AK-58

Development

Evoan People's Army was rather slow to adapt intermediate size cartridges into their small arms inventory, considering Neuvosto Union's IKS with its new 7.62x39mm round as wartime fad that had no longevity for long term military planning. Partially this view was considered adequate by the strong and successful sub-machine gun evolution in Evoan use, and by other means the logistical practicality, since it was only after the 2nd Great war that Evo had managed to set up an effective semi-automatic rifle production after fustrating and prolonged efforts. The IK-49 in the old 7.62x53Rmm rimmed round together with the new submachinegun KP-48 were the main bulk of the front line infantry weapons in the immediate post-war Evoan use. It was however apparent during the YYA-alliance's war games and evaluations, where the new thinking in universal automatic weapons as core part of the infantry units begun to creep in Evoan doctrines. Number of SNTL's IKS rifles were imported, as well as domestic attempts to convert the IK-49 to the smaller round, but the main effort was given to a completely new type of weapon, that would combine the lower manufacturing costs of stamped steel sub-machineguns with the rifle qualities offered by the Neuvosto Union's new round. AK-58 was born out of army directive in 1955 that issued Evoan manufactures and designers a goal to produce weapon that used the 7.62x39mm round, was lighter that both IK-49 and IKS as well as robust and simple to use in massed conscription army. The basic design was created by D.I Ilvari Korhonen from Saraste's Machinery works, which produced the KP-48 and it featured long-stroke gas piston operation, and rolling lock. The receiver was build from stamped steel plates and the woodwork from laminated plywood. It showed good balance between the rather contradicting army requirements and gave promising impression to the General HQ of the Evoan People's Army. After successful field trials, the rifle was placed in production as Automaattikivääri-58 Or automatic-rifle 58, AK-58.

Production and Versions

The production started in 1958 in Saraste Machinery works and later expanded to all major Evoan weapon manufacturing plants. Between 1958-1970, over 800,000 guns were produced, after which the production was switched to the improved model 72 version.

• AK-58, the initial model. There were minor differences between the production batches and between the manufacturers, mainly in terms of woodwork finish and attachment, some versions had glued hand-grips, others had the two-piece structure attached with screws.
  • AK-58 TP TP= Taittoperä, folding stock, using Nomidaean pattern underfolding simple metal chord stock, intended for paratroopers and mechanised infantry.
• AK-58 72 Improved model, with plastic furniture, replaced the production runs in all factories at the early 1970's. Over 1 200 000 guns were made. Was also substantially exported.
  • AK-58 72 TP Folding stock variant
  • AK-58 72 L A shorter, carbine/sub-machinegun style version of the standard folding-stock version, with 317mm barrel. Was further development from the folding stock version for even more compact rifle. Although tested by the Evoan People's Army, and fielded in small scale by special units, it find its most use by the Ministry Of Interiors troops and Miliisi

Spesifications

• Caliber: 7.62mmx39mm
• Length: 908mm
• Barrel lenght: 415mm (rifle variants), 317mm (AK-58 72 L)
• Weight without magazine: 3.5 kg
• Full load weight: 4.3 kg
• Muzzle velocity: 715 m/s
• Rate of fire: 700 rds/min theorethical, 120 rds/min practical
• Effective firing Range: 350m

Users and history

Fielded by Evoan People's army, the security troops of the ministry of interiors, as well as various paramilitary and irregular forces around the world. Evoan made rifles were exported to Alkurulaë and licence production took place in Sulraiven, Cvott Balc and Thunordak. After the SNTL fielded their new 5.45mm round, Evoans gradually upgraded their rifle to AK-84 which was essentially just the AK-58 in the new caliber. The AK-84 and its subsequent versions has now replaced AK-58 in active service in Evo, but it remains stockpiled in reserve use.