Developed in response to the US .223, the M74 cartridge and new family of small arms began to replace the M43 system in the Soviet Union in the 1970s, and in satellite countries beginning in the 1980s. It is the current standard cartridge in Russia and former Soviet republics. Rifles chambered for this round feature lighter recoil and increased accuracy. Magazines are shown for display purposes only. Capacity of supplied magazine may be 5, 10, 30, or 40 rounds.
