on Gamespot - and I hope you’re considering something separate with Dave - but life sends us some compensations in the form of this incredible deep dive footage! The AN-94 is an amazing gun.
Larry Vickers did a video on the AN-94 and what he showed is that when it jams, it jams really hard and becomes unusable. That is why it was rejected as a standard issue rifle.
This… any simple jam turns into a nightmare double feed the instant you try and clear it. Merely opening the bolt to see what happens immediately shoves another round into the situation.
I served in the US Army mostly prior to the first gulf war. We carried the M-16A2 with 3 round burst, and a Beretta 9mm. I was not a crack marksman by any means, but I can see how the Soviet and US programs to build the next primary infantry weapon were very similar. Great video!
That was impressive, seeing how well the hyperburst mode actually tightens the group. And it's simple as well. As long as you don't have to open and manipulate the rifle.
So will we also get a video on balanced recoil systems a la the AEK971? There’s been a recently released system in America for AR15 style weapons, I’d be very curious to see military production version.
There are videos about the ak107 I think it is called Same concept, but civilian weapon The main conclusion was that it doesn't really do much, the muzzle brake does most of the work
@@DPRK_Best_Korea I ask only because, 1: Haven't seen a video like that, 2: I own a FAL but not a M14, and 3: would be a great video series to look out for. I can only compare a FAL to an AR-10 and CETME model C since those are what I have. But I do have an M1 Garand.😏
Petition for Royal Armories to hire Irregular Dave on their YT/ Social media team. He and Jonathan are the only reason I’m subbed here and have donated in the past.
That Johnathan was bloody excellent over the two episodes. Second being broadly (& strangely given the 'strip') more enjoyable than the first. Big thumbs up from me. ✅
Beautiful video Jonathan! Only thing i may add, is prevalence of 7,62 in SpecOps units is caused not only by perceived advantage in stopping power, but also by ammo distribution and silencers available to those units. It's a long story, but 5,45 subsonic was hard to make and produce, silencers was really demanding and there was problem with it. In result, many units choose to run 9x39 and 7,62.
Subsonic 5.45 isn't hard to make, it's just incredibly wimpy because there's only so much mass you can put in the bullet (only 5.2 grams as opposed to 12.5 of 7,62x39 and 16 for 9x39). 9x39 itself was designed to have a beefier bullet than 7,62x39 but it's effectiveness in open combat is lacking so lots of units hang on to AKM or 103 as multipurpose rifles - not as good as a VSS or AK-74 but does both adequately.
Some of the deepest dive into Abakan program would be a book (in Russian) by Dvoryaninov - Volume 4 of his 4-volume series Боевые патроны стрелкового оружия, it has over 100 pages on it including diagrams and charts from various trials, including comparisons of Nikonov's designs against AK-74 and other competitors from the same program. It's available on the Internet, if one searches deep enough.
Interesting how your groups with the AN look identical to the ones Garand Thumb had in his video, with the first pair spread out more and then subsequent groups tightening up. But always one high and left and the other low and right
@@tiagobelo4965 possibly, but it's more likely that the first impulse is much sharper which pushes your shoulder away and because of the changing fire rate it makes it harder to anticipate and control. With a lot of practice you could probably train it out, but as Jonathan points out it's not worth the extra cost.
Credit where it's due. Larry Vickers of course also filmed with it but there was a fair bit of overlap with GT there and the latter was able to stretch its legs better due to actually having one in hand.
From gamespot to here, you have really come into your own Mr. Ferguson. I think I speak for the entire internet gun nerd community when I say we're very pleased to have another member of the guntube A listers.
Having owned several Aks, one thing which isnt taken into consideration is the use of corrosive ammo. Cleanimg any Ak is messy, water or east german army gun oil but cleaning this after some use must be awful!
Alright Jonathan Ferguson, keeper of arms and artillery, I'd like to see a video about the Ultimax 100 lmg or the KAC LAMG. Both of which use the Continuous recoil design. Since we're talking about automatic weapons with very little felt recoil I think the Ultimax/KAC LAMG would fit into that theme quite well.
@@JonathanFergusonRoyalArmouries i am really curious about the reciprocating top tube over the barrel of the MGX, it looks like it is supposed to increase the distance the recoiling parts cover before the next shot is fired to achieve constant recoil and reduced rate of fire, but i could never see inside the tube in any of the videos/patent drawings.
Well worth whatever price or finagling the RA had to do to get these rifles. Good educational & entertaining video. Shows how important national collections are. If these were in private hands or a purely military pattern room, we'd rarely get a chance to enjoy or understand them properly.
In my opinion, the coolest rifle ever made. I so wish more of them were made, it saddens me that they're too rare to be fired. And man, what I wouldn't give to own one...
Seeing stuff like this puts things in perspective sometimes. 500 miles is a day trip here in the states. 500 miles can get you to a LOT of different places in Europe.
To me the most impressive thing is that they actually made this idea into a working machine, reliable and lightweight enough and suited for mass production, unlike all other attempts with similar ideas. Obviously it's too complicated for regular soldier and most shooters just don't need this super burst capability.
10:06 I want to fix Jonathan Ferguson a bit. A video was released on Kalashnikov's official RUclips channel a year ago comparing the shooting of an AK-74 and an AN-94.
@Jonathan Wonderful pair of videos m8 ...... maybe after this is it would be good to make a video about the AEK 971/973... as am sure many interested in AN94 would enjoy.
Hello there, Jonathan Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms and Artillery at the Royal Armouries Museum, which houses a collection of thousands of iconic weapons from throughout history!
Man, such a cool platform. Think my 1st experience with the gun was BF Bad Company 2 and I loved it there. I also love the AK12 burst in Escape from Tarkov as well. I was aghast at the take down you did on last video and its overall complexity, great stuff.
Since these are only given, in a very limited way, to some special forces units in the Russian military, and since special forces soldiers in all countries have an advance firearms training in comparison to a regular soldier. It would be interesting to see how a special forces guy (American, British, Mexican it doesn't matter) would perform in full auto mode using his special training and experience, with both the AN-94 and AK-74. Larry Vickers is a Delta Force vet, but in his videos he only shows his performance with the hyper-burst mode. Amazing video, thanks.
Since the previous video I was wondering if you could file down, or manufacture a new pivoting seer part that would make the gun fire double shots every recoil cycle in full auto? so instead of 1 hyperburst followed by 600rpm it would be constant hyper bursts at 600rpm frequency
Fairly impressive two round groups in hyperbust mode. However, I wonder if locating & seating the magazine was ever an issue, due to the somewhat odd angle. Fascinating comparison between these two rifles, and a great video, Jonathan.
When Mikhail Kalashnikov was asked to redesign the AK-47 for the new 5.45x39, he was not at all keen on the smaller calibre. He did it anyway, as he said if he didn't do it, someone else would have. India chose the 7.62x39 for the AK-203 which it will make under licence. I'll bet Henry Chan would like to get his hands on a AN-94.
Hi Jonathan, your two-parter on the AN94 has been excellent. One of those occasions where actually shooting the gun materially adds to our understanding of the system. Slightly off topic, but does anyone in the west produce a muzzle break of this design? Andrew HBSA Northern Group
1:19 I might be mistaken, but I believe there was a video by Kalashnikov Concern which had such a comparison. 2:50 To be frank, this is the first time I'm hearing of the AK74 in the mid-'70s as a stop-gap. I've always thought that the shift in perspective came somewhere in the late '70s or early '80s. 3:13 There was a significant deal of experiments with flechette round in the Soviet Union as well, but it was more focused on replacing the full-power rifle rounds. 4:17 I don't think the requirements were that specific, the often-repeated formula is 'increase the accuracy in automatic mode from unstable shooting positions' (so not prone or supported). 5:15 These two were the ones that were seen as more promising, but aside from increasing the rate of fire (like both of the approaches you're discussing essentially do) in comparison to the AK74, there was also a suggestion to decrease it. 6:52 Incidentally, the reason behind the sights redesign was to improve accuracy, although 1P29 optical sights were to be used as well (which ended up being ordered in significatly larger numbers thanks to their compatibility with the AK74N/NS/M family). 10:52 Well, limited experience is preferable here, since we're talking about a conscript army. In fact, that was one of the main criticisms of the aforementioned Kalashnikov media video: the demonstration was done by a very experienced shooter, who was very skillful in terms of compensating for recoil and as such found no benefit in AN-94 to the point of finding it detrimental to his accuracy. 15:56 I might be mistaken here, but it may very well be that this statement should be taken with an important qualifier: such an improvement is achieved when comparing hyperburst to manually controlled burst in full-auto mode. 17:36 Incidentally, the inability to deliver meaningful improvement in accuracy in full-auto mode was the bane of many Soviet attempts at developing assault rifle optical sights. So there's a reason to be suspicious of the ASM adoption on methodological grounds as well.
74 was supposed to be replaced by more advanced rifle.. but after hundreds (double barrel, bullpup, flechette, dublex, etc) attempts it remains in use. Ak-12 seemed like it could replace it but it all fell apart and 2022 "ak-12" is just another ak-74 with new furniture
@@Salesman9001 Was about to say. The 74 was a response in part to the M16 lethality being higher than expected by the sovjets in Vietnam. Or, initially it was seen as 'lethality' later more as damage per loadout in some reports. There are different wordings to it in different reports that are known, so it's not clear as far as I know what was a deciding factor but we do know the reports exist and that the discussion did go that way. Partly funnily in almost parallel with the heavier bullet most often known as the VSS 9x39 or AS VAL. Then all 3 systems existed in parallel with the VAL, SR3 and various 9x39 rifles that were being developed at the same time with new 5.45x39 rifles and used in the field along 7.62x39 rifles. Proliferation heh, they made really few of each rifle relatively. Even the various 74 models and derivatives never reached the numbers of the AKM's in stock. The AK-1x(x) exist in all 3 calibers afaik but the 9x39 was not a hit - forget the name(number) of it but there were enough of the 500 other small production things they made it in for that not to be an issue. Btw the AK100 series are underwhelming in person, the manufacture quality is a far cry from the late 70s to mid 80s Sovjet things I've seen that were honestly really beautifully made guns for being military. Unless they've upgraded the AK100 production since the stuff I saw which was late 90s.
@@noth606 Try hitting shift + enter or enter button if on phone to avoid these blocks of text that are hard to read But yeah. 9x39 was always meant for specialist use like police, speznaz and paratrooper since it is honestly good suppressed cartridge. 1XX series is worse made than type 56 and that really is saying something about their arms industry (56 is not good lol)
1:19 KC did in one video compare hyperburst against single shot accuracy and showed the targets, then they did shoot the '74 on burst but failed to show the targets thus rendering the comparison pointless. 2:50 Stop-gap is my term and perhaps implies that they already had something in mind - no, they didn't know what would replace the '74 but the point is that they DID know they wanted to replace it with a new weapon. Hence stop-gap. I have to simplify for time and understanding and I'm speaking off the cuff :) I don't think it's wrong per se. 4:17 I don't think that contradicts what I said. 15:56 Well, yes - that's what we had just demonstrated. I'm not sure I needed to caveat.
The requirements were specific. Increase the efficiency of automatic fire in short bursts when firing from unstable positions by 1.5 - 2 times. 1.5 is the minimum level. 2 is desirable.
Just heard about the GameSpot situation, Mr Ferguson. Oh well, guess I'll just be getting my weekly fix of interesting, informative and enjoyable content direct from source.
Fingers crossed you guys can get that AEK rifle that was the competitor to this in trials everyone that has shot it seems surprised by how well its recoil system works
he has such a tough job.. having to deal with thousands of different weapons from history till today.. worst of all, he has to even shoot them sometimes. im still amazed by how quick that burst fire of the AN is, its like 1 shot.
Tiny correction - special forces and recon keep using 7,62 AKs because it's subsonic round doesn't suck (direct analogue of .300AAC in all respects) so they can have both sneaky stealthy gun and a general purpose rifle for the weight of one. As for the AN-94's effectiveness your analysis is spot on - the conclusion was that the hyperburst is nice but in every other respect it's worse than an AK-74.
Absolutely Fascinating!! as a Gamer i love the variety and different worlds they take us too and when it comes to self defense in games one of my favourite games ever has to be Battlefield 4 The AN-94 was featured in the game but i never understood it and thought it just another strange foreign AK clone and so seeing everyone use the AEK-971 and AK5C's ACWR's MP7's all the lethal "meta" weapons i mainly stayed back and played as recon or support so never gave the AN a chance think imma load up BF4 while i still can! but Wow learning about the AN and having it in World of guns on steam being able to see through the weapon and disassemble it is insanely cool and complex! Godbless Jonathan be safe my friend Need to visit your museum again 💚🎮
As far as I know from Russian-language videos about this weapon, it is that it was created for shooting from unstable positions. Therefore, when shooting, it needs to be kept more relaxed than the AK-74, then the accuracy will be higher.
Could you do a review on the Webley revolver? Why did we use it so extensively in the Wars instead of automatics, through to the automatic Webley/Fosbery as seen in Zardoz? Thanks
Brilliant video(s)! even tho i don't understand all the mechanics (should really learn anyone know a good video on gun mechanics?) the history, development stories etc are fascinating. Well presented too. great job your doing
В ан94 есть интересная особенность. В режиме очереди чем слабее прикоад прижат тем плотнее будут попадания. В принципе для чего и делалось: повысить кучность при стрельбе из неустойчивых положений. Если найти видео с георгием губичем то там это наглядно показано
Thank you very much. Ideas inspired after watching this video: 1.Bulp up version AN-94, replace 2 hypher burst shoot with 3 hyper burst shoot theory how make this simply first add more space for 3 burst meaning extra 1 more space hyper burst pipe hypher Burst pipe store two ammo and one on battery, more space recoil rod and travel path extand so 3 hyper burst shoot out before recoil impacting the recoil buffer, recoil buffer use APC9K Hydraulics Recoils Dampener buffer, 2.Replace the old autofire way using hyper burst pipe channel ammo feeding, results Auto fire become hypherautofire each 3 bullet shoot out recoil impact shooter, auto can't be stop in Middle of 3 shoot hypherburstauto continue shoot until 3 ammo shoot out. Ammo swallow into burst pipe problem fix; old way bolt have travel back charge weapon, this firearm use hyper burst pipe charge handle bolt delay problem charge next round bolt travel far solution is add opposite moving ammo swallow rod meaning when you pull charge handle back opposite ammo swallow rod move fowards swallow ammo from magazine box push 3 ammo into hypherbust pipe and rotate position ready cycle, first bolt also redesign push 3 ammo first bolt travel forward pick up or swallow 3 ammo into pipe at same times second swallow rod rotate get out of the way and moving opposite position reposition it self for next cycles. This simpler great cost reduction. You don't need wheel and the cabel. Also reduce firearms weight. Due 3 burst rear length part is more than old. Bulp up design barrel now can be extand for more accuracy. May reintroduce weight that have been reduce. 3.Thick stainless steel reinforce polymer quad mag 60 rounds 4.VHS-2 Robust Excellent Iron sights. Front iron sights located top on front tronion or and end of handguards. 5.Pistol grip store cleaning kits, pen and notes how many rounds have been fired. 6.SFAR Ruger styles pattern handguard protruding further front protecting end of muzzle and protecting end of suppressor.
Metal Storm is likely the best burst fire weapon. As far as I know there is no hand held version though. It is electronically fired and has a stack of rounds in the/each barrel.
So, the hyperburst delivers what looks like roughly 10 MOA dispersion. Which, for the thing they were trying to do, is pretty good. IIRC, that's similar to the dispersion the G11 would deliver with it's 3 round hyperburst. I'm thinking the full auto setting should probably have been arranged to skip the 2 round hyperburst at the beginning of a "full auto" burst. (Although, I'm not sure the feed system *could* skip the hyperburst - I'd have to see the entire feed cycle in a cutaway model in both modes.) However, I'm not convinced the advantages of hyperburst outweigh the disadvantages of the AN94 in other respects. I think the US Army got it right in the ACR program - the realization that *optics* were the real advantage the ACR competitors brought to the table. So, the US started equipping all rifles with optics, and kept buying basically the same sort of rifles they already had.
im pretty sure kalashnikov concern had a video of comparing ak74 with an94. conclusion is that it is good for hits from unstable positions up to like 100 meters i believe
11:10 Wtf Jonathan Ferguson, the keeper of firearms and artillery at the Royal Armouries Museum in the UK, which houses a collection of thousands of iconic weapons from throughout history, you're at like 15 meters at most, WTF was that shot placement with the 74 mate? Also, appreciate the fact that you guys actually fired it and it's predecessor/competitor in comparison as well.
Of course the real lesson here is that full-auto is less effective than semi-auto in almost all situations. The two shot burst being a good thing, but probably not worth the complexity.
I would have agreed with you until I saw all the footage coming out of Ukraine and spoke to some British veterans. In a trench type situation, you definitely want full auto.
@@JonathanFergusonRoyalArmouries I never claimed to be an expert. I'm a journeyman marksman at best. Probably best suited to be the Designated Marksman rather than a Sniper. Better than the average grunt but nowhere near the elite levels snipers require.🎯
@@tarmaque Well I'm definitely not :) I can outshoot most military/police folk with a pistol but to be honest that's not saying much (not their fault - even I get to shoot them more than most of them, and you've either got a bit of aptitude with handguns or you haven't...). Rifles I'm fairly terrible with.
The cost is not the main problem with this weapon. It's the most useful in the hands of an untrained soldier, but an untrained soldier can't even clean the gun, let alone fix possible malfunctions.
The first time I learned about this firearm was in the original Black Ops, I thought it was a "gimmick gun," I didn't realize it was a real design back then
Really fascinating look at one of those Russian wunderwaffes that has been hyped up in pop culture. Not surprised a gun that apparently just needs servicing by an armourer when it jams never got a whole lot of field use, but still, a very cool rifle. Is there any chance of getting firing footage on the Groza you guys have in your collection? I know it apparently isn't very good according to hearsay, would just be nice to see some high quality footage, the few examples around are like 240p at best.
at 1800 RPM, with a 5.45 round going 2900 feet per second at the muzzle, the first round is more than 96 feet downrange by the time the second round is leaving the barrel. Bullets are quick.
The AN 94 is kind of mirrored by the scar heavy was supposed to replace all the M-16’s and instead it got used by the special forces guys and even they don’t like it and use it that often
AN-94 is so damn cool. Nice work, Jonathan Ferguson, the keeper of firearms and artillery at the Royal Armouries Museum in the UK, which houses a collection of thousands of iconic weapons from throughout history.
So cool 🙈🤓
So weird that you just detailed his position and used his full name like that. What a weirdo. Lmao
@@pineapple999100 lol
@@hansolowe19 bit of a gun nerd, sorry!
@@pineapple999100 It's become a bit of a meme to state Jonathan Ferguson's full name and title description whenever he is mentioned.
It's incredible to see this weapon in action. Great video folks!
Glad to see an update video was posted today
-your latest subscriber
I fear we have peaked, lol
Hey Dave! I have to say I really appreciate your work bringing Jonathan and the museum into our awareness, I hope you get back on your feet and I'd love to see you do more of the same on an independent channel, or even on something similar to Loadout on Royal Armouries!
@@JonathanFergusonRoyalArmouries
There is a room in Germany.
A *grey* room.
wow
As a young girl who grew up in the mountains with rifles, and was kind of a nerd, I remember hearing about this rifle in some magazine somewhere: this was in the Pierce Brosnan James Bond days, and I really had a crush on him and fancied myself as a Bond girl. And I always was fascinated by this rifle and dreamed of owning one, because it really did seem like one of the most advanced ideas in a rifle that I'd ever heard of. Two accurate shots with the recoil of a single shot? It was a fascinating idea to me. I didn't know much about the world then, and as I came of age in the 90's after the fall of the iron curtain: didn't really know much about the Soviet Union, (and so had no idea they had gazillions of AK's in storage), and so I thought this was going to be the future Russian rifle.
As an adult, I learned that a lot of really innovative ideas are often not used simply because they're more expensive. One could theoretically engineer an incredible rifle using watch-like gear drive systems, or electronics: but it would drive the cost up and the complexity. I've learned that in a lot of rifles: simpler is often better, as simpler usually means more reliable and easier to fix. But still, I've always had a kind of romance for this rifle, as it's just an incredible idea to my nerdy self, even now.
"One could theoretically engineer an incredible rifle using watch-like gear drive systems, or electronics: but it would drive the cost up and the complexity."
Not just in theory. The crazy Germans at H&K did just that with the G11. And yes, it was way to expensive to ever be introduced as a service rifle 😅
what is ur cup size
This may be one of your best put together videos from the camera shots and whole package combined. Had me gripped start to finish, great work!
I will second this, it felt much less "sterile" than previous videos, if that makes sense. More clever editing helped introduce some nice levity, and the structure made it feel more like a high-cost commercial production. This one definitely stuck the landing.
Yep. ✅
Just adding my agreement to let @RoyalArmouriesMuseum know they did a great job
Agreed really draws you in this one.
We still have Jonathan and everyone else who keeps the Royal Armouries grande
One the greatest AN-94 videos with shooting, breakdown, historical significance, it’s purpose, thank you Royal Armories, and Johnathan Ferguson for showing us how awesome these rare firearms from
Thank you!
Describing the A2 burst as “Dollar Tree hyperburst” is both very funny and very accurate
Magnificient, thank you!
About the Abakan trials, it's worth to mention the other "blowback shiftted pulse" gun, Igor Stechkin's TKB-0146. It worked similarly to the AN-94, as it had the recoiling, gas operated "gun inside the gun", with similar two stage feeding from a stationary magazine. Instead of the pulley, the bolt carrier had a hooked "tail", which pulled the next round from the magazine to the lifter, in parallel with the bolt chambering the previous round from the lifter. Because of this, the gun had to be charged twice after reloading.
TFB had a nice article about it in 2018.
This gun was designed about a year before Nikonov came up with prototype of the AN-94 (named "ASM" during the trials), so it's possible, that Nikonov took inspiration from Stechkin's two stage feeding method, and develepod it further with the pulley and cable, to eliminate the need of the dual charging after reload and unload.
Sorry, if I commented this multiple times.
Thank you - yes, Max P covers it in his book but doesn't comment on any cross-pollination. Seems likely though.
I miss Jonathan on Gamespot - and I hope you’re considering something separate with Dave - but life sends us some compensations in the form of this incredible deep dive footage!
The AN-94 is an amazing gun.
Best series on the AN-94 ever made. Such a treat to see three fully functional AN-94s in the same place. Unheard-of
The Slomo Guys need to get on this with their super high-speed cameras.
Larry Vickers did a video on the AN-94 and what he showed is that when it jams, it jams really hard and becomes unusable. That is why it was rejected as a standard issue rifle.
This… any simple jam turns into a nightmare double feed the instant you try and clear it. Merely opening the bolt to see what happens immediately shoves another round into the situation.
I served in the US Army mostly prior to the first gulf war. We carried the M-16A2 with 3 round burst, and a Beretta 9mm. I was not a crack marksman by any means, but I can see how the Soviet and US programs to build the next primary infantry weapon were very similar. Great video!
That was impressive, seeing how well the hyperburst mode actually tightens the group. And it's simple as well. As long as you don't have to open and manipulate the rifle.
So will we also get a video on balanced recoil systems a la the AEK971? There’s been a recently released system in America for AR15 style weapons, I’d be very curious to see military production version.
We don't have any balanced recoil firearms, unfortunately.
@ perhaps an Armanov Buffer system would be worth a purchase, then? Certainly cheaper than an AN-94!
@@JonathanFergusonRoyalArmouriesLarry Vickers gave his freedom to get a video of shooting the AEK971
There are videos about the ak107 I think it is called
Same concept, but civilian weapon
The main conclusion was that it doesn't really do much, the muzzle brake does most of the work
This was an exciting subject. Maybe compare the M-14 to the FAL next. I have always wondered what a shot to shot comparison would be like.
Compared to the FAL, M14 is less accurate, has harsher recoil, worse ergonomics, but is lighter.
@@DPRK_Best_Korea I ask only because, 1: Haven't seen a video like that, 2: I own a FAL but not a M14, and 3: would be a great video series to look out for. I can only compare a FAL to an AR-10 and CETME model C since those are what I have. But I do have an M1 Garand.😏
Add the G3 as well. Battle Rifle time.
This material is gold. Thank you sir.
Petition for Royal Armories to hire Irregular Dave on their YT/ Social media team. He and Jonathan are the only reason I’m subbed here and have donated in the past.
Royal armouries are cooking this week 🔥🔥🔥
That Johnathan was bloody excellent over the two episodes. Second being broadly (& strangely given the 'strip') more enjoyable than the first. Big thumbs up from me. ✅
Niche as it may all be in the grand scheme of things, this is a groundbreaking moment all the same. Thank you for helping archive this knowledge!
Thank you!
Jonathan is the coolest person in the world 😉😎
I'm definitely not, but thank you :)
Thanks very much Jonathan and team. That was a fascinating pair of episodes.
Thank you Derek!
Beautiful video Jonathan! Only thing i may add, is prevalence of 7,62 in SpecOps units is caused not only by perceived advantage in stopping power, but also by ammo distribution and silencers available to those units. It's a long story, but 5,45 subsonic was hard to make and produce, silencers was really demanding and there was problem with it. In result, many units choose to run 9x39 and 7,62.
Subsonic 5.45 isn't hard to make, it's just incredibly wimpy because there's only so much mass you can put in the bullet (only 5.2 grams as opposed to 12.5 of 7,62x39 and 16 for 9x39). 9x39 itself was designed to have a beefier bullet than 7,62x39 but it's effectiveness in open combat is lacking so lots of units hang on to AKM or 103 as multipurpose rifles - not as good as a VSS or AK-74 but does both adequately.
Brilliant 2 parter ! Thanks.
Thanks for the vid, the 94 is one of the most unique rifles I have come across in games.
Some of the deepest dive into Abakan program would be a book (in Russian) by Dvoryaninov - Volume 4 of his 4-volume series Боевые патроны стрелкового оружия, it has over 100 pages on it including diagrams and charts from various trials, including comparisons of Nikonov's designs against AK-74 and other competitors from the same program. It's available on the Internet, if one searches deep enough.
Ah, thank you.
Amazing work. I have discovered Max Popenker thanks to you, Jonathan! Time to hit the books!
Interesting how your groups with the AN look identical to the ones Garand Thumb had in his video, with the first pair spread out more and then subsequent groups tightening up. But always one high and left and the other low and right
I wonder if some of that lateral movement comes from the bolt's rotation imparting torque on the rifle mid-impulse
@@tiagobelo4965 possibly, but it's more likely that the first impulse is much sharper which pushes your shoulder away and because of the changing fire rate it makes it harder to anticipate and control.
With a lot of practice you could probably train it out, but as Jonathan points out it's not worth the extra cost.
There's always some movement? I don't know, I don't shoot 😅
@@stephen9894 ^this, I think.
Awesome info. Great lesson of the history of this firearm. To not only have one unicorn 🦄, but to have 4 examples is simply amazing. Thank you.
On fire lately Jonathon, killing it mate
Sound as hell, and your committed references to Ian and GT make this channel as much cement as could be wished for by such a user as me.
Credit where it's due. Larry Vickers of course also filmed with it but there was a fair bit of overlap with GT there and the latter was able to stretch its legs better due to actually having one in hand.
@@JonathanFergusonRoyalArmouries Exactly. Thank you again and again.
This was a really fascinating two-parter, thanks!
From gamespot to here, you have really come into your own Mr. Ferguson. I think I speak for the entire internet gun nerd community when I say we're very pleased to have another member of the guntube A listers.
Very kind, thank you.
@@JonathanFergusonRoyalArmouries *gasp!* senpai noticed me 🤩!
Having owned several Aks, one thing which isnt taken into consideration is the use of corrosive ammo. Cleanimg any Ak is messy, water or east german army gun oil but cleaning this after some use must be awful!
It's not great haha.
Alright Jonathan Ferguson, keeper of arms and artillery, I'd like to see a video about the Ultimax 100 lmg or the KAC LAMG. Both of which use the Continuous recoil design. Since we're talking about automatic weapons with very little felt recoil I think the Ultimax/KAC LAMG would fit into that theme quite well.
I like how Stoner called continuous recoil design "that runout thing"
We have an Ultimax but just the one, so can't justify firing it. I'd love a KAC LAMG, in fact I did hint to Mr Knight once...
@@JonathanFergusonRoyalArmouriesforgotten weapons shot the KAC LAMG and TFBtv shot the Surefire MGX prototype one handed.
@@JinKee Yep. Mr Knight showed me a video of him doing the same.
@@JonathanFergusonRoyalArmouries i am really curious about the reciprocating top tube over the barrel of the MGX, it looks like it is supposed to increase the distance the recoiling parts cover before the next shot is fired to achieve constant recoil and reduced rate of fire, but i could never see inside the tube in any of the videos/patent drawings.
Super cool! Thanks for the two parter!
Well worth whatever price or finagling the RA had to do to get these rifles. Good educational & entertaining video.
Shows how important national collections are. If these were in private hands or a purely military pattern room, we'd rarely get a chance to enjoy or understand them properly.
AN-94 is like Laugo Alien.
Both high tech to help hit target reliable and even less trained person can do great job.
In my opinion, the coolest rifle ever made. I so wish more of them were made, it saddens me that they're too rare to be fired. And man, what I wouldn't give to own one...
Seeing stuff like this puts things in perspective sometimes. 500 miles is a day trip here in the states. 500 miles can get you to a LOT of different places in Europe.
To me the most impressive thing is that they actually made this idea into a working machine, reliable and lightweight enough and suited for mass production, unlike all other attempts with similar ideas. Obviously it's too complicated for regular soldier and most shooters just don't need this super burst capability.
10:06 I want to fix Jonathan Ferguson a bit. A video was released on Kalashnikov's official RUclips channel a year ago comparing the shooting of an AK-74 and an AN-94.
Really amazing! Thank you so much!
You're very welcome :)
i love the rotary sight
Nice rifle! My favourite of yours is a Japanese smg with bayonet, shown on a previous video. Looked beautifully made.
The AK-74? My brothers! Rejoice! We have not been forgotten!
@Jonathan
Wonderful pair of videos m8 ...... maybe after this is it would be good to make a video about the AEK 971/973... as am sure many interested in AN94 would enjoy.
Excellent analysis on a cool gun, more like this please!
Hello there, Jonathan Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms and Artillery at the Royal Armouries Museum, which houses a collection of thousands of iconic weapons from throughout history!
Thank you for your video. Hope you have some nice time with AN-94
I think this may be your best video yet good sir!
I love this channel ❤️ kind regards from New Zealand 🇳🇿 😊
I love how he is just shooting in an office somewhere in the museum. Love it.
Man, such a cool platform. Think my 1st experience with the gun was BF Bad Company 2 and I loved it there. I also love the AK12 burst in Escape from Tarkov as well. I was aghast at the take down you did on last video and its overall complexity, great stuff.
Interesting concept. I'm wondering if some compensation is needed for the 94 in auto. Some AKMs have a slant cut at the muzzle.
The M16A2 had a 3 round burst not a 2 round burst.
At the bottom left of the screen there is a correction
Since these are only given, in a very limited way, to some special forces units in the Russian military, and since special forces soldiers in all countries have an advance firearms training in comparison to a regular soldier. It would be interesting to see how a special forces guy (American, British, Mexican it doesn't matter) would perform in full auto mode using his special training and experience, with both the AN-94 and AK-74. Larry Vickers is a Delta Force vet, but in his videos he only shows his performance with the hyper-burst mode. Amazing video, thanks.
Since the previous video I was wondering if you could file down, or manufacture a new pivoting seer part that would make the gun fire double shots every recoil cycle in full auto? so instead of 1 hyperburst followed by 600rpm it would be constant hyper bursts at 600rpm frequency
Amazing video from you guys!
Fairly impressive two round groups in hyperbust mode. However, I wonder if locating & seating the magazine was ever an issue, due to the somewhat odd angle. Fascinating comparison between these two rifles, and a great video, Jonathan.
I guess you get used to it pretty fast. One might argue it's even slightly more natural to remove/insert at an angle.
@@BoraHorzaGobuchul I think you would, yes. Especially, as noted, using the right hand per the manuals.
Ah...the Part 2 I've been looking for :D
When Mikhail Kalashnikov was asked to redesign the AK-47 for the new 5.45x39, he was not at all keen on the smaller calibre. He did it anyway, as he said if he didn't do it, someone else would have. India chose the 7.62x39 for the AK-203 which it will make under licence. I'll bet Henry Chan would like to get his hands on a AN-94.
14:00 I like to think the gun disappeared in Jonathan's inventory
Hi Jonathan, your two-parter on the AN94 has been excellent. One of those occasions where actually shooting the gun materially adds to our understanding of the system. Slightly off topic, but does anyone in the west produce a muzzle break of this design? Andrew HBSA Northern Group
1:19 I might be mistaken, but I believe there was a video by Kalashnikov Concern which had such a comparison.
2:50 To be frank, this is the first time I'm hearing of the AK74 in the mid-'70s as a stop-gap. I've always thought that the shift in perspective came somewhere in the late '70s or early '80s.
3:13 There was a significant deal of experiments with flechette round in the Soviet Union as well, but it was more focused on replacing the full-power rifle rounds.
4:17 I don't think the requirements were that specific, the often-repeated formula is 'increase the accuracy in automatic mode from unstable shooting positions' (so not prone or supported).
5:15 These two were the ones that were seen as more promising, but aside from increasing the rate of fire (like both of the approaches you're discussing essentially do) in comparison to the AK74, there was also a suggestion to decrease it.
6:52 Incidentally, the reason behind the sights redesign was to improve accuracy, although 1P29 optical sights were to be used as well (which ended up being ordered in significatly larger numbers thanks to their compatibility with the AK74N/NS/M family).
10:52 Well, limited experience is preferable here, since we're talking about a conscript army. In fact, that was one of the main criticisms of the aforementioned Kalashnikov media video: the demonstration was done by a very experienced shooter, who was very skillful in terms of compensating for recoil and as such found no benefit in AN-94 to the point of finding it detrimental to his accuracy.
15:56 I might be mistaken here, but it may very well be that this statement should be taken with an important qualifier: such an improvement is achieved when comparing hyperburst to manually controlled burst in full-auto mode.
17:36 Incidentally, the inability to deliver meaningful improvement in accuracy in full-auto mode was the bane of many Soviet attempts at developing assault rifle optical sights. So there's a reason to be suspicious of the ASM adoption on methodological grounds as well.
74 was supposed to be replaced by more advanced rifle.. but after hundreds (double barrel, bullpup, flechette, dublex, etc) attempts it remains in use. Ak-12 seemed like it could replace it but it all fell apart and 2022 "ak-12" is just another ak-74 with new furniture
@@Salesman9001 Was about to say. The 74 was a response in part to the M16 lethality being higher than expected by the sovjets in Vietnam. Or, initially it was seen as 'lethality' later more as damage per loadout in some reports. There are different wordings to it in different reports that are known, so it's not clear as far as I know what was a deciding factor but we do know the reports exist and that the discussion did go that way. Partly funnily in almost parallel with the heavier bullet most often known as the VSS 9x39 or AS VAL. Then all 3 systems existed in parallel with the VAL, SR3 and various 9x39 rifles that were being developed at the same time with new 5.45x39 rifles and used in the field along 7.62x39 rifles. Proliferation heh, they made really few of each rifle relatively. Even the various 74 models and derivatives never reached the numbers of the AKM's in stock. The AK-1x(x) exist in all 3 calibers afaik but the 9x39 was not a hit - forget the name(number) of it but there were enough of the 500 other small production things they made it in for that not to be an issue. Btw the AK100 series are underwhelming in person, the manufacture quality is a far cry from the late 70s to mid 80s Sovjet things I've seen that were honestly really beautifully made guns for being military. Unless they've upgraded the AK100 production since the stuff I saw which was late 90s.
@@noth606 Try hitting shift + enter or enter button if on phone to avoid these blocks of text that are hard to read
But yeah. 9x39 was always meant for specialist use like police, speznaz and paratrooper since it is honestly good suppressed cartridge.
1XX series is worse made than type 56 and that really is saying something about their arms industry (56 is not good lol)
1:19 KC did in one video compare hyperburst against single shot accuracy and showed the targets, then they did shoot the '74 on burst but failed to show the targets thus rendering the comparison pointless.
2:50 Stop-gap is my term and perhaps implies that they already had something in mind - no, they didn't know what would replace the '74 but the point is that they DID know they wanted to replace it with a new weapon. Hence stop-gap. I have to simplify for time and understanding and I'm speaking off the cuff :) I don't think it's wrong per se.
4:17 I don't think that contradicts what I said.
15:56 Well, yes - that's what we had just demonstrated. I'm not sure I needed to caveat.
The requirements were specific. Increase the efficiency of automatic fire in short bursts when firing from unstable positions by 1.5 - 2 times. 1.5 is the minimum level. 2 is desirable.
Keep up the great work and your videos.
Really interesting videos on this AN-94, well done and cheers 🍻
Really interesting, thanks
Just heard about the GameSpot situation, Mr Ferguson. Oh well, guess I'll just be getting my weekly fix of interesting, informative and enjoyable content direct from source.
the hyper-burst is perfect
Fingers crossed you guys can get that AEK rifle that was the competitor to this in trials everyone that has shot it seems surprised by how well its recoil system works
he has such a tough job.. having to deal with thousands of different weapons from history till today.. worst of all, he has to even shoot them sometimes. im still amazed by how quick that burst fire of the AN is, its like 1 shot.
Tiny correction - special forces and recon keep using 7,62 AKs because it's subsonic round doesn't suck (direct analogue of .300AAC in all respects) so they can have both sneaky stealthy gun and a general purpose rifle for the weight of one.
As for the AN-94's effectiveness your analysis is spot on - the conclusion was that the hyperburst is nice but in every other respect it's worse than an AK-74.
So this tells me if I am facing someone with an automatic rifle shooting at me, dive down and to my right. Very interesting film, thank you!
Absolutely Fascinating!! as a Gamer i love the variety and different worlds they take us too and when it comes to self defense in games one of my favourite games ever has to be Battlefield 4 The AN-94 was featured in the game but i never understood it and thought it just another strange foreign AK clone and so seeing everyone use the AEK-971 and AK5C's ACWR's MP7's all the lethal "meta" weapons i mainly stayed back and played as recon or support so never gave the AN a chance think imma load up BF4 while i still can! but Wow learning about the AN and having it in World of guns on steam being able to see through the weapon and disassemble it is insanely cool and complex! Godbless Jonathan be safe my friend Need to visit your museum again 💚🎮
As far as I know from Russian-language videos about this weapon, it is that it was created for shooting from unstable positions. Therefore, when shooting, it needs to be kept more relaxed than the AK-74, then the accuracy will be higher.
Could you do a review on the Webley revolver? Why did we use it so extensively in the Wars instead of automatics, through to the automatic Webley/Fosbery as seen in Zardoz? Thanks
Brilliant video(s)! even tho i don't understand all the mechanics (should really learn anyone know a good video on gun mechanics?) the history, development stories etc are fascinating. Well presented too. great job your doing
Julian Hatcher is still very good. Ian has some great basic principles videos too.
@@JonathanFergusonRoyalArmouries that's tonight's watching sorted. thank you
Jonathan Ferguson, another Christmas special please with Ian McCollum 😊
В ан94 есть интересная особенность. В режиме очереди чем слабее прикоад прижат тем плотнее будут попадания. В принципе для чего и делалось: повысить кучность при стрельбе из неустойчивых положений. Если найти видео с георгием губичем то там это наглядно показано
Do you think using an optic instead of relying on the reciprocating front sight would produce better results in full auto?
Thank you very much.
Ideas inspired after watching this video:
1.Bulp up version AN-94, replace 2 hypher burst shoot with 3 hyper burst shoot theory how make this simply first add more space for 3 burst meaning extra 1 more space hyper burst pipe hypher Burst pipe store two ammo and one on battery, more space recoil rod and travel path extand so 3 hyper burst shoot out before recoil impacting the recoil buffer, recoil buffer use APC9K Hydraulics Recoils Dampener buffer,
2.Replace the old autofire way using hyper burst pipe channel ammo feeding, results Auto fire become hypherautofire each 3 bullet shoot out recoil impact shooter, auto can't be stop in Middle of 3 shoot hypherburstauto continue shoot until 3 ammo shoot out. Ammo swallow into burst pipe problem fix; old way bolt have travel back charge weapon, this firearm use hyper burst pipe charge handle bolt delay problem charge next round bolt travel far solution is add opposite moving ammo swallow rod meaning when you pull charge handle back opposite ammo swallow rod move fowards swallow ammo from magazine box push 3 ammo into hypherbust pipe and rotate position ready cycle, first bolt also redesign push 3 ammo first bolt travel forward pick up or swallow 3 ammo into pipe at same times second swallow rod rotate get out of the way and moving opposite position reposition it self for next cycles. This simpler great cost reduction. You don't need wheel and the cabel. Also reduce firearms weight. Due 3 burst rear length part is more than old. Bulp up design barrel now can be extand for more accuracy. May reintroduce weight that have been reduce.
3.Thick stainless steel reinforce polymer quad mag 60 rounds
4.VHS-2 Robust Excellent Iron sights. Front iron sights located top on front tronion or and end of handguards.
5.Pistol grip store cleaning kits, pen and notes how many rounds have been fired.
6.SFAR Ruger styles pattern handguard protruding further front protecting end of muzzle and protecting end of suppressor.
super cool project
Metal Storm is likely the best burst fire weapon. As far as I know there is no hand held version though. It is electronically fired and has a stack of rounds in the/each barrel.
So, the hyperburst delivers what looks like roughly 10 MOA dispersion. Which, for the thing they were trying to do, is pretty good.
IIRC, that's similar to the dispersion the G11 would deliver with it's 3 round hyperburst.
I'm thinking the full auto setting should probably have been arranged to skip the 2 round hyperburst at the beginning of a "full auto" burst. (Although, I'm not sure the feed system *could* skip the hyperburst - I'd have to see the entire feed cycle in a cutaway model in both modes.)
However, I'm not convinced the advantages of hyperburst outweigh the disadvantages of the AN94 in other respects. I think the US Army got it right in the ACR program - the realization that *optics* were the real advantage the ACR competitors brought to the table. So, the US started equipping all rifles with optics, and kept buying basically the same sort of rifles they already had.
I wouldn't say the 74 was a stop-gap; it was the pinnacle of the AK design for the time. New trends pushed for the development of the AN.
Jonathan did quite well with those curator arms:)
Great video, thanks!!
im pretty sure kalashnikov concern had a video of comparing ak74 with an94. conclusion is that it is good for hits from unstable positions up to like 100 meters i believe
11:10 Wtf Jonathan Ferguson, the keeper of firearms and artillery at the Royal Armouries Museum in the UK, which houses a collection of thousands of iconic weapons from throughout history, you're at like 15 meters at most, WTF was that shot placement with the 74 mate?
Also, appreciate the fact that you guys actually fired it and it's predecessor/competitor in comparison as well.
Of course the real lesson here is that full-auto is less effective than semi-auto in almost all situations. The two shot burst being a good thing, but probably not worth the complexity.
I would have agreed with you until I saw all the footage coming out of Ukraine and spoke to some British veterans. In a trench type situation, you definitely want full auto.
@@JonathanFergusonRoyalArmouries I never claimed to be an expert. I'm a journeyman marksman at best. Probably best suited to be the Designated Marksman rather than a Sniper. Better than the average grunt but nowhere near the elite levels snipers require.🎯
@@tarmaque Well I'm definitely not :) I can outshoot most military/police folk with a pistol but to be honest that's not saying much (not their fault - even I get to shoot them more than most of them, and you've either got a bit of aptitude with handguns or you haven't...). Rifles I'm fairly terrible with.
Hi Jon. Any intent on doing a review of the AEK971 or the Ak107-9 balanced recoil series??
It really goes to show that yet again the best ideas can’t overcome the mighty cost spreadsheet.
The cost is not the main problem with this weapon. It's the most useful in the hands of an untrained soldier, but an untrained soldier can't even clean the gun, let alone fix possible malfunctions.
The first time I learned about this firearm was in the original Black Ops, I thought it was a "gimmick gun," I didn't realize it was a real design back then
Really fascinating look at one of those Russian wunderwaffes that has been hyped up in pop culture. Not surprised a gun that apparently just needs servicing by an armourer when it jams never got a whole lot of field use, but still, a very cool rifle.
Is there any chance of getting firing footage on the Groza you guys have in your collection? I know it apparently isn't very good according to hearsay, would just be nice to see some high quality footage, the few examples around are like 240p at best.
at 1800 RPM, with a 5.45 round going 2900 feet per second at the muzzle, the first round is more than 96 feet downrange by the time the second round is leaving the barrel. Bullets are quick.
The AN 94 is kind of mirrored by the scar heavy was supposed to replace all the M-16’s and instead it got used by the special forces guys and even they don’t like it and use it that often
Would be cool to see the hyper burst in super slowmo ,on the muzzle and then the breech 😊
Can you review the Zastava M21 in 5.56mm please? I was issued one. Does the museum have one? cheers