RSC AK-234 Assault Rifle

The standard issue combat rifle of RSC forces since it's introduction in 2201, which was a highly welcomed replacement for the wildly out of date AK-14 and AK-19 weapon systems Restevian forces had been forced to rely upon up until then. A wildly popular weapon, the AK-234 draws upon the design influences that had affected Russian weapons for well over two centuries, taking the best of those designs and combining them into a hard hitting package no Restevian soldier would ever want to be without. Frighteningly reliable, the AK-234 is able to withstand almost any planetary conditions it may be sent into, with rifles having been reported as having withstood splashes of acid, with the only notable damage having been to the wooden stock and handguard. For more extreme environs the AK-234 is issued with a poly stock and guard, though wood is a personal favorite of the troops.

Chambered in 7.02x55mm AP/HE caliber, the AK-234 is capable of punching through many types of body armor, though absolute top of the line personal defense systems continue to elude penetration. An integrated 45mm grenade launcher act as a powerful force multiplier for NUSSR's Shock Troopers and infantry, allowing a squad to bring heavy amounts of firepower to bear quickly, and absolute necessity considering the foes the Restevians have faced in the past.

Much upgraded, and well loved by the troops, the AK-234 is as much a symbol of the RSC's armed forces as the S-1 sabre, or the Gorshkov battleship. While replacements have been suggested, it is not likely they will be adopted, unless the AK-234 shows a sudden and drastic ineffectiveness in the field.

A pixel art gift for me and the RSC by