A Rifle Fit For A Villain: Viktor's AK-105
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
Photos and video courtesy of Match Grade Media
"Finally, he slung his short AK-105 rifle over one shoulder. Viktor preferred the smaller 5.45x39mm cartridge. It offered lighter recoil, with a flatter trajectory and longer range than the older 7.62 ammo carried by Al Badari’s fighters in their rickety AKM rifles. Instead, a Zenitco quad rail sheated his AK’s twelve-inch barrel. This gave him plenty of space to mount the weapon light, infrared laser, and holographic optic that hung off his carbine." - CLOSE AND DESTROY
Sometimes referred to as "Russia's greatest export" the AK-47 rifle, and its prolific variations, can be found in every corner of the planet in every conflict from the Cold War forward. Its unmistakable, mechanical chatter can often be found on both sides of the battlefield and its distinctive shape has been featured on the flags of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, East Timor, and Hezbollah.
Lesser-known are the more modernized AK-100 series of rifle. Largely unchanged from the original, the -100 series rifles are based on the Russian AK-74M and include a number of size and caliber configurations. Though originally intended specifically for the international market - though several variants have found their way into the hands of Russian Federation fighters and seen combat service around the world.
In particular, the AK-105 has been repeatedly spotted in the ranks of some of Russia's most elite units, collectively referred to as "Spetzsnaz". The FSB (internal security service), GRU (military intelligence), and KSSO (military special operations command) all maintain their own "Spetz" units, which are marked by intensive selections, rigorous training, and equipment which--in some cases--rivals that of NATO special operations forces. The AK-105 is chambered in 5.45x39mm, a round favored for its extremely light recoil and relatively flat trajectory out to 400 meters - nearly double the accepted combat range of its progenitor, the iconic 7.62x39mm. In recent years, the new generation of Russian PMCs (Private Military Corporations) have also be spotted carrying the AK-105. This comes as little surprise as these corporations are often staffed with veterans of the aforementioned special units.
The contract operators of Windsor Kraft find themselves fighting against a shadowy doppleganger in the form of the fictitious PMC Arkangel - an organization whose pedigree is ripped right from the headlines, inspired by the likes of real-world paramilitary forces such as PMC Wagner, PMC Redut, and PMC Patriot. (Windsor Kraft takes its own inspiration from companies like SOC, Blackwater, and Bancroft Global Development.)
And, just like Windsor Kraft, PMC Arkangel has its own issued weapons and equipment. In particular, Viktor favors a heavily-modified AK-105 equipped with modern peripheral accessories for maximum capability on the battlefield. The rifle shown here is a clone, built by the author, for the specific purpose of mirroring Viktor's personal rifle - also based on the configurations of Spetzsnaz and Russian PMC rifles. Built by Copperhead USA, this rifle is also chambered in 5.45x39mm on a receiver with Russian markings and sports aftermarket parts from Texas Weapon Systems, Barwarus, and Midwest Industries to most accurately mirror the Zenitco parts used on actual Federation rifles. It even features a reproduction (but functional) PERST laser for use with night vision goggles.
For a complete write-up with parts list, see this article from RECOIL Magazine. The video below shows a test fire from the author, and demonstrates just how fast and easy an AK-105 style carbine is to shoot:
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