What You Should Know About The Bulgarian AK-74

Just about everyone has heard of the AK-47. With over 55 national armies and dozens of paramilitary groups using the weapon at some point in history and production estimated of over 90,000,000, yet most aren’t familiar with the later production AK-74 rifles.

This version of the venerable Kalashnikov design first saw service with Soviet forces in Afghanistan. Where the new 5.45×39 round was dubbed “devils round” or “poison bullet” by the Mujahideen.
From what I’ve read ,the 5.45×39 round has a hollow cavity in the nose and a steel core behind it destabilizing the bullet; thus, when it hits the flesh, it is quick to yaw inside the tissue causing massive wounds.
I’ve shot several groundhogs with this round and the on target performance has been impressive. A small entry hole, with an exit large enough to put a fist and internal organs blown to mush.
The 5.45×39 was designed by the Soviets in an attempt to duplicate the performance of the 5.56x45mm NATO round used by U.S. and allied forces. Both are lightweight, high velocity, low recoiling rounds (the AK-74 has a muzzle brake to reduce recoil further) and I think one is as effective as the other for military purposes.
I ordered my rifle through J&G Sales along with a case of military surplus ammo. On first inspection, I noticed fit and finish were far superior to the Romanian AK-47 WASR10 with Romanian ak folding stock, I’d ordered several months ago. With more of a Parkerized look than the painted black appearance of the typical WASR10.
At the range I put up a target at 50 yards. Three shots from the bench, all went about 2 inches high, but center with a spread of just under three inches. After making the needed adjustments to the iron sights, I mounted the scope from my Romanian WASR10. After about 15-20 shots (I lost count) I was on target with groups under two inches. This was with Russian surplus ammo, I’m sure groups would shrink to about 1 inch with better quality ammo.
After firing half a case of ammo through the Bulgarian AK-74 NDS-2 – without a single stoppage. I went home and cleaned the rifle using Windex® (to neutralize the corrosive salts) followed by regular cleaning with Hoppe’s® No. 9 .
The next day, I went back to the range for accuracy testing at 100 yards. I have to say for an AK type rifle I was impressed with the performance of both the rifle and the 5.45×39 round. Groups at this distance were consistent at 2-3 inches. Much better than groups shot with my Romanian WASR10 and other 7.62×39 variants, I’ve owned over the years.
So what’s the downside? The availability of ammo, or lack of is the only negative I’ve found. I checked every retail outlet in my area, and none carried 5.45×39. So I have to order it by the case – 1080 rounds in a sealed metal tin for $149 plus shipping.
If you decide to make the Bulgarian AK-74 NDS-2 Rifle, 5.45×39 your main defensive rifle, stock up with several thousand rounds of ammo and a parts kit. As far as I know, there is are no domestic ammo producers at this time and any number of things could cut off supply.