Learn if you need the Beez Combat Systems AK74 Chest Rig to store your magazines.
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AK74 Chest Rig: By Popular Demand
AK74 Rifle Platform
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Beez Combat Systems has designed an AK chest rig specifically for the AK74 operator. Unless you are a bit of a weapons aficionado, most don't know the differences between an AK74 and an AK47. The AK47, the better-known rifle platform, was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov and released in 1947.
The AK47 fires a cartridge sized at 7.63×39. However, Eugene Stoner is responsible for the AR-15 rifle design during the Vietnam War. It has a size 5.56×45 cartridge that is convenient for carrying increased amounts of ammunition per soldier.
This sparked the Russian government to approach Mikhail Kalashnikov. The goal was to design a new rifle platform that fires a cartridge similar to the Americans.
AK74 vs. AK47
AK74 operators know some of the other differences between the AK47 and the AK74 are the sizes in magazines. The AK47 magazine holds 30 cartridges of 7.32×39 rounds. On the other hand, the AK74 design holds 30 smaller cartridges sized at 5.45×39.
Although the differences in sizes are not very noticeable at first glance, it becomes obvious when choosing tactical gear. The AK47 rifle platform will typically be too large for magazines belonging to an AK74 rifle platform. This can cause the operator to have too much movement of equipment while in the field.
Beez Combat Systems AK74 Chest Rig
https://youtu.be/551V-xzXy6Y
The Beez Combat Systems Russian AK chest rig comfortably fits all AK74-style magazines. This includes surplus magazines, U.S.-made magazines, and collector type Bakelite magazines.
The AK74 chest rig also has the option of a standard or a pull-forward lat strap. This is the lowest profile AK rig on the market. MOLLE webbing located on the chest rig is compatible with user configuration and upgrades including the padded H Harness and the CRMB (Chest Rig MOLLE Belt.) Other features and benefits of the Beez Combat Systems AK74 Chest Rig include:
What Is MOLLE? MOLLE stands for modular lightweight load-bearing equipment. It may refer to any equipment or backpack usually with webbing panels for attachment of objects.
- 1000 denier Cordura
- MIL-Spec thread and Velcro
- Full-length interior pocket
- Elastic pull tabs
- Quick release 1” shoulder and waist buckles
- Made in the USA
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AK74 Rises in Popularity and Affordability
Mikhail Kalashnikov's AK47 platform is one of the most recognizable rifles around the world. However, since the availability of 5.45×39 ammunition has increased, so too has the popularity and affordability of the AK74 rifle itself.
Various countries also manufacture and import their own AK74 rifle platforms into the United States. It's under manufacturing agreements set up with the government of Russia. Some countries like Yugoslavia and Bulgaria offer their rifle platform at a more affordable price than the traditional Russian AK74.
These trade agreements allowed the AK74 to become widely available and compete with Eugene Stoner’s AR/M4 rifle platform. Firearms enthusiasts enjoy the AK74 because its smaller cartridge allows for easier control of recoil. This makes the AK74 a perfect rifle to convert into an SBR (short barreled rifle).
Check out this short video by BeezCombatSystems and take a closer look at the AK74 chest rig:
Although Mikhail Kalashnikov was reluctant about adopting a new rifle round, he designed the AK74 that fired a cartridge sized at 5.45×39. The cartridge proved beneficial among special operations teams in the Russian military allowing for more controlled recoil, increased ammunition carrying capability and ballistic advantages during urban warfare operations.
What do you think about the AK74 chest rig tactical gear? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 25, 2018, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
