AO-46 (firearm)

The AO-46 was a prototype Russian/Soviet compact assault rifle developed in 1969 by Peter Andreevich Tkachev. It was chambered in the 5.45x39mm round, a relatively new cartridge at the time. The design prioritized concealability and compactness, making it intended for special operations forces or situations where a small, easily concealed weapon was required.

Key features of the AO-46 included its very short barrel and bullpup configuration, placing the magazine behind the trigger mechanism. This allowed for a shorter overall length compared to traditional rifle designs while maintaining a reasonable barrel length (though still shorter than standard for the caliber). The operating mechanism was gas-operated.

The AO-46 ultimately did not enter mass production or widespread service. While its compact size was advantageous, its ballistics and accuracy suffered due to the short barrel. Furthermore, the bullpup configuration, while reducing length, can impact ergonomics and handling for some users, particularly concerning magazine changes and cheek weld. Other compact weapon designs were pursued, and the AO-46 remained a historical example of early Soviet efforts in developing highly concealable firearms.