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The 5.45×39 cartridge was developed in 1974 for use with the AK-74 rifle. The cartridge was intended to replace the currently issued 7.62×39 round and perform similarly to the West’s 5.56x45mm NATO round. By going to a smaller diameter projectile, higher velocities could be achieved. Simply put, what the 5.45×39 may lack in mass when compared to the 7.62×39, it makes up for in its velocity and extended effective range. A lighter projectile traveling at higher velocities allows for a higher degree of penetration as well, a factor which was important to the Soviets during the Cold War era. Like its predecessor, the 5.45×39 has been utilized in a wide variety of firearms. Everything from mainline service rifles such as the AK-74 and AK-12 to shorter firearms like Krinkovs and even RPK light machine guns in the cartridge. The 5.45×39 essentially sought to be the Soviet’s answer to the 5.56x45mm NATO round. Many 5.45×39 loadings were developed for military usage such as the multiple 7N6 designations designed to have a good effect on body armor.
Most of the firearms chambered in 5.45×39 are going to be AK-74 based. These firearms will come in a variety of sizes and form factors, ranging from standard service rifles to the shorter Krinkov rifles. While Kalashnikov designs are the most prevalent firearms in this caliber, one will also find other types of firearms that accept the round. If someone wishes to get into a 5.45×39 chambered firearm, they can certainly find something if they truly want to.
