Guns of Ukraine war picture thread
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Suck My Glock
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Mud season is early this year. Light snows are beginning to fall across the region, but they melt quickly and then the ground starts to get saturated. Motorized maneuver will become very difficult very soon, halting most opportunities for the lines to shift, at least until the ground freezes hard in late December or mid January. Mud season is what stopped the Germans outside of Kursk. As we can see here with this Ukrainian sniper's Barrett MRAD, the mud is already becoming an ever invasive problem.
Supposedly there are less than 20 HK433 rifles in Ukraine as part of field trials, but here are 4 of them.
Kalashnikov Concern in Russia has announced the AKSU-74 (often referred to by Americans as the 'krinkov' or 'krink'), will be replaced by a shortened version of the newly issued AK12, utilizing many of its features. The new shorty AK12 is designated as the AM17. Versions of it have been seen over the years during its development. Larry Vickers did a video back in 2018 with him test firing a prototype. But the rate of battlefield losses of existing AKSU-74 inventories has motivated Russia to push production forward. These photos are from Kalashnikov's website, showing the final version set to begin production in early 2025. Liberated examples are likely to end up in Ukrainian hands not long afterwards.
Supposedly there are less than 20 HK433 rifles in Ukraine as part of field trials, but here are 4 of them.
Kalashnikov Concern in Russia has announced the AKSU-74 (often referred to by Americans as the 'krinkov' or 'krink'), will be replaced by a shortened version of the newly issued AK12, utilizing many of its features. The new shorty AK12 is designated as the AM17. Versions of it have been seen over the years during its development. Larry Vickers did a video back in 2018 with him test firing a prototype. But the rate of battlefield losses of existing AKSU-74 inventories has motivated Russia to push production forward. These photos are from Kalashnikov's website, showing the final version set to begin production in early 2025. Liberated examples are likely to end up in Ukrainian hands not long afterwards.
Mike-4
Member
Awesome pics. Thanks for posting.
Suck My Glock
Member
Here's another little nasty surprise Ukrainians leave behind for hapless Russians to pick up and impersonate Hezbollah goobers. Whenever a radio or other intel-sensitive electronic device gets damaged and needs to be thrown away in the trash,...ordnance weenies get to work turning them into booby-traps. Finding an enemy radio is potentially a goldmine of intel. Perhaps you can listen in and hear what they're up to? But to do that, you have to turn it on. KABOOM!!!!
A better look at one of the HK433 rifles in Ukraine, this one at the range.
So just days after I post about Kalashnikov Concern producing the new AM17 to replace the AKSU-74, Ukraine forces in Kursk Oblast capture what appears to be a pre-production prototype. This little beast appears outwardly different from the picture on Kalashnikov's website of the AM17, which has polymer cladding on the receivers. This almost looks like an armorer simply took and AK12 and chopped the barrel down, but if you look closely, the gas tube is also shorter, which means a shorter carrier piston as well. And the top cover hinge/pivot is different from the AK12 also. They even shaved off the bayonet lug. All of which indicates this was a factory product rather than simply a depot-level hack job. Interesting that it was encountered behind enemy lines in Russia proper and not at the front. So,...without a proper designation, what do we call this? An AK12k, perhaps?
A better look at one of the HK433 rifles in Ukraine, this one at the range.
So just days after I post about Kalashnikov Concern producing the new AM17 to replace the AKSU-74, Ukraine forces in Kursk Oblast capture what appears to be a pre-production prototype. This little beast appears outwardly different from the picture on Kalashnikov's website of the AM17, which has polymer cladding on the receivers. This almost looks like an armorer simply took and AK12 and chopped the barrel down, but if you look closely, the gas tube is also shorter, which means a shorter carrier piston as well. And the top cover hinge/pivot is different from the AK12 also. They even shaved off the bayonet lug. All of which indicates this was a factory product rather than simply a depot-level hack job. Interesting that it was encountered behind enemy lines in Russia proper and not at the front. So,...without a proper designation, what do we call this? An AK12k, perhaps?
Suck My Glock
Member
These HK433 rifles are turning up all over the place. Rumor originally was that there were just 20 in country for field trial live fire testing. But the sightings are so common now, that can't be accurate. In part, the mere fact they are ending up in so many different far flung units. Here we see one with a unit of free Chechens fighting with Ukraine, alongside the more common CZ Bren 2 the other fellows have.
I've said before that companies might just be donating their product to Ukraine simply to get exposure and free advertising from dudes like me sharing pics like this. With Germany reportedly uninterested in the HK433 and fixated on the HK416 (like most of NATO), HK might be very motivated to make the HK433 project pay for itself by getting some international sales. And nothing sells quite like the power of the demonstration. I wouldn't be surprised if, when the war finally ends, one of the surviving soldiers who used one in theater gets hired by HK as a sales rep to send around the globe singing its praises.
https://twitter.com/historicfirearm/status/1717487472567828869
In recent weeks, a small amount of Steyr AUGs have suddenly appeared on the training ranges. Most of them are molded black plastic, seeming to indicate they were/are either civilian or law enforcement models. Although a few have been green. The numbers have not really been enough to speculate if they were donated by a friendly nation, such as Australia, who has donated quite a bit of other weaponry and gear. And their black color would seem to indicate otherwise. Civilian owned AUGs have been around during the conflict, but they have always been very few in number. Why the sudden appearance of several more is a mystery.
I've said before that companies might just be donating their product to Ukraine simply to get exposure and free advertising from dudes like me sharing pics like this. With Germany reportedly uninterested in the HK433 and fixated on the HK416 (like most of NATO), HK might be very motivated to make the HK433 project pay for itself by getting some international sales. And nothing sells quite like the power of the demonstration. I wouldn't be surprised if, when the war finally ends, one of the surviving soldiers who used one in theater gets hired by HK as a sales rep to send around the globe singing its praises.
https://twitter.com/historicfirearm/status/1717487472567828869
In recent weeks, a small amount of Steyr AUGs have suddenly appeared on the training ranges. Most of them are molded black plastic, seeming to indicate they were/are either civilian or law enforcement models. Although a few have been green. The numbers have not really been enough to speculate if they were donated by a friendly nation, such as Australia, who has donated quite a bit of other weaponry and gear. And their black color would seem to indicate otherwise. Civilian owned AUGs have been around during the conflict, but they have always been very few in number. Why the sudden appearance of several more is a mystery.
Suck My Glock
Member
Not sure why we haven't seen more surplus M60 GPMGs in Ukraine. There are indeed some, but I figured there would be more. Anyway, this one is in service with the 23rd Mechanized Div.
The licensed copies of Tavor (Fort 221) are not seen very much anymore, but they do turn up occasionally. This one looks nearly unissued.
There have been a few Mk14 Mod.1 EBRs seen in Ukraine as well, but they are uncommon. Here's another.
The licensed copies of Tavor (Fort 221) are not seen very much anymore, but they do turn up occasionally. This one looks nearly unissued.
There have been a few Mk14 Mod.1 EBRs seen in Ukraine as well, but they are uncommon. Here's another.
Suck My Glock
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Lots of older obsolete machineguns are still being used in Ukraine, but now that there has been a good supply of NATO guns and ammo, most of the older stuff is now deployed to lesser crirical areas, while the newer good stuff goes to the front. Here we see a couple of RP46s, which are just older DPMs with belt-feed conversions to replace the pie pan magazines, at a training range near Lviv.
A Russian sniper with his Lobaev SV-98 in .338Lapua
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtxFfL-Hnds
A Russian sniper with his Lobaev SV-98 in .338Lapua
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtxFfL-Hnds
Suck My Glock
Member
An incredible amount of kit in this photo from what appears to be Revanche Tactical Group's armoury. Everything from CZ Bren 2s, a FAL and an HK MG5 to PKs, a vz.59, FN Minimis and an HK433. Something for everyone's tastes.
Russian supply chains are so crap right now, they are not only buying artillery shells from North Korea, but even their machineguns. Here are some newly unpacked Nork Type 73 light machineguns, chambered in 7.62x54R delivered to Russian troops in the Kursk area.
Many CZ P10 pistols have been sent to Ukraine, in different variants. This one is the full-sized P10 F.
Russian supply chains are so crap right now, they are not only buying artillery shells from North Korea, but even their machineguns. Here are some newly unpacked Nork Type 73 light machineguns, chambered in 7.62x54R delivered to Russian troops in the Kursk area.
Many CZ P10 pistols have been sent to Ukraine, in different variants. This one is the full-sized P10 F.
Suck My Glock
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Donated veteran Knights Armament M110 alongside a modified AK74 in Kursk.
SIG and Daniel Defense rifles in Kursk. The mural says "Let's go to Berlin."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yTtmFo2BvA
As we have noted several times before, civilian gun ownership in Ukraine was rather free and common by European standards, and as a result, there are many privately owned/sourced rifles that have been taken to war against the Russians, and we have seen many here before. But median income for an average Ukrainian before the war was among the lowest in Europe. And as a result, most rifles were of modest cost, such as AK or AR types, with a smattering of Steyr AUGs and a rare occasional HK G36. Most Americans can't afford or justify buying a genuine HK rifle, much less a Ukrainian with even less money. And yet, here we see a trio of Territorial Defense members (a sort of militia, similar to our National Guard), with the fellow on the right holding his private HK MR308 A3-28 (very similar to the G28 DMR). That is a $10,000 rifle! It is also a commercial rifle for civilian sales. While some G28 DMR rifles have been fielded by Germany and the U.S., they are just a tad different and identifiable as such if you know what to look for, and this is NOT one of those. How the phuk did this guy acquire one of those?!?! Larry Vickers did a video on this rifle and called it a "moon rock" and one of the rarest rifles he's ever had on his YouTube channel.
SIG and Daniel Defense rifles in Kursk. The mural says "Let's go to Berlin."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yTtmFo2BvA
As we have noted several times before, civilian gun ownership in Ukraine was rather free and common by European standards, and as a result, there are many privately owned/sourced rifles that have been taken to war against the Russians, and we have seen many here before. But median income for an average Ukrainian before the war was among the lowest in Europe. And as a result, most rifles were of modest cost, such as AK or AR types, with a smattering of Steyr AUGs and a rare occasional HK G36. Most Americans can't afford or justify buying a genuine HK rifle, much less a Ukrainian with even less money. And yet, here we see a trio of Territorial Defense members (a sort of militia, similar to our National Guard), with the fellow on the right holding his private HK MR308 A3-28 (very similar to the G28 DMR). That is a $10,000 rifle! It is also a commercial rifle for civilian sales. While some G28 DMR rifles have been fielded by Germany and the U.S., they are just a tad different and identifiable as such if you know what to look for, and this is NOT one of those. How the phuk did this guy acquire one of those?!?! Larry Vickers did a video on this rifle and called it a "moon rock" and one of the rarest rifles he's ever had on his YouTube channel.
Suck My Glock
Member
Uzis still continuing to show up, as we see here.
Another Black Storm bullpup conversion AK74.
M3 Carl Gustaf 82mm recoilless rifle at moment warhead is emerging from the bore.
Here we see a pair of Polish Grot rifles with a couple of fellows who APPEAR to be American volunteers. Interesting to note the mix of STANAG magazines they are using. The fellow in the lead has an FN magazine from an FNC or FN2000 or SCAR-L protruding from his Grot, while the guy in the rear is using a Magpul Gen3 mag. In the first dude's open mag pouch, we also see a standard US surplus mag mixed in with more Gen3 Magpuls. While it is known that all these makes have been in the field for a while now and that it should be no surprise they are getting used side by side in the same mag pouches by individual users,...the fact that I have seen not a single GROT magazine anywhere in the field since the Ukrainians received them is interesting. Have they failed to function sufficiently?
Another Black Storm bullpup conversion AK74.
M3 Carl Gustaf 82mm recoilless rifle at moment warhead is emerging from the bore.
Here we see a pair of Polish Grot rifles with a couple of fellows who APPEAR to be American volunteers. Interesting to note the mix of STANAG magazines they are using. The fellow in the lead has an FN magazine from an FNC or FN2000 or SCAR-L protruding from his Grot, while the guy in the rear is using a Magpul Gen3 mag. In the first dude's open mag pouch, we also see a standard US surplus mag mixed in with more Gen3 Magpuls. While it is known that all these makes have been in the field for a while now and that it should be no surprise they are getting used side by side in the same mag pouches by individual users,...the fact that I have seen not a single GROT magazine anywhere in the field since the Ukrainians received them is interesting. Have they failed to function sufficiently?
Suck My Glock
Member
Older photo from 2023 of a Russian FSB special tactical troopie inside Zaporizhzia with his 9mm PP-19 Vityaz.
For those of you into making clone copies of AR rifles not available in the U.S., here's a good shot of the markings on a Ukrainian-made UAR-15 made by UKROP.
Another HK433 seen in Kursk back in September. This one mounts a Norwegian A-TEC ""A-Flow" suppressor, an Aimpoint T-2 with 3x magnifier and a Steiner DBAL A2 IR laser.
For those of you into making clone copies of AR rifles not available in the U.S., here's a good shot of the markings on a Ukrainian-made UAR-15 made by UKROP.
Another HK433 seen in Kursk back in September. This one mounts a Norwegian A-TEC ""A-Flow" suppressor, an Aimpoint T-2 with 3x magnifier and a Steiner DBAL A2 IR laser.
Suck My Glock
Member
UK59 belt-fed 7.62x54R GPMGs are still rocking the scene.
Czech PZD556 has been found to be much appreciated by the Ukrainians, who have reported they like it better than the M249. This one sports a suppressor, while his assistant gunner has a Daniel Defense rifle. Both men are Brazilian volunteers with the International Legion, somewhere in Kursk.
Belarusian volunteers with HK433s and an M249. (Why do they look like Canadien weed growers?)
Czech PZD556 has been found to be much appreciated by the Ukrainians, who have reported they like it better than the M249. This one sports a suppressor, while his assistant gunner has a Daniel Defense rifle. Both men are Brazilian volunteers with the International Legion, somewhere in Kursk.
Belarusian volunteers with HK433s and an M249. (Why do they look like Canadien weed growers?)
Suck My Glock
Member
The Czechs are doing a lot to keep Ukraine armed. Not only is the PZD556 belt-fed SAW supplied in large numbers, but now we are starting to see some these Czech piston-driven ARs that are reported to be of the same quality and performance as the HK416. This is the FAV-AR, which stands for Full Auto Vosatka AR, made by the Pavel Vosatka company. They have been made for over 12 years in semi-auto for the Czech domestic market with much success. It is unclear how many have been provided so far, but specimens are trickling into the hands of units in recent weeks.
As we already know, both sides are now employing shotguns as anti-drone measures to try to shoot down the small disposable and fast FPV drones that are being used so successfully to attack armor and other vehicles. Here we see a Russian with his issued Saiga 12ga. riding tailgunner on a Tigr APC in Kursk. Just as no one wants to walk point in the jungle, nobody wants to be tailgunner on a vehicle in this war. Word has it that Russian commanders use it as punishment for slackers to assign them to tailgunner duty. Why does it suck? Well, the drone is shooting directly to detonate on you, so that's bad. If you see it coming and simply bail off to save yourself, any of the crew that survive will blame you and maybe shoot you. Hey Yuri, I hear you used to hunt ducks in Stavropol. Guess what you get to do.
And in other news, Ukraine has finally begun manufacture of the CZ BREN-2, which they adopted last year as their new official service rifle. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/ukraine-begins-local-assembly-of-czech-sicz-carbines/ar-AA1vRDvi?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=4e5eadc4632a478ba61efbe5a8a19988&ei=76
As we already know, both sides are now employing shotguns as anti-drone measures to try to shoot down the small disposable and fast FPV drones that are being used so successfully to attack armor and other vehicles. Here we see a Russian with his issued Saiga 12ga. riding tailgunner on a Tigr APC in Kursk. Just as no one wants to walk point in the jungle, nobody wants to be tailgunner on a vehicle in this war. Word has it that Russian commanders use it as punishment for slackers to assign them to tailgunner duty. Why does it suck? Well, the drone is shooting directly to detonate on you, so that's bad. If you see it coming and simply bail off to save yourself, any of the crew that survive will blame you and maybe shoot you. Hey Yuri, I hear you used to hunt ducks in Stavropol. Guess what you get to do.
And in other news, Ukraine has finally begun manufacture of the CZ BREN-2, which they adopted last year as their new official service rifle. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/ukraine-begins-local-assembly-of-czech-sicz-carbines/ar-AA1vRDvi?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=4e5eadc4632a478ba61efbe5a8a19988&ei=76
Mike-4
Member
OP, thanks again for posting all these pics and doing the research. Appreciate you.
Suck My Glock
Member
And yes,...Ukraine did indeed have a (small) hand in the collapse of Syria. Chechens who have sided with Ukraine against Russia were perfect Muslim emissaries to deploy to Syria to try to hurt Russian equipment, soldiers and interests there. Rumor has it that the rapid evolution of drone use and manufacture leading up to the big push was in large part a direct result of the Chechens working for Ukraine. Here is one of them being interviewed recently. And yes,...it does snow in Syria, especially in the mountainous region bordering Lebanon.
https://twitter.com/war_noir/status/1868268334052987337
https://twitter.com/war_noir/status/1868268334052987337
Suck My Glock
Member
Ukrainian member of the GUR (sort of like the DIA in the U.S.) with an M4 rifle equipped with a rare 12 gauge M26-MASS underbarrel shotgun. This shotgun comes with either 3- or 6-round magazines. It also can be used as a separate weapon.
It's been a year since I spotted 2 Robinson XCR-Ls in a Ukrainian unit, but this time I've seen my first .308 XCR-M in theater.
And of course, there are still plenty of Swedish K Carl Gustav M-45s equipping vehicle crewmen all over the place.
It's been a year since I spotted 2 Robinson XCR-Ls in a Ukrainian unit, but this time I've seen my first .308 XCR-M in theater.
And of course, there are still plenty of Swedish K Carl Gustav M-45s equipping vehicle crewmen all over the place.
Shotgun-armed drone shooting down other drones.
https://www.reddit.com/r/CombatFootage/s/I6uBgnzLcE
https://www.reddit.com/r/CombatFootage/s/I6uBgnzLcE
Suck My Glock
Member
Just a reminder of how muddy it is during mud season in the region. Keeping your weapon sealed from mud is a very real concern.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3HoKnyyCZ0
This is Maximilian Andronnikov, 50 yrs old, the leader of the Freedom Of Russia Legion, and his FN2000 bullpup. Simply known as Legion, these are Russians fighting for Ukraine. They specialize in infiltrating behind the front lines phuking chit up. They have settled on the FN2000 as their preferred weapon because it allows for concealment much more easily than an AK or other rifle when trying to blend in amongst the locals.
Here's another Russian with his issued Vepr-12 shotgun, tasked with anti-drone defense.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3HoKnyyCZ0
This is Maximilian Andronnikov, 50 yrs old, the leader of the Freedom Of Russia Legion, and his FN2000 bullpup. Simply known as Legion, these are Russians fighting for Ukraine. They specialize in infiltrating behind the front lines phuking chit up. They have settled on the FN2000 as their preferred weapon because it allows for concealment much more easily than an AK or other rifle when trying to blend in amongst the locals.
Here's another Russian with his issued Vepr-12 shotgun, tasked with anti-drone defense.
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