Overview[]
The Automatkarbin 4, abbreviated commonly to Ak 4 or Ak 4A, also known under the designation of fm/1964, is a Swedish battle rifle developed throughout the early 1960s, as a result of the adoption of the Heckler & Koch G3A3.
Development[]
In the early 1960s, the Försvarsmakten, the governing agency over the Swedish Armed Forces, embarked on a mission to modernize their currently in-service firearms. Their ultimate goal was to find a successor to the Automatgevär m/42, which whilst superb for it's time period, had been used for over two decades by the time of the inception to adopt a new rifle was present. This ambitious initiative led to a series of experiments and tests with a variety of rifles and cartridges.
The rigorous experimentation phase of the Swedish military involved a variety of factors that were taken into consideration, such as reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, and adaptability to different environments, most importantly, the arctic temperatures of domestic Sweden. The Försvarsmakten was not content with simply finding a new firearm, but rather instead committed to finding the best possible solution with taking into accounts the means of production cost, and ease of production itself.
The requirements for a rifle to be considered for trials were straightforward, having to be chambered for either the 6.5x55mm Swedish or the more widely used 7.62x51mm cartridge. As a result, all submitted designs matched the traditional definition of a "battle rifle" with few exceptions.
Trial Contenders - Phase 1[]
- Bofors Carl Gustav GRAM 63 / fm/57
- FN Herstal FN FAL
- Heckler & Koch G3
- SIG AG SG 510
- Springfield Armory M14
- Valmet rk/60 / rk/62
The bulk of rifles submitted would meet their untimely rejection before they could reach the culminating stages of their trials. The Finnish submission, the Valmet rk/60 rifle, suffered rejection due to the unavailability of the 7,62x39mm cartridge in Sweden. Conversely, the SIG AG SG 510 and M14, armed with the 7.62x51mm cartridge, were also deemed insufficient and were dismissed due to their inadequate modularity and the exorbitant costs of production.
Trial Contenders - Phase 2[]
- Bofors Carl Gustav GRAM 63 - Unknown Designation
- FN Herstal FN FAL - Ak/fm 60, Ak/fm 62
- Heckler & Koch G3 - Ak/fm 60, Ak/fm 62
Towards the later stages of rifle trialing, only the FN FAL designs (dubbed Ak/fm 60 and Ak/fm 62), the GRAM 63, and the HK G3 (also submitted under the name of Ak/fm 60, and would have the later title of Ak/fm 62 much alike the FAL) would still be considered. Although all were seen as venerable selection choices, the decision to consider simplicity and manufacturing/production costs would give the G3 an edge over the former choices. The G3 platform was seen as simpler to use and was easier to produce than the FN FAL, and was easier to modify in-terms of furniture, whilst the GRAM 63 design fell through due to a overall unconventional layout.
During the decision between the FN FAL and the HK G3, both would receive experimental modifications to accept the indigenously designed Swedish cartridge of 6.5x55mm, however neither rifles would be adopted in this configuration.
Adoption[]
Consequently, after a rigorous evaluation period of four years, the G3 was officially accepted into service in 1964, a twelvemonth subsequent to the unveiling of its updated iteration, the HK G3A3. Hence, the Ak 4 was constructed upon the latter model, rather than one of the prior variants with wooden accoutrements.
The Ak 4 would also don the moniker "fm/1964" in service, signifying its affiliation with the Försvarsmakten, or Swedish Armed Forces, as a way to represent the rifle belonging to the military, or being of military grade. Conversely, the date inscribed represents the annum of official adoption by the armed forces.
Expanding with the potential further usage of the HK G3 platform, a few samples of the HK 21 were experimented with, as the usage of one universal firearm platform was seen as a benefit. However, the HK 21 in any Swedish usage never emerged passed trial staging, as the Swedish had already secured a license to domestically produce the FN MAG, known in-service as the Ksp 58.
Modernization[]
The unaltered version of the Ak 4 rifle served as the primary firearm for the Swedish Armed Forces for 22 years, until it was eventually replaced by the more modern Ak 5 assault rifle. This change was prompted by the advent of a smaller cartridge, particularly 5.56x45mm, which was more widely used by other nations. Despite its replacement, further adaptations of the Ak 4 continued to be used by both the Swedish military and the Hemvärnet, or Swedish Home Guard.
By the time of 2003, the Hemvärnet, or Swedish Home Guard, had received about 40,000 Ak 4 rifles for converting to their needs. This included milling down/removing both the front and rear sight, and typically attaching a picatinny top rail with an Aimpoint CS optic attached. These models would be entered into local guard service as the Ak 4B, representing Bofors, a shortened term for "Bofors Carl Gustav" (previously named Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori, but at the time of the Ak 4B's inception, was renamed), the company which designed the modernization on the model.
Subsequently, in 2017, the Ak 4 underwent a series of modernizing enhancements, achieved through the alteration of the Ak 4B variant. The endeavor was overseen by Spuhr, a domestic organization contracted for the purpose of furnishing the rifles with modular fittings. This culminated in the advent of the Ak 4C and Ak 4D variants being adopted.
Design[]
With the victor of the Swedish military trials resulting in the adoption of the HK G3, under the discretion of the Försvarsmakten, the contract to further improve said firearm would be given to Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori (now known as Bofors Carl Gustav).
As there was no requirement for developing a new weapon system, since the G3 had already been adopted, any modifications made would only be to external elements such as the furniture, or bolt.
Accessories[]
To enhance the effectiveness of the Ak 4 as a replacement for in-service firearms, simple additions were made to the design. One such addition was the application of a windage chart sticker on the stock of the rifle, placed upside-down for easy reference and adjustment of the scope while shouldering the firearm.
In order to preserve the durability of the firearm in challenging environmental conditions, the Ak 4 was coated with a protective layer of surface adhesion to shield it from outer conditions. A limited series of late model Ak 4 rifles featured metal receivers with a green finish. This was done to "reduce costs."
Bayonet Usage[]
With the Ak 4's design retaining the HK G3's bayonet mounting compatibility, the rifle remained able to accommodate any bayonet previously compatible with the G3. Yet, with the advent of the Ak 4's formal adoption in 1964, a corresponding bayonet was also introduced into service to accompany its rifle counterpart.
The bayonet designated for use with the Ak 4 was an advanced iteration from its predecessor, the fm/54. The newer model, dubbed the m/64, was an almost exact duplication of the German-manufactured HK G3 bayonet, which itself drew inspiration from the American M3 up to M7 scabbard series designs.
Surprisingly, despite the availability of the bayonet accessory, the Ak 4 was rarely employed in conjunction with it. Instead, the combination was reserved for exclusive use by the Swedish "Högvakt," a distinguished and prestigious domestic honor guard.
Brass Catcher[]
An important realization upon referencing Sweden's armed neutrality at the time of the Ak 4's adoption, was that a large majority, if not all, training missions in which the rifle would be utilized would be domestic, in the vast environment and nature of Sweden. In order to preserve the environment, the Ak 4 would have a large, rubber brass catcher designed to snap on to the upper receiver, which effectively acted as a way to keep environments clean, and to prevent foreign sources from tracing manufactured cartridge shells.
Original brass catchers developed during, or shortly after the trials in which saw the adoption of the Ak 4 as a service rifle were crudely welded together, and featured a large, circular chamber attached effectively to a reinforced cloth sack. These would later be reprimanded with the procurement and creation of newer brass catchers which were serviced shortly after 1964. These models were instead produced out of hard rubber, and were more durable then their early counterparts.
Brass Deflector[]
One of the salient modifications to the Ak 4 rifle was the integration of a brass deflector, deemed imperative to shield the operator from any errant ejected brass, owing to the HK G3's fame for having a high chamber pressure. This brass deflector, distinct from other designs created for the G3, is not affixed by welding, but instead, with sufficient pressure applied above the chamber on the upper receiver, snaps securely into place.
These brass deflectors were mandated for integration onto all in-service rifles, thus becoming a distinguishing feature of the Ak 4. They are sometimes referred to as "port buffers", as their function is to prevent brass from becoming lodged in the chamber. The addition of these brass deflectors was considered an essential aspect of the rifle's design.
Furniture[]
The Ak 4 initially adopted the same wooden furniture as the early HK G3, with some models sporting wooden handguards and polymer stocks. However, by 1963, the newer HK G3A3 was procured and adopted, with the design opting for the newer all-polymer furniture.
Interestingly, the usual olive furniture associated with the G3 were swapped for their matte-black counterparts. This decision was most likely changed, in order to reduce the weapon's signature and hide signs of wear in harsh conditions, as opposed to utilizing the standard green.
Stock[]
With no exceptions, the form and figure of the stock on the Ak 4 remained faithful to that of the early G3. Verily, as the modern iteration of the G3, the G3A3, emerged with its updated polymer stock, the Ak 4 saw fit to embrace such an innovative design. The butt-pad, if removed, doth reveal the inner chamber housing the coiled spring which imparts tension to the bolt mechanism.
Some rifles were beset with stocks reminiscent of the G3SG1, boasting elongated rubber butt-pads and a fixed, unchanging HK cheek-riser affixed atop the stock. Such embellishments were commonly reserved for the uncommonly encountered marksman iteration, dubbed the Ak 4OR, meaning "Optiskt Riktmedal," meaning "Optical Sight."
A less frequently encountered version of the Ak 4 features a retractable stock borrowed from the HK G3A4. This particular configuration of the rifle was reportedly exclusive to special forces units. The evidence supporting this idea is questionable, as the only source of information is based on a digitally altered photo. Furthermore, Sweden, being a neutral country during the Cold War, had limited special forces capabilities. If such a weapon were to exist, it would have entered service after the emergence of the G3A4 design in 1974.
Operation[]
Unchanged from the HK G3, the Ak 4 opts for utilizing the roller-delayed blowback action. Because of this action, as the trigger is pressed, the propellant force drives the cartridge backward against the bolt face. The rollers, situated in the barrel extension's indentations, start to shift inward towards the bolt head due to the slanted design of the indentations. This transition leads to a rapid movement of the substantial bolt body, causing the bolt face to initially move at a slower pace when pressure within the chamber remains elevated. Once the pressure decreases to a reasonable level, the rollers become entirely disengaged from the barrel extension, allowing the bolt head and body to move in tandem towards the rear, effectively extracting and expelling the spent casing while chambering a new cartridge during the backward motion.
Receiver[]
The Ak 4, though an evolution of the original HK G3 design, still maintained its unmistakable origins with little to no external modifications made to the upper and lower receivers. The Heckler & Koch wordmark can still be found imprinted on the receiver, accompanied by Swedish markings, such as the "three crowns," symbolizing its official use by the Swedish government. The rifle also adopted the same dating system as the G3, featuring the month and year in "mm/yy" format, further showcasing its roots and lineage.
A noteworthy alteration in the Ak 4 lies in its lower receiver, boasting a modified fire selector. The labeling on the selector has undergone a change from the traditional "SEF" of HK to the "SPA," symbolizing the safe, semi-automatic, and fully-automatic firing modes, represented in the Swedish vernacular, and abbreviated much alike the original.
Sights[]
In order to accommodate for the use of gloves in colder environments, the Ak 4's rear iron sight was extended vertically, making it easier to grip and adjust. The front iron sight, however, is unaltered.
Being based on the G3, the Ak 4 would of course have incorporated the "claw mount" socket which enabled the use of scopes. A scoped version of the rifle, known as the Ak 4OR or "Optiskt Riktmedal," meaning "Optical Sight", was introduced and equipped with the Hensoldt Fero Z24 4x24 telescopic sight, echoing the German use of the original HK G3ZF with optics.
Tool Kit[]
Despite the Ak 4 retaining its compatibility and interchangeability with the HK G3, a specialized tool kit exclusive to the rifle would be obtained upon its adoption into Swedish military service. Dubbed the "Underhåll," or "Maintenance" kit, the toolset encompasses a variety of components, including an "Ak 4" branded wrench for detaching the muzzle, an extractor and its accompanying spring, firing pins, and stock pins, all housed within three transparent plastic tubes for easy organization.
Additionally, as this was a standard-issued series, less remarkable features were also incorporated, such as abbreviated cleaning rods and a conventional, red "Ak 4" branded screwdriver for the purpose of expelling the push-pins situated on the stock and handguard of the firearm.
The muzzle spanner, a contrivance crafted for the purpose of detaching the aforementioned standard G3 muzzle, was a marked improvement over the original HK-produced G3's which lacked a toolkit equipped with such an implement
Subsequently, in 1966 with the eventual arrival in 1967, the Norwegian adaptation of the G3, known as the AG 3, was adopted by the Norwegian armed forces, leading to the procurement of the aforementioned tool kits for utilization in conjunction with the rifles.
Variants[]
|
| H&K G3 Platform | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Originals | 
| ||
| Heckler & Koch | MIL | G3 • G3A1 • G3A2 • G3A3 (A1) • G3A4 (A1) • G3A5 • G3A6 • G3A6 (A1) • G3KA4 (A1) • G3NA3 • G3SG1 | |
| C&LE | HK11 • HK12 • HK13 • HK21 (A1 • E) • HK23 • HK25 • HK31 • HK32 • HK33 • HK41 (A2 • A3) • HK43 • HK53 • HK54 • HK81 • HK 91 (A2 • A3) • HK93 • MSG3 • MSG90 (A1 • A2) • PSG1 (A1) • SR9 (T • TC) | ||
| Derivatives | |||
 Denmark
|
Gv M/66 • Gv M/75 | ||
 Greece
|
SAR-3 • SAR-8 | ||
 Iran
|
G3A6 | ||
 Luxembourg
|
HSG1 • HSG41 | ||
 Mexico
|
Morelos (A • B) • MSG-90SDN | ||
 Myanmar
|
BA 63 • BA 64 • BA 72 • BA 100 | ||
 Netherlands
|
Armtech 51 | ||
 Norway
|
AG 3 (F1 • F2 • HVU) | ||
 Pakistan
|
G3P3 • G3P4 • PK-7 • PK-8 • PSR-90 | ||
 South Africa
|
R2 | ||
 Sweden
|
Ak 4 (B • C • D • HV • OR) | ||
 Turkey
|
G3A7 (A1) • T41 | ||
 United Kingdom
|
MC 51 (K • SD) | ||
 United States of America
|
FA91 • HK 21 K • HK 51 • SAR-3 | ||
 West Germany
|
Rh4 | ||
| Sweden Weapons Cold War Period (1946 — 1990) |
|---|
| Infantry Weapons | ||
|---|---|---|
| Melee Weapons | Bayonet | [[]] |
| Survival Weapon | [[]] | |
| Sidearms | Pistol | [[]] |
| Revolver | [[]] | |
| Machine Pistol | [[]] | |
| Close Quarters | Personal Defense Weapon | [[]] |
| Submachine Gun | [[]] | |
| Shotgun (automatic) | [[]] | |
| Shotgun (semi-automatic) | [[]] | |
| Shotgun (manual-action) | [[]] | |
| Primary Weapons | Assault Rifle | Ak 5 |
| Battle Rifle | Ak 4 | |
| Assault Carbine | [[]] | |
| Battle Carbine | [[]] | |
| Civilian Rifle | [[]] | |
| Automatic Support Weapons | Light Machine Gun | [[]] |
| Medium Machine Gun | [[]] | |
| Heavy Machine Gun | [[]] | |
| Long Range | Anti-Materiel Rifle | [[]] |
| Bolt-Action Rifle | [[]] | |
| Designated Marksman Rifle | Ak 4OR | |
| Launchers | Grenade Launcher (Attachment) | [[]] |
| Grenade Launcher (Standalone) | [[]] | |
| Disposable Rocket Launcher | [[]] | |
| Rocket Launcher | [[]] | |
| Guided, Anti-Tank | [[]] | |
| Guided, Anti-Air | [[]] | |
| Non-Lethal Weapons | Rifle | [[]] |
| Pistol | [[]] | |
| Underwater Weapons | Sidearm | [[]] |
| Rifle | [[]] | |
| Explosives | Anti-Personnel Mines | [[]] |
| Anti-Tank Mines | [[]] | |
| Offensive Grenades | [[]] | |
| Smoke Grenades | [[]] | |
| Firearm Accessories | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optics | Iron Sights | [[]] |
| Collimator | [[]] | |
| Telescopic | [[]] | |
| Magnifier | [[]] | |
| Attachments | Flashlights & Lasers | [[]] |
| Foregrips & Bipods | [[]] | |
| Infantry Equipment | ||
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | Backpacks | [[]] |
| Body Armour | [[]] | |
| Bomb Suit | [[]] | |
| Elbow and knee pads | [[]] | |
| Signals & IFF | [[]] | |
| Suits | [[]] | |
| Vests & Webbing | [[]] | |
| Headwear | Communication | [[]] |
| Gas Masks & Rebreathers | [[]] | |
| Goggles | [[]] | |
| Helmets | [[]] | |
| Vehicle Headwear | [[]] | |
| Optics, Detection and Surveillance | Man-Portable Radar | [[]] |
| Mine Detectors | [[]] | |
| Night Vision Goggles | [[]] | |
| Periscopes | [[]] | |
| Rangefinders | [[]] | |
| Surveillance | [[]] | |
| Artillery | |
|---|---|
| Anti-Aircraft Guns | [[]] |
| Anti-Tank Guns | [[]] |
| Anti-Tank Guided Missiles | [[]] |
| Anti-Tank Guided Missile Systems | [[]] |
| Anti-Tank Guided Missile Systems | [[]] |
| Howitzers | [[]] |
| Mortars | [[]] |
| Railroad Artillery | [[]] |
| Recoilless Guns | [[]] |
| Rocket Artillery | [[]] |
| Siege Artillery | [[]] |
| Land Vehicle Weapons | |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Machine Guns | [[]] |
| 57mm Tank Guns | [[]] |
| 73mm Tank Guns | [[]] |
| 76.2mm Tank Guns | [[]] |
| 85mm Tank Guns | [[]] |
| 100mm Tank Guns | [[]] |
| 115mm Tank Guns | [[]] |
| 120mm Tank Guns | [[]] |
| 122mm Tank Guns | [[]] |
| 125mm Tank Guns | [[]] |
| 130mm Tank Guns | [[]] |
| 152.4mm Tank Guns | [[]] |
| Heavy Guns | [[]] |
| Vehicle Autocannon | [[]] |
| Aircraft Weapons & Munitions | |
|---|---|
| 7.62mm Machine Guns | [[]] |
| 12.7mm Machine Guns | [[]] |
| 23mm Cannons | [[]] |
| 30mm Cannons | [[]] |
| 37mm Cannons | [[]] |
| Rocket Pods | [[]] |
| Rockets | [[]] |
| Air-to-Air Missiles | [[]] |
| Air-to-Ship Missiles | [[]] |
| Air-to-Surface Missiles | [[]] |
| Anti-Radiation Missiles | [[]] |
| Cruise Missiles | [[]] |
| Bombs | [[]] |
| Sources | ||
|---|---|---|
| Books | Online | Documents |
| • SoldF | ||