The 🌐AK-74 (Russian: Автомат Калашникова образца 1974 года, Avtomat Kalashnikova obraztsa 1974 goda; English: Kalashnikov Automatic rifle model 1974) is an assault rifle developed in the early 1970s as the replacement for the earlier AKM (itself a refined version of the AK-47). Following Eugene Stoner's implementation of the improved 5.56x45mm and the AR-15 platform during the Cold War/ Vietnam War, Russia sought out to create an improved variant of its own caliber, in which the standard 7.62x39mm was not cutting it. Thus, Russia sought to improve their caliber while keeping the AK platform that was standard at the time. It uses a smaller 5.45×39mm cartridge, replacing the 7.62×39mm chambering of earlier Kalashnikov-pattern weapons.
A shortened carbine variant of the AK-74 exists, known as the AKS-74U.
Insurgency[]
The AK-74 is an assault rifle featured in Insurgency. It was introduced in the Insurgency: Nightfall update and is available for use by the Insurgent Forces.
Attachments[]
| Optics | |
| Barrel | |
| Siderail | |
| Underbarrel | |
| Ammo |
Media[]
| Weapons of Insurgency | ||
|---|---|---|
 Security Forces
|
 Insurgent Forces
| |
| Submachine guns | MP5K • UMP-45 | MP40 • Sterling |
| Carbines | AC-556 • Mk18 • M4A1 | M1 Carbine • SKS • AKS-74U |
| Assault rifles | M16A4 • Galil SAR | AKM • AK-74 • Galil |
| Battle rifles | L1A1 SLR • M14 EBR | FAL |
| Light machine guns | M249 | RPK |
| Shotguns | M590 | TOZ |
| Sniper rifles | M40A1 | Mosin |
| Handguns | Makarov • M45A1 • M9 | Makarov • Model 10 • M1911 |
| Melee | Knife | Khukuri |
Insurgency: Sandstorm[]
The AK-74 is an assault rifle featured in Insurgency: Sandstorm.
The AK-74 is a 5.45x39mm caliber rifle given to Insurgents for a 4 credit cost. Its power, controllability, and price make it a prime option for a very well-rounded rifle at any range.
As practically the direct upgrade to the AKM, the AK-74 shares a majority of parts with its predecessor. With a caliber comparable to most Western rifles, it improves a lot of its performance while still retaining the simplicity of the AK platform.
The 5.45 caliber of the 74 is comparable to most Western rifles. While not packing as much punch as Soviet 7.62, the modern 5.45 flies faster and penetrates harder surfaces (and targets) much more effectively. Just like in real life, Soviet 5.45 has comparable shot performance to 5.56. The smaller cartridge also means that the bolt is able to cycle slightly faster, giving the AK-74 a fire rate of 652 RPM, similar to the QBZ-97 and the AR-7090. While slower comparably to many Security armaments, the AK-74's rate of fire makes it a very controllable gun to shoot.
Attachments can boost the performance of the already well-rounded platform. Muzzle devices can either help disguise the muzzle report when firing with the Flash Hider/Suppressor or further improve the already tame lateral kick with the Compensator. Grips, on the other hand, are very helpful in improving performance, depending on the required situation. For closer ranged engagements, the Aiming Grip and Quick Draw Grip will help improve CQB performance, while the Loading Grip is a versatile implement to counteract the slower reload of the rifle, especially with the large drum magazine. The Recoil Grip can also compress the recoil even more, making the AK-74 even more controllable. A masterkey can even be attached to the underside of the rifle, allowing for easy access of devastating close quarters firepower.
Attachments[]
| Optics | |
| Underbarrel | |
| Barrel | |
| Magazine | |
| Siderail | |
| Ammo |
| Weapons of Insurgency: Sandstorm | ||
|---|---|---|
 Security Forces
|
 Insurgent Forces
| |
| Submachine guns | Grease Gun • MP5A5 • MP7 • Vector | Sterling • MP5A2 • Uzi • P90 |
| Carbines | G36K • Mk 18 CQBR • M4A1 • Honey Badger | SKS • AKS-74U • SG 552 • AS Val |
| Assault rifles | M16A4 • L85A2 • VHS-2 • Galil SAR • AUG A3 • QTS-11 • WCX • F2000 Tactical | M16A2 • AKM • AK-74 • Alpha AK • QBZ-03 • Galil • FAMAS F1 • QBZ-97 • AR7090 • F2000 |
| Battle rifles | Mk 17 Mod 0 • G3A3 • Mk 14 EBR • Tavor 7 • MDR | FAL • ACE 52 • M1 Garand |
| Machine guns | M249 • M60 • M240B | RPK • PKM • MG3 |
| Shotguns | M870 • KSG | KS-23 • TOZ-194 |
| Sniper rifles | M24 • TAC-338 • M110 SASS | Mosin-Nagant • L96A1 • SVD |
| Anti-materiel rifles | M82A1 CQ | M99 |
| Handguns | Tariq • L106A1 • M45 • PF940 • MR 73 | Welrod • Makarov • Browning HP • M1911 • M9 • Desert Eagle |
| Melee | Baton • Combat Knife | Kukri • Shiv |
Trivia[]
General
- The model present in both games (Insurgency and Insurgency: Sandstorm) is specifically the AK-74N, due to the side rail.
Insurgency
- Despite firing a smaller round than the AKM, the AKM has less recoil than the AK-74 when a foregrip is attached.
- Prior to the 12/12/2014 update, the AK-74 could not attach a foregrip.
- The Dry Canal update gave the AK-74 animation updates, the player now do a unique dry reload animation.
Insurgency: Sandstorm
- The AK-74's model shows the AK style compensator designed onto the gun, but this apparently does nothing as a compensator can be added onto the rifle on the loadout menu.
- Equipping the Recoil Grip onto every AK model (except for the Alpha AK) will attach the Romanian wooden foregrip onto the handguard instead of the normal recoil foregrip found on many other weapons.