Bolt-action rifle ARAQ-S barrel 11″ Cal. 7.62×39

The Grand Power ARAQ-S with an 11-inch barrel combines the 7.62×39 of the Kalashnikov with a modular AR-15/M4-style platform. It’s the weapon for the shooter who wants the punch and economical 7.62×39 cartridge, but the ergonomics, controls, and accessories of the AR world.

Short-stroke piston in 7.62×39

Unlike the direct gas impingement of a classic AR, the ARAQ-S operates with a short-stroke piston. The result: a receiver that fouls much less and high reliability even at sustained rates of fire. The 7.62×39 brings its well-known power at short and medium range.

Modular AR architecture and ambidexterity

Multi-position telescoping stock, floating handguard with tool-free removable M-LOK interfaces, case deflector, and forward assist. The controls are fully ambidextrous. You configure the weapon like an AR while shooting AK ammunition.

AK47/AKM magazines

The ARAQ-S accepts AK47/AKM-type magazines, widely available. 5/8-24 muzzle threading for your accessories. Weight about 3.425 kg without magazine, overall length from 900 to 1000 mm depending on stock position.

Specification
Value

Type
Semi-automatic AR-style carbine, piston

Caliber
7.62×39

Barrel length
11 inches

Operation
Short-stroke piston

Overall length
900 to 1000 mm

Weight
about 3.425 kg without magazine

Threading
5/8-24

Magazines
Compatible with AK47/AKM

Handguard
Floating M-LOK, tool-free removable

Acquisition (category B)

Category B firearm, subject to authorization. Required documents: ID, valid FFTir shooting license, SIA number, and possession authorization.

The gunsmith’s opinion — our test of the ARAQ-S

By Gaëtan Moussion, gunsmith at TAP RACK — The art of precise shooting. Opinion from our video test.

If you’re the type to hesitate between 5.56 and 7.62, or if your heart swings between an AR15 and a Kalash, Grand Power has what you need.

The name, first — and here’s pure speculation on my part: ARAQ, I read as AR + AQ. AR for AR, and AQ because phonetically it sounds like AK. That’s exactly what the weapon represents: the marriage of an AR and an AK.

It’s a semi-automatic weapon, with an 11-inch barrel, combining features taken from both platforms.

From muzzle to stock. A muzzle brake at the front, on which you can install a suppressor. The operation is a short-stroke piston system. On top, a Picatinny rail; underneath too, and M-LOK mounts on each side. For a 7.62 weapon, that’s really good: basically, all the accessories you have on your AR15, you’ll be able to mount on this.

The charging handle is ambidextrous, like on an AR15, and so is the selector. The trigger is straight and I really like it: the break is good, the reset too, and for a 7.62 weapon it’s really comfortable. On the side, there’s a forward assist button, like on an AR15.

What might strike you is that there’s no dust cover like you’d have on an AR15 — but there isn’t one on AKs either. We fired about 500 cartridges, and I had no problems. The bolt is quite massive and there’s a lot of force in the spring: when it slams, it slams.

The stock is adjustable in several positions, like on your AR15. The grip is patented by Grand Power. At the rear, two sling mounts, and a QD mount on the stock.

The magazine release works like on an AK, and it’s quite funny to see how conditioned our brain is: at first, every time I changed magazines, I reached for the charging handle on the side like on an AK. No: here, you have to actually charge with the charging handle.

Disassembly is very simple. A button you press, a knob you turn, and the handguard comes off: you see the short-stroke piston. Everything is metal, everything
It’s solidly set, really super sturdy. Once the inspection and cleaning are done, the handguard goes back on, it fits perfectly: it slides down, you turn the dial, and you’re ready to go.

What I like compared to a traditional AK platform — purists might bleed from the nose, but oh well: the controls are more comfortable to handle and use, it’s not raw metal. And you can feel the build quality. Grand Power, we know them: they already made the Stribog, that 9 mm PCC we showcased, and they still make pistols, notably the Excalibur with a rotary barrel. These are really great guns, and you can feel it here.

My opinion. This ARAQ is a real nice surprise. I hadn’t necessarily planned to go for a 7.62 platform, and I’m definitely going to add it to my workshop — I got several for the shop, but I think I’ll keep this one for myself. What I like is the modularity. Weight-wise, it’s 3.4 kg: it’s heavier, sure, but that doesn’t stop it from being more comfortable.