Let's say Prasun was right regarding the 7.62x51 Ghaatak issue....We've all seen pics of the older Trichy AR (based on SLR but chambered for 7.62x39)...does anyone else here wonder why OFB factories have this overbearing need to reinvent the wheel?
At one hand we're seeing a 7.62x51 SLR model being converted for x39 Kalashnikov. At the other hand, we're seeing an x39 AK (Ghaatak) being converted for x51 Nato.
DA FAQ?? Why not just stick with SLR platform for all x51 Nato caliber requirements and stick with the AK platform for all x39 Kalashnikov requirements? Why this visibly stupid, mis-matched approach?
If anyone here can throw some light on this situation, kindly do so and enlighten me. Because the thinking of OFB seems to be clearly beyond my comprehension.
@Kunal Biswas @ghost
Fist of all ,I apologize for pointing out the ak 103 as the new 7.62x51mm rifle,it seems that it is not.Now, I am still not sure what is going on,I am trying to get hold of things.
My assumption (pure speculation) :
1 Some time back I have posted that a number of 7.62x39mm rifles have been imported into India,pointing to some trials going on.I assume that army want new 7.62x39mm rifle for RR ,Kalashnikov concern have decided to offer AK 103 for it, in collaboration with OFB.This explain AK 103 in 7.62x39mm.
If we assume for a second that this is right, then I wonder what about mciws rifle ,that is being claimed to pass all the trials and does come in 7.62x39mm.
2 Prasun sengupta have been saying that the new 7.62x51mm rifle is based on ghatak platform ( ak ),but the 7.62x51mm rifle put on display by the OFB is clearly Insas 1c chambered in 7.62x51mm,only visible change being a longer top rail than the 5.56mm version .The lower indent of receiver above trigger is similar to insas (which was there due to use of FNC trigger on ak receiver design ),hence we can conclude that even the trigger group is same.This makes it clear that the new rifle is based on insas or insas 1c chambered in 7.62nato.
I wonder if this is the case ,then what about all type of rumours going around of the new rifle being a AK derivative.
3 I completely agree with you on the new 7.62x51mm rifle being based on SLR,that seems the natural way to go but please do note that the people involved here are DRDO and OFB (they have a reputation to maintain).
4 I am also disappointed in the plethora of defence journalist we have,who do not have any idea of the things going on and does not even seem to be interested other than debating F16 vs Gripen.
5 Regarding .308 ak please watch this: