The Kalashnikov Era Ends: Russian Soldiers Receive New KORD Rifle With Minimal Recoil

After decades of dominance by the iconic Kalashnikov assault rifle, Russian intelligence forces are entering a new era of weaponry.

The new A-545 KORD rifle is being distributed to specially selected Russian intelligence soldiers, signaling the end of the Kalashnikov’s long reign as Russia’s standard issue firearm.

Minimal Recoil and Enhanced Precision

The KORD rifle stands out significantly from older models like the AK-74 and AK-12. According to a Russian intelligence officer, the recoil on the new rifle is so minimal it’s barely noticeable. “It’s now our standard rifle, and it practically has no recoil—it’s almost imperceptible,” he told Militarnyi.

The key to the KORD’s performance lies in its balanced automatic system. A movable counterweight operates in the opposite direction of the bolt carrier group, effectively canceling out recoil and making the weapon remarkably stable and accurate.

Advanced Technology With Drawbacks

Despite its improvements, the KORD isn’t without challenges. The complex mechanism requires more maintenance compared to the rugged and simple Kalashnikov design. The rifle is also heavier—around 700 grams more than the AK-12—which could affect mobility in the field.

However, the KORD comes with a major advantage: a fixed Picatinny rail on the receiver, allowing for easier and more secure mounting of optics—a long-standing weakness of Kalashnikov rifles.

Limited Use So Far – But That’s Changing

So far, the KORD has only seen sporadic use in combat, mostly with special forces during the conflict in Ukraine. But its planned rollout to Russian intelligence units in 2025 suggests a wider, though still unofficial, adoption of the new weapon.

With the introduction of this advanced rifle, Russia appears to be setting a new standard for its armed forces. This could very well mark the beginning of the end for the Kalashnikov’s dominance on battlefields around the world.

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