AK-74

The AK-74, or Avtomat Kalashnikova-1974, is a Soviet assault rifle designed in 1974 by Mikhail Kalashnikov. It is an improved version of the AK-47, and was the standard assault rifle of the Soviet armed forces from 1974 to 1991, and is still the standard rifle for Russia and many other post-Soviet states. It uses the higher velocity, smaller, more lethal, and more accurate 5.45x39mm round. Many models have a foldable stock, and/or polymer furniture and magazines versus the wood and metal used on the AK-47 and AKM. Older versions had orange-brown polymer stocks, handguards, and magazines, although these were later replaced by darker colors, because the original furniture compromised the user's camouflage. The AK-74 is accurate and effective out to 500 meters. It uses a standard 30-round, curved magazine typical of most assault rifles. It can also use a 45-round box magazine from the RPK-74 and all newer 60-round casket magazines, or a 100 round drum. Many types of optics can be fitted, as well as a GP-25 or GP-30 grenade launcher, a knife bayonet, and other accessories.

AK74
The AK-74 is available for purchase in Battlefield Heroes to players using the soldier class of the National Army. The Royal Army counterpart is the M16.

Tier 1 AK74
Released as part of the Battlefield Heroes goes Tier 1 event, the Tier 1 AK74is the long-range variant of the AK74. The Tier 1 AK74, while having an attached scope and bayonet, cannot use either attachment, as these are purely for aesthetic purposes only.

SOF AK74
As a part of the Battlefield Heroes Christmas event, the SOF AK74was released on December 2, 2010 for purchase through the in-game store. It features a winter camouflaged AK74 with a usable scope.

Battlefield 3
"The AK-74M is the latest modernized version of the classic AK-47. Fielded as the standard Assault Rifle by the Russian Army, the M variant includes a side folding polymer stock and a scope mount rail on the left side of the weapon. Recent developments allow the AK series of weapons to field many of the accessories typically seen on Western guns. The AK-74M is a reliable and rugged medium range weapon."

- Battlelog description

Singleplayer
The AK-74M is a common weapon for the PLR outside of Iran. It is less prevalent than its cousin, the AKS-74u, but is still very common. It, and the AKS-74u, are largely offset by the KH2002 during the missions taking place in Iran.

Co-op
The AK-74M is a weapon commonly used by enemies in most of the co-op campaign.

Multiplayer
The AK-74M is the standard assault rifle of the Russian Ground Forces' Assault kit, filling the same role as the United States Marine Corps' M16A3. Although it is initially locked for the USMC team, it can later be unlocked for use when 220,000 assault points are accumulated.

Like the M16A3, the AK-74M is capable of firing in both fully automatic and semi automatic modes. It has slightly more vertical recoil than the M16A3, but also has less first shot recoil. This lower first shot recoil, combined with its lower fire rate, makes the AK-74M easier to handle controlled bursts at range when compared to the M16A3. Its open sights provide a clear view of the target which also adds to its ease of use in controlled bursts.

Battlefield 3: Aftershock
The AK 74M appears as one of the four selectable primary weapons in Battlefield 3: Aftershock. The gun holds 40 rounds per magazine and has a total ammo count of 160 rounds.

Trivia

 * In Battlefield 3, the AK-74 Profiency Dog tag shows the weapon with an attached GP-30.
 * This weapon shares its reload animation with the M39 EMR, AKS-74U, SVD, AS Val,and SKS.