Late 1970s MA compact assault rifle prototype designed by Yevgeny Dragunov
The AM-17 was first unveiled in the Russian Army Expo 2017 alongside the integrally suppressed AMB-17. Its development began in the late 2010s, and was based on the Yevgeny Dragunov MA compact assault rifle.[3]
In November 2024, the AM-17 has completed the acceptance trials.[4] Serial production of the carbine is expected to begin in 2025.[5] On September 1, 2025, Kalashnikov Concern reported that the first experimental batch of the AM-17 had been manufactured.[6]
The AM-17 features an integrated upper full-length MIL-STD/1913 Picatinny rail system, a polymer side-folding and adjustable telescoping buttstock, and the upper receiver has elongated slots along its sides, providing ambidextrous controls for both the fire selector and the charging handle.
Operating mechanism
The AM-17, unlike previous firearms in current use by the Russian military, differentiates itself by employing two receivers that connect on a hinge instead of a single stamped receiver with a lid.
To do this the upper receiver itself is made from polymer and steel reinforcements, while the lower receiver along with its magazine housing is made entirely from polymer and connected to the upper receiver by two captive take down cross-pins reducing the weight of the firearm significantly and allowing for easier access into the internal operation.
The gas-operated action within is a short-stroke gas piston and rotary bolt which locks with three radial lugs on the bolt head similar to historic 9×39mm compact assault rifles, such as the VSK-94.
The bolt carrier within the upper receiver is almost streamline by design raising it towards the bolt group reducing both bolt friction and felt user recoil.[citation needed]
Variants
AM-17M
The AM-17M is a full-length assault rifle variant in prototype development.
