APS-95
Summary
| Country | 🇭🇷 Croatia |
| Category | Assault rifle |
| Manufacturer | RH-Alan |
Technical specifications
| APS-95 | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 650 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 5.56 x 45 mm OTAN |
| Magazine | 35 rounds |
| Length | 980 mm (38.6 in) |
| Weight | 3.8 kg (8.4 lb) |
| Range | 450 m (1476 ft) |
Description
The APS-95 is an assault rifle manufactured in Croatia by Končar-Arma d.o.o since 1995, and was offered for export up to at least 2007. The company, a subsidiary of the Croatian ARMA-GRUPA Corporation, had been manufacturing the ERO and Mini-ERO submachine guns since the mid-1990s. The APS-95 was developed at the request of the Croatian Army, which wanted to shift from the Yugoslavian-made 7.62×39mm Zastava M70 assault rifles to a NATO-standard 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge. During the Croatian War of Independence, Croatian forces had been supplied with the Vektor R4, a South African copy of the Israeli IMI Galil assault rifle. Croatian fighters appreciated the Galil, and wanted a locally manufactured version as their new standard rifle. The APS-95 was officially adopted by the Croatian Army around 1993, but acquired and distributed in very small quantities due to budgetary constraints.
The APS-95 is a gas-operated, select-fire assault rifle that feeds from a 35-round detachable magazine for 5.56mm ammunition, similar to those used in the Israeli Galil or South-African R4 assault rifles. Built around a stamped receiver, it offered reduced production costs and manufacturing time compared to the milled receivers of the Galil and R4. The fire selector is located on both sides of the rifle, similarly to the Galil and Vektor R4, but with a different operation. A lever on the right side of the receiver, based on the AK-47 selector, offers three modes:
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P (Pojedinacno or semi-auto)
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R (Rafalno or full auto)
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Z (Zakoceno or Safe).
A small switch located over the grip on the left side of the receiver, within easy thumb reach, provides two positions for semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. The folding stock is made of stamped steel and folds to the right side of the receiver, and does not hinder handling or bolt operation, allowing the APS-95 to be fired safely when folded. Distinctive features compared to the Galil and the R4 included its handguard and front sight, a carrying handle integrating a 1.5× optical sight, and optional backup iron sights. The pistol grip featured finger grooves in the style of the M16 rifle. The use of polymer magazines issued with the weapon indicates a likely origin from South African sources.
While the APS-95 was not fully adopted by the Croatian Army, some saw use in the Yugoslav Wars. The manufacturer attempted to promote the rifle internationally for several years without success.
The APS-95 was used by the Croatian Army in limited quantities, but was not fully adopted as their standard service rifle.