Why Did Russia Adopt 5.45x39mm & Pick The AK74?(Deep Diving With The SLR105A1 & SLR104FR) 

The ak74 is an amazing gun, most of us get introduced to the akm and love the 7.62x39 and learn how to control it and handle it’s recoil then all of a sudden we try the ak74 for the first time like Fox … we are subconsciously expecting it to feel like an akm but we are blown away by how good it shoots and how easy it is to handle and control and shoot fast

I love my 5.45 guns!!! Love the caliber and so happy bought a ton of tins of 7n6 for 125 a tin years ago!! Glad I bought crates of 7n6 when it was plentiful and not banned.

The real question is what’s the future of the cartridge and it’s availability for the next decade. For those of us that didn’t stock up when 5.45 was $100 a 1000 rounds.

I love my 5.45 rifles, Three of them are Saiga's, one being the unusual SGL 32-61. I SBR'd it into an AK-105. Rifle Dynamics only had to cut and crown the barrel (now 12.5") and add a folding stock.

Well done video and a wealth of information as always ! Thank you Misha.

Your knowledge never ceases to amaze me.

Great knowledge and history. Thanks for sharing.

As an original SLR-105R owner I really appreciate this video. That wood furniture set is gorgeous, wished I could locate a set of handguards like that for my AKS-74 clone built on a Bulgarian parts kit. Beautiful rifles! 👍🏻

Great content as usual!

I love the 5.45 strippers and loader tool. The rounds load in smooth as butter on the good bakelite mags. They are kind of pricey compared to other stripper clips, but are worth it because like Misha said they have a locking tab that keeps the rounds from just sliding off until you insert the loading tool. I've got wood crates with rows and rows of 5.45 already loaded up on strippers. It's a great way to store them at the ready.

Just what I needed this morning while continuing to recover from the flu. Those are some beautiful pieces. Thanks for sharing them and all the great info.

These are just beautiful. makes you wanna put on the BARS gorka spetsnaz mountain suit and larp around the house.

I was finally able to mark 3 off my checklist this weekend, Mp5sd and Bulgarian 74, as god intended with the fun switch. What i found interesting is it was a lot easier for us right handed shooters to keep the shots on target in bursts as opposed to left handed shooters. I assume that’s how the muzzle brake is designed ? Truly amazing experience

Love my 5.45 guns. Wish we had more ammo options. Thanks Misha!

Right after the sunset, everyone in a free state went ape for what ever we could get. Then took it for granted, again! Now, all whom remember, await again for the next shoe to fall, again. A great video and your knowlege still blows my mind!

It’s a shame that embargoes and import laws have killed the market for these guns and ammo. If the US had access to the large host of weapons, parts, and ammo that are over in Eastern Europe I think we’d see a lot of Americans choosing this over 7.62 AK’s and even AR. 5.45 is a beast of a round and is awesome out of the AK platform. I know I’d choose a 74 over anything else if the market was there.

Great video

another excellent video sir

Cool video! Really wish 5.45 would catch on more. Personally think it would be fun in a sporting rifle as well…. Like a Ruger American ranch or better still one of the new CZ bolt rifles. Not trying to sound like much a Fudd…..Make a helluva interesting hog rifle though. Just saying 🍻 cheers and happy holidays Mischa, Fox and families 🍻👍🏻

Excellent video as always. Would love a video on the quoted “issues” with the 104UR and if there were any other Krink imports as I don’t know of any. I’ve wanted a “real” krink for years and I’ve come to terms with I’m just going to have to build a rough “clone” with a Romy Draco kit or something. I still need a 104 though… so that will probably come next but what are the options for a guy like me? Would love a video on AKS74U options stateside. Imported complete rifles or kits that may still be currently available that are at least close. I’m not sure even which countries actually made them. You mentioned a few in this video but that’s such a rare subject for people to have real knowledge about and you do, and I very much appreciate it and have enjoyed your content for years. Thanks!

Love the platform. Got a Galil ACE in 5.45x39 last year. It fits in well with my much modified slr104fr and my Krebs guns in that caliber. Fortunately, I stacked pretty deep before the 7n6 ban (though not deep enough) and bought as much commercial non-corrosive 5.45 ammo as I could afford before the sanctions. CJ Chivers in "The Gun" reports that the first 5.45x39 cartridges were barrel burners, wearing out tubes in as few as 1000 rounds. He claims the "R" pattern rifling was developed to solve this issue.

Love these bulgy rifles beautifully built great video Misha happy holidays to you and fox

I certainly did enjoy it Misha! I would sure like "something" 5.45x39, but I don't know what.....

I’m Also a 5.45x39 Virgin I’ve Shot a Metric Ton Of 7.62x54R in My STV-40 and 7.62x39 in My AKM’s Now You and Fox Have Me Interested In Getting an AK-74 in 5.45x39 Thank You Misha For The History Of The Rifle and Cartridge and To Fox On Loosing His 5.45x39 Virginity and Unbiased Opinions I Think I Here Odie Meowing In The Background Misha 😀😊😎👍🏼

I bought one of the last slr106f arsenal was selling a few years ago. Best gun purchase i ever made.

Misha, please make a video on the Slr Ur series of rifles.

In October there was a SLR 104fr used but unfired at a local shop for 1500.00 but I didnt see the email until later that night and by then it was SOLD lol. Bummer . You got some fine examples Misha very nice

I have a Vepr 74 with the plastic stock and factory pistol grip and it's the smoothest shooting gun I have. Everyone loves it. No recoil. I wish I could find a RPK barrel so I could convert it.

Loved it

U can't beat the soft shooting of 545 aks by far my favorite round out of aks

"I want more, that's what I think!" - Mr. Fox. Those were pretty much my thoughts too after shooting a 5.45 AK for the first time. Less recoil than an AR-15, even with the large reciprocating mass of the AK bolt/carrier - of course the giant brake helps too - LOL. But I do love my 74s - masterpieces they are.

I read somewhere before that some 74s utilized 5R type of rifling. Misha, can you confirm that and if they did which ones - Russian, Bulgarian?

This maybe a bit off topic though, but the NGSW program with its perhaps the most controversial issue being the choice of the new ammo caliber, 6.8x51mm (Sig .277 Fury) Some people have suggested that they should keep it to a more intermediate cartridge: A.) Some suggestions include something like the 300 AAC Blackout and 6.8x43mm Remington SPC. To think tho that those cartridges are somewhat similar to the old Soviet 7.62x39mm ammo if I recall, I was wondering why the Soviets ditched that for 5.45x39mm? Aside from having milder recoil and lighter-weight allowing for more ammo, there seems to be an interesting argument for the heavier bullets that being they're more efficient requiring only shorter minimums of barrel lengths to complete optimal burn, allowing for shorter barrels and there more compact and even tho they're not great for long ranges like maybe beyond 200-300 yards, most combat takes place within 150 yards anyways iirc and conditions where long-range combat is more common like Afghanistan is the exception I suppose, and these more short-medium specialized rounds could be complemented by adding like battle-rifles/DMRs and medium caliber machineguns in the squads, other than more heavier, more powerful ordnances. B.) Another perhaps more popular side of these suggestions is something like 6.5 Grendel or 6mm ARC (which are all apparently based on the shape of the Soviet ammo which maybe a testament to its apparent superior design over the 5.56) which improves over the 5.56 with better ballistics at long ranges, but in order to achieve that, they have to require longer barrels which idk makes them less suited for CQB or difficult to fit in tight spaces. C.) All these suggestions tend to be an increase in caliber of the cartridge over the 5.56x45mm, there may be also the .224 Valkyrie, which is based on the 6.8 SPC case, again a kudos testament to 7.62/5.45x39 shape design, providing improvements in ballistics, flatter shooting and range over 5.56 with some weight savings but again perhaps to a more degree, the Valkyrie’s optimal performance maybe achieved in even longer barrels than 6.5 Grendel/6mm ARC. I don’t know also if the Valkyrie is a barrel burner. Other than that, there is of course the 5.56x45mm, which enjoys its status as the already established ammo for the military, industry and market. But idk, I'm not an expert lol.

I love my tantal I got mine back in 2016 as my first semi auto rifle and I am glad I got it when I did!

At some point, could you delve into the naming structure of the Arsenal and Saiga carbines. I'd thought 103 was the 7.62, 104 was the 5.45, and 106 was the 5.56, but apparently, that's not the case. What do all their "codes" mean?

What was papa kalash’ opinion of the Yugo weapons? Just had this thought after you said he didn’t care for the 545

5.45x39 doesn't really fragment 90% of the time like 55/62 grain 5.56/.223, However it CAN penetrate better than 5.56 depending on load (69gr/80gr subs?/AP) & almost always tumbles/yaws

What's the best barrel length to get the most effective use of the 545 cartridge? For like 556 I know it's 20" to use it's ballistics to it's best, but what about for the 545? I don't know if you'd know the answer since given your situation you're not using to shoot to it's furthest range, just curious if you know In case I ever decide to make my own AK74 Or just buy one if that barrel length is available I wonder as well if you'd know the optimal barrel length for 7.62x39 and 300 blackout? I know it's unrelated but curious on all these cartridges, as I want to get an AK in both cartridges and an Upper for my AR in 300 blackout... And being cash strapped, I'd rather just buy one of what I want for the reason I want it However if you don't know the answer to these unrelated to video rifles I get it, just figured I'd ask every question at once, as there's so many answers on Google, but I'd trust your knowledge more on this topic if you happen to know Misha

Also, it's weird to me the the SLR-104FR (in this case) has the triangle stock instead of the polymer stock even though they would both fall under the same naming convention (i.e. SLR-104FR).

interesting that the m1 carbine strippers have the 'tool' part included but its kinda low quality. Works ok though after I got some practice with them using that newer Korean military .30 ammo that comes on stripper clips loaded into bandoliers (My carbine loves that ammo.) Anyway I just noted that it seems like its not included with each 5.45 stripper clip.

I love the looks of the AK 74

I just love that Russian furniture!! Very nice examples you got there misha.

I've never fired a 5.45 AK either. I think that why I'm so infatuated with them. Fox doesn't realize how lucky he is with you as a benevolent cousin.

Misha do you know anything about these “asian contract” AK kits that are coming in?

Oh, by the way, there are those on AKfiles asking for you to do a video on the perceived problems with the current production SAM5s. Many are sending in pictures of peening rear trunnions (well, what the rear trunnion would be if it was stamped) and peening bolt tails, reporting the cause to be overgassing and the half-moon (for lack of a better term) cutout in the back of the receiver that was not present on the SA M-5 rifles. I haven't seen that with the one I got from you, but it might be an interesting video subject. What makes it more intriguing is that an Arsenal rep is saying that they're accepting it as a mistake and are looking into a fix. For me, my SAM5 doesn't seem any more gassed than any other AK, but maybe I'm not skilled enough to know the difference.

love my slr105r :)

I grabbed one of the last 104FRs before they discontinued and the prices went up.

Looking at these fine 74s reminds me of another regret the Rguns Russian 74 kits. They were availiable for the longest time and u slept on the opportunity.

Love shooting my 74 build but just so worried about replacing the ammo.

I noticed that the fixed stock is straight and the folding stock goes more down at an angle.

You and Fox should check out the riley aks74 I think they did a good clone I purchased one and so far very pleased with it

Thanks. Forgive me if you answered this but what would be the most original/military AK 74 one could get now?

This really is *the* video about 5.45 and it's history and adoption by the Soviets(at the time) and why Russia has kept it and if they're ever confused about why there's 2 different AK type firearms like the AK74Ms and AK74Ms I and everyone else can just refer their friend to this RU-vid video for a great concise video that while they might "complain" about watching an hour long video, it is done in such a way that even listening during a long drive to work, or to "fall asleep to" (even though if they really are interested in the topic there's no way they'll fall asleep) And can then realize watching it will help them understand the visual aspect of the topic After this video they can then search for deeper 4+ hour videos or tons of websites and spend days reading more, but in bang for buck (or well time in this case) this video cannot be beaten, and I defy anyone to take another video and Pepsi challenge a random exerciser of their 2A rights to say another video is better in explaining and covering the history of the 5.45s adoption Thank you Misha, as I seriously will point anyone who has the slightest interest in firearms and history, especially when it comes to soviet arms, as this really can be a definitive guide, or an amazing jumping off point to really wanting to learn more about the Soviet adoption of the 5.45 Much like a ton of your videos are, they're super amazing videos that will answer anyone's questions on the topic that any video covers and then some Also most videos do have those shooting said firearm breaks for those who actually like to see the arms in action to know your video isn't just a history video but has actual experience and opinions from someone who has actually used the firearm I've shared your videos with quite a few friends, but with this one, it's super helpful for those not used to shooting anything but the usual arms found at most small random ranges in the U.S. (aka ARs and usually striker fired 9mms) though that's my experience, as I've been to plenty of good ranges familiar with tons of firearms, but have been some that when I mention 5.45 AKs they always try and say "you mean 5.56 or 7.62 AKs" which I usually try to avoid unless there's no other places to get practice in So for the third time Thank you for making this video, I already know I'll probably have to reference it often in the future

I have a 104fr with all the plum furniture including a plum sling. But I can't find anymore plum slings online. Does someone know of any places? Post a link please!

I really like the rifles made in 5.45x39 caliber, really just want to know if Russia uses that caliber because I was thinking they might move to only using 7.62x39

Does ak74s feel as light shooting as an ak74?

Great video as always. So my question is, I have this person who always snobs me out at my work and tells me that 7.62 x 39 is useless past 150 yards. Is this true. I don’t like people that always criticize everything I purchase gun related. It makes it sound like it drops 2 feet a minute past 100 yards.

Who has the largest stockpiles of military 5.45x39 ammo outside of Russia and Romania? Wouldn't there have been some exported to South America and Africa in the 80's to support their allies that could be imported? Besides those stockpiles, was there any ammo made or stockpiled in Poland that would be a friendly export to the USA under current import rules?

We just got in a well-used Waffen Werks AK74 kit build a few hours ago for transfer. The price the customer paid? $2100. It's insane what people will pay for even just a kit build by a company that started out strong but suffered poor QC after a promising beginning. I wonder what people will be paying for 5.56 Beryls in 5 years or so.

So I have interest in E. German ak kits. Back when buying kits someone from Apex suggested there was interesting history of kits they were getting but could or would not provide it.

Not too related to the video but does cerakoting an AK that’s already phosphated or painted cause problems wth fit, tolerances or function? I know AKs have loose tolerances but I’m not certain about the extra thickness of the cerakoting.

My SGL-31 shot so soft it felt like a 22lr rifle

I love 5.45 - my main intermediate caliber. It's inherently more reliable than 5.56 due to the tapered case.

I hope American made 5.45's get their shit together, the 104fr is one of my favorite guns I own

Even tho the cosmetic differences on an ak74 are minimal vs an akm it is a way sexier looking gun

Look at swedish mauser 6.5x55, 5.45 appears to be scaled down Sweed 6.5. I would suggest the bullet flight of the bullet shape was better than stumpy 223.

I regret selling my Saiga AK74 sporter that was converted back during the Sandyhook shooting in 2012. But maybe today since Russian 5.45 x 39 has been bannes from importation then 556 AK is probably a more viable option in the US. Unless we could still get spam cans from other eastern comblock countries like Bulgaria.

Because it’s cool

Dangit.. I'm really starting to feel like I need an AK-74 for the collection to feel right. An I wasn't even trying to have "a collection." It was only suppose to be a traditional looking / wood stock AK47, an then a modernized one. But then I also felt like needed a traditional wood stocked Zastava, just because of all its " small " but unique differences. So now I'm kind of wanting either an AK-74, mostly for the 5.45 x 39 and it being an AK of a different caliber. Or a AKV KP9 c b

I always wanted an ak74 in 5.45x39. Maybe in the future

Why did Kalashnikov not like 5.45x39?

I have a friend who doesn’t know about the 545 life…

👍

i like the AK platform it is the best

這些槍看起來美極了。

What happened to Jay?

I have the SLR-104FR.

The short answer; weight reduction. You can carry a lot more 5.45 than 7.62

This made me get my trusty $799 SGL31 out

every day i used to drive by redmond arms on the 405 in wa state and see the warehouse i was pretty sure 100+million rounds of 7n6 were endlessly sitting in litigation/ATF jail. such a shame. at one point 7n6 was the same price as 22lr believe it or not. i think with the war in ukraine those days are for sure gone. the ammo is getting used up

Cuz ther back hurt.

That wood furniture on the slr 105 looks really good i love it where did you get it from or does anyone know where I could find it I love the color not red not orange perfect

The AK74 is definitely better than the AKM because of its caliber.

So for real Arsenal as a business really sucks. They produce good firearms for the most part, most of the time but when you throw Kvar-Arsenal USA into the mix, it makes a most difficult situation for collectors here to swallow.

545>556

Only and only reasons is. Soldiers can carry more ammo. Everything else is just irrelevant.

5-45😍 7-62 са тежки и по голят откат

6:42 in - No cat. Struggling to upvote. Morale low.

The Soviets were impressed by the ballistics of the M193 5.56X45mm round in Vietnam when the Americans used it in combat. Light weight, fast, but lethal wound ballistics. Therefore modify the AK-47 using a smaller 5.45mm bullet but neck down a 7.62X39mm case to fit it, change the barrel, angle slope of the gas, change the sights, change the twist rate in the barrel, lighter Bakelite magazine, and add a muzzle brake. Basically a Kalishnikov that shoot like an M16A1 to 450 to 500 meters. Problem solved for Soviet infantry. Very good rifle for the basic rifleman but not made for modern modularity like the M16 platform. Putting bullets down range very good, but depends on the user...

Know who else likes them some parades? Ehhh? Ehhhh? Yep, macys. What did you think I was going to say?

The ak74 is the most aesthetic Standard issue rifle imo

It's actually rather fair to regard 7.62x39 as either a stop gap, a failure, or both. The design method was seemingly rushed, but definitely flawed. The service it gave to the Soviet Union wasn't actually of any merit. They were in such a hurry to field 8mm Kurtz and STG-44 equivalents, and likely to get away from a rimmed cartridge, that they used the same forcibly cheap tooling changeover methods that would end up costing a lot more in the end. Nothing was actually really developed. The Soviets could bring very little skill to bear, as a running theme. The only thing that makes it special could have easily been done much better with some real R&D.

Bog standard? I know a guy who doesn't sell spoons who knows about that.

Because the Soviets realized 5.56 was an overall superior cartridge 😂

Why?when has Russia not copied something,another ak video same same

where did you get the info about SA-006 being more accurate than the A3? plus there was more reasons why this rifle was ditched besides the ones you mentioned. if anyone curious you can read very short article about it at modernfirearms.

Хай 🙋 Мишутка 🧸 🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🐹

Because the M16A1 was bustin' Mfers up in Vietnam, that's why. The 1 in 12 twist 55 grain M193 was splittin' wigs in the jungle and the Ruski's said hoooly sheeeit this M16 is a head buster Daaamn!!! We need one too!!