Kalash (AK-74M)

“	The classic pre-war assault rifle. Despite being very common, it is held in very high regard in the Metro due to its reliability and performance.	„
— Last Light in-game description

Kalash (AK-74M)
General Characteristics
Real name:	AK-74M
Type:	Assault Rifle
Gameplay Information
HUD icon:
Ammunition
Ammo type:	Dirty 5.45x39mm Military 5.45x39mm
Magazine:	30 rounds
Statistics
Damage:	Medium
Accuracy:	Medium
Rate of fire:	Medium
Variants
Kalash (no attachments) Kalash with Scope and Laser Sight
HUD icon:
Ammunition
Ammo type:	Dirty 5.45x39mm Military 5.45x39mm
Magazine:	30 rounds by default 45 rounds with Extended magazine
Statistics
Damage:	Medium
Accuracy:	Medium
Rate of fire:	Medium
Attachments
Optics:	Reflex sight, x2 sight, IR sight
Barrel:	Suppressor
Misc:	Extended magazine, Laser sight
HUD icon:
Ammunition
Ammo type:	5.45x39mm
Magazine:	20, 30, 45 or 75 rounds
Statistics
Damage:	4
Accuracy:	11
Stability:	10
Rate of fire:	19
Customization
Slots: Stock, Barrel, Sights, Magazine, Gadgets See Variants and Customisation for a complete list of upgrades

The Kalash, also known as the AK-74M or formally the Автомат Калашникова образца 1974 года (Модернизи́рованный) Kalashnikov assault rifle model 1974 (modernized) , was the service rifle of the Russian army before the nuclear war that drove humanity underground.

Overview

As a pre-war weapon, it shows superior craftsmanship and manufacturing and is highly prized for its ability to keep working in even the worst climatic conditions - a reputation that it has carried through the Great War. Considered by many to be among the finest weapons available underground, the AK-74M's rugged reliability makes it a highly-prized weapon by many of the metro inhabitants. Since it is a primary weapon, it can use both dirty and military-grade 5.45x39mm cartridges.

The very first Kalash available to Artyom in Metro 2033 is provided by Bourbon. He offers his rifle as a reward for escorting him from Riga to Dry Station. It can be found behind him at the start of the respective level.

“	Everybody calls me "Bourbon". Listen... I need to get to Dry Station, for some "business", but this rat-hole is on lockdown. I, however, know a back way - a so-called "cursed" passage - the locals are afraid to use. But I hear that the shit in the tunnels doesn't work on you. So, you help me get to Dry and I'll give you my AK when we get there. Deal?	„
— Bourbon

After that, AK-74M's can be reliably found on most levels up until Tower.

The Kalash makes a return in Metro: Last Light, but appears to have undergone some modifications, including a heat shield and can now accept under-barrel attachments. For those who bought the Last Light limited edition, or Metro Redux, it can be the perfect median between the accurate RPK-74 and the high fire-rate AKS-74U, interestingly they are all essentially the same design.

The Kalash is the second weapon Artyom is given in Metro Exodus, being used with a Standard Stock and Grip, Standard Barrel and compensator, Reflex Sight, 20-Round Small Magazine, and No Gadget. The weapon is later found in use by the Hansa in its most simple format, with a Light Grip, Short Barrel and Flash Suppressor, Iron Sights, 20-Round Small Magazine, and No Gadget. It serves as the sole assault rifle for the first portion of the game, and stays ubiquitous through out the entire game.

Tactics and Use

Metro 2033

The Kalash has the second lowest fire rate of the group and moderate accuracy. This weapon lacks a silenced version, which makes it impractical for stealth. If your playstyle is being subtle, consider getting the VSV as your primary weapon.

A slow rate of fire and high damage make it perfect for conserving ammunition, which makes it an optimal choice for levels such as "Frontline". As with all primary weapons, the Kalash loaded with MGRs is capable of killing almost anything with a single shot on higher difficulties. To conserve the ammo, firing bursts is recommended, except in close quarters. If Artyom is good with dirty ammo, he can keep the Kalash as his main weapon until the better Kalash 2012 becomes available.

The scoped version increases Artyom's reach, however, due to the lack of sniping opportunity of the game, getting the scope is not necessary.

This works both ways though and human opponents armed with AK-74Ms grow progressively more and more dangerous as the difficulty setting goes up. Due to that most firefights should be approached with "who shoots first - wins" mentality.

Metro: Last Light

In the sequel, the AK-74M has become one of the more versatile weapons in the Artyom's arsenal thanks to the new attachment system. This time around it can accept a silencer which makes it invaluable for stealth. It can also accept reflex, IRNV and 2x optical sights, making it useful for both close and long range combat, as well as additional attachments, including an extended 45 round RPK-styled magazine, and laser designator, useful for ranger difficulties.

As with all primary weapons, the AK-74M loaded with MGRs is capable of killing almost anything with a single shot on higher difficulties. This weapon is common and used by all three major factions in the game and used by some major characters. You can also buy them at almost all shops in the game.

The AK-74M is a very balanced weapon, with the correct attachments, this weapon can handle almost any firefight in the game, its one major weakness is the AK-74M performs poorly at long range combat even with optics. And the rate of fire is lower compared to VSV and Kalash 2012.

Metro Exodus

The Kalash is the primary assault rifle for much of Metro Exodus. As the second weapon introduced to the character (behind the Shambler), the Kalash makes good use of the new attachment and customisation system to fill numerous roles, including the AKS-74u, standard AK-74M and RPK.

Kalash rifles can be found throughout the main story of Exodus and its DLCs, however they are not of the same gameplay value as in the base game. In The Two Colonels, Colonel Khlebnikov briefly acquires a Kalash and an Ashot while defending Sibirskaya during the Novosibirsk Riots, however after this he switches back to a flamethrower for the rest of the story. In Sam's Story, the Kalash can be frequently found throughout Vladivostok. It is less effective, however, as the Sammy, an assault rifle also capable of using the new Incendiary 5.45x39mm rounds, fills the slot of the pneumatic weapons from the main game, and no other weapons that use this slot can be found.

The Kalash shares all three of its upgradable stocks with the Bulldog and Shambler, All three of its upgradable barrels, its 30-Round Magazine and its 45-Round Extended Magazine with the Bulldog, but it can equip a 75-round High Capacity Magazine, unique to this weapon. The Kalash is able to equip all three laser gadgets. The Kalash is able equip the Reflex Sight, NV Scope, and x4 Scope.

Variants and Customisation

Metro 2033

Kalash: A standard AK-74M with iron sights.

Kalash with Scope and Laser Sight: An AK-74M with a PK-AV scope. The laser sight is useful on higher difficulty levels and the ranger difficulty, when firing from the hip since the crosshair is permanently turned off. The zoom of the scope is somewhat excessive for close range combat. The laser sight is also projected on the centre of the crosshair of the scope and can be seen when zoomed with the scope.

Metro: Last Light

The Kalash has three attachment slots and six available attachments in total. Attachments in the Misc slot can be equipped both at once, so the Kalash can have four different attachments at the same time.

Available attachments
Slot	Icon	Name	Effect	Description
Optics		Reflex sight	Range +25% Accuracy +25%	This pre-war sight makes aiming the gun at close and medium range easier, without sacrificing much of the field of view.
		2x sight	Range +50% Accuracy +25%	This pre-war optical sight facilitates weapon aiming at medium range but limits the field of view, making it hard to use in the confines of tunnels.
		IR sight	Range +50% Accuracy +25%	A piece of pre-war military tech, this Night Vision sight allows for precisely hitting targets in the dark.
Barrel		Suppressor	Range -25% Accuracy +25% Stealth +50%	Hides the muzzle flash and muffles the shots, decreasing spread at the same time. Projectile speed is also decreased, leading to more damage falloff.
Misc		Extended magazine	Mag capacity +50%	This light machine gun magazine is capable of holding a ranger's weekly earningsand allows for longer sustained fire with less reloads.
		Laser sight	Accuracy +25%	A pre-war laser sight facilitates aiming the weapon at close range, making precise snapshots easy to achieve.

Metro Exodus

The Kalash shares all three of its upgradable stocks with the Bulldog and Shambler, All three of its upgradable barrels, its 30-Round Magazine and its 45-Round Extended Magazine with the Bulldog, but it can equip a 75-round High Capacity Magazine, unique to this weapon. The Kalash is able to equip all three laser gadgets. The Kalash is able equip the Reflex Sight, NV Scope, and x4 Scope.

List of upgrades
Slot	Icon	Name	Effect	Description
Stock		Light grip	None (default)	Made from a steel band with fitted plywood lining, this grip is the most practical choice for short range combat.
		Standard stock and grip	Stability +2	Wooden stock and grip. Traditional for Kalash.
		Semi-grip stock	Stability +3	Wooden stock with a steep-angle cutout provides a more comfortable hand position.
		Heavy stock and grip	Stability +10	Heavy shoulder stock with a metal grip. Army type attachment designed to significantly decrease recoil.
Barrel		Short barrel and flash suppressor	None (default)	Lightest barrel and muzzle attachment combo readily available for assault rifles.
		Short barrel and suppressor	Damage -1 Stability +1	Tries to suppress sound with mixed results, while staying a bit more compact than a full-scale barrel.
		Standard barrel and compensator	Damage +1 Accuracy +2 Stability -1	Provides decent accuracy while not being too cumbersome.
		Long barrel and compensator	Damage +2 Accuracy +4 Stability -3	Designed to increase accuracy and damage, this barrel and muzzle attachment combo is not the best choice for the more dynamic firefights.
Sights		Iron sights	Aim with iron sights	Standard sight used to assist in aiming.
		Reflex sight	Iron sight replaced with reflex sight	This pre-war sight makes aiming the gun at close and medium range easier, without sacrificing much of the field of view.
		NV scope	Iron sight replaced with night vision scope	This night-vision scope allows for accurate placement of shots even in complete darkness.
		Scope 4x	Iron sight replaced with 4x scope	4x variable zoom scope.
Magazine		Small magazine	20-round magazine	Small magazine holding 20 rounds of ammunition, light and compact.
		Magazine	30-round magazine Stability -1	Standard magazine holding 30 rounds of ammunition.
		Extended magazine	45-round magazine Stability -3	Large magazine holding up to 45 rounds of ammunition. Quite heavy.
		High capacity magazine	75-round magazine Stability -6	An oversized magazine holding 75 rounds of ammunition. The heaviest possible option.
Gadgets		No gadget	None (default)	Less gadgets, less problems.
		Red laser	Crosshair replaced with red laser dot	Made from a cheap laser pointer that was heavily modified to increase power output at the cost of reliability.
		Green laser	Crosshair replaced with green laser dot	High visibility laser sight reassembled in a custom-made body along with a bunch of modifications.
		Infrared laser	Crosshair replaced with IR laser dot with NV active	The IR laser sight's invisible beam produces a very small dot on the target, which is only detectable with a night vision device.

Acquisition

Metro 2033

Kalash:

• Can be found during the Prologue level, shortly after the level begins.
• Can be purchased in the Armory.
• Can be purchased in the Paveletskaya station.
• Can be found at the start of "Dry" as a payment from Bourbon, sitting along with an automatic shotgun at the air vent.
• Red Line and Fourth Reich soldiers are often armed with those.
• Can be obtained for free in Sparta.
• After the falling gate part during Caves, next to a corpse.

Kalash with Scope and Laser Sight:

• Can be purchased in the Armory.
• Can be purchased near the end of the "Child" level.
• Can be found during the "Tower" level after the Demon attack, on a body of a Ranger crushed by the truck.

Metro Exodus

Moscow

When exploring with Anna in Moscow, Artyom is equipped with a Kalash with a Standard Stock and Grip, a Standard Barrel and Compensator, a Reflex Sight, a Small Magazine, and No Gadget. These upgrades do not carry over to the rest of the game. After the cut-scene with the Mirsky, Artyom will take a Kalash with a Light Grip, a Short Barrel and Flash Suppressor, Iron Sights, a Small Magazine, and No Gadget. All of the Hanza Guards in Jamming Outpost and on the Cruiser in Moscow are equipped with the Kalash. The Backpack System is not yet enabled so any weapon upgrades you find are only usable by swapping weapons.

Volga

The Bandits, the armed fanatics and the trade caravan guards are equipped with Kalash in a variety of configurations. The Kalash is the fourth most commonly used weapon by the Bandits, the third most used weapon by the trade caravan guards, and the second most commonly used weapon by armed fanatics along with being somewhat rarely found in the environment in the Caspian.

• All of the Kalashs found in the hands of the Bandits and the fanatics are equipped with Light Grips.
• There are six Standard Stock and Grips for the Kalash that can be found in the Volga:
  • Inside a small wooden house southwest of the Aurora, located on a couch. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Inside the Ammo Dump that Anna falls into. Behind the padlock gate. Attached to a Kalash.
  • At the bottom of a zip-line south of the Bandit Transmission tower, laying against a pile of sandbags. Attached to a Kalash.
  • In the middle of the small shrimp island nest. Next to a dead bandit. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Laying on top of a partially destroyed wooden crate next to a dead fanatic inside the destroyed warehouse that is Humanimals nest. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Inside a Red Boxcar in the southern part of destroyed train roundhouse. Attached to a Kalash.
• There are two Semi-Grip Stocks for the Kalash that can be found in the Volga:
  • Inside the crane to the southeast of the fuel storage containers, after crossing the pipes to reach the main room, next to a corpse. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Inside the locked room of confiscated goods from the Fanatics in the Terminal. The room can be entered near the start of the level through a wooden door (if a key is obtaining from rescued fanatics at the bandit compound) or by going through a red locked door before exiting the terminal. In the back corner, next to a a dead fanatic. Attached to a Kalash.
• There is one Heavy Stock and Grip for the Kalash that can be found in the Volga:
  • At the destroyed train roundhouse, in the shack on the roof next to a dead fanatic. Attached to a Kalash.
• There are three Short Barrel and Suppressors for the Kalash that can be found in the Volga:
  • Inside a small wooden house southwest of the Aurora, located on a couch. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Inside the safe-house just south of the fortified bridge. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Inside the safe-house in the middle of the rail yard. Attached to a Kalash.
• There are sixteen Standard Barrel and Compensator for the Kalash that can be found in the Volga:
  • Inside the south port gantry control room. Sitting on the control console. Attached to a Kalash.
  • At the bottom of a zip-line south of the Bandit Transmission tower, laying against a pile of sandbags. Attached to a Kalash.
  • In the middle of the small shrimp island nest. Next to a dead bandit. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Laying on top of a partially destroyed wooden crate next to a dead fanatic inside the destroyed warehouse that is Humanimals nest. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Three of the Bandits in the train shed will have a Standard Barrel and Compensator as part of their load-out. All three are attached to Kalashs.
  • Two of the Trade Caravan Guards will have a Standard Barrel and Compensator as part of their load-outs. Both are attached to Kalashs.
  • Seven of the Bridge Guard Paladins will have a Standard Barrel and Compensator as part of their load-outs. All seven are attached to Kalashs.
• There are five Long Barrel and Compensator for the Kalash that can be found in the Volga:
  • At the destroyed train roundhouse, in the shack on the roof next to a dead fanatic. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Inside the crane to the southeast of the fuel storage containers, after crossing the pipes to reach the main room, next to a corpse. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Inside the locked room of confiscated goods from the Fanatics in the Terminal. The room can be entered near the start of the level through a wooden door (if a key is obtaining from rescued fanatics at the bandit compound) or by going through a red locked door before exiting the terminal. In the back corner, next to a a dead fanatic. Attached to a Kalash.
  • After Artyom climbs up to the bridge. There is a sleeping fanatic in front of a metal re-bar door. Inside the room, sitting on a table. Attached to Kalash.
  • One of the Bridge Guard Paladins will have a Long Barrel and Compensator as his of their load-outs. Attached to Kalash.
• There are eight x4 Scope for the Kalash that can be found in the Volga:
  • After escaping the Tsar fish, go to the plane wreckage that Duke points out. Resting against the cockpit hatch. Attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the Bandits in the occupied ruins will have a x4 Scope as part of his load-out. Attached to a Revolver.
  • In the Bandit occupied ruins, at the the northeast corner of exposed pylons, on the wooden plank next to a zip-line point. Attached to a Revolver.
  • One of the Bandits in the occupied gas-station will have a x4 Scope as part of his load-out. Attached to a Revolver.
  • Inside the crane to the southeast of the fuel storage containers, after crossing the pipes to reach the main room, next to a corpse. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Inside the safe-house in the middle of the rail yard. Attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the Bandits in the train shed will have a x4 Scope as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the Trade Caravan Guards will have a x4 Scope as part of his load-outs. Attached to a Revolver.
• There are seven 30-Round Standard Magazines for the Kalash that can be found in the Volga:
  • Inside the Ammo Dump that Anna falls into. Behind the padlock gate. Attached to a Kalash.
  • In the middle of the small shrimp island nest. Next to a dead bandit. Attached to a Kalash.
  • At the destroyed train roundhouse, in the shack on the roof next to a dead fanatic. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Inside a Red Boxcar in the southern part of destroyed train roundhouse. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Inside the crane to the southeast of the fuel storage containers, after crossing the pipes to reach the main room, next to a corpse. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Inside the locked room of confiscated goods from the Fanatics in the Terminal. The room can be entered near the start of the level through a wooden door (if a key is obtaining from rescued fanatics at the bandit compound) or by going through a red locked door before exiting the terminal. In the back corner, next to a a dead fanatic. Attached to a Kalash.
  • After Artyom climbs up to the bridge. There is a sleeping fanatic in front of a metal re-bar door. Inside the room, sitting on a table. Attached to Kalash.
• There are two 45-Round Extended Magazine for the Kalash that can be found in the Volga:
  • At the bottom of a zip-line south of the Bandit Transmission tower, laying against a pile of sandbags. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Laying on top of a partially destroyed wooden crate next to a dead fanatic inside the destroyed warehouse that is Humanimals nest. Attached to a Kalash.

Yamantau

The Cannibals in Yamantau are equipped with Kalashs in a variety of configurations. The Kalash is the most used weapon by the Cannibals in Yamantau along with being the most common weapon found in the environment.

• Kalashs found in the in the hands of the Cannibals are equally equipped with Light Grips or Standard Stocks and Grips.

• There are two Standard Stock and Grips for the Kalash that can be found in the environment of Yamantau:
  • After passing through the frozen morgue and into the weapon storage room, laying on a table. Attached to a Kalash.
  • In the first barracks section, in the last room on the right, propped up in a chair. Attached to a Kalash.
• Kalashs found in the in the hands of the Cannibals are equally equipped with Short Barrel and Flash Suppressor or Standard Barrel and Compensator.
• There is one Short Barrel and Suppressor for the Kalash that can be found in the environment of Yamantau:
  • After passing through the frozen morgue and into the weapon storage room, laying on a table. Attached to a Kalash.
• There is one Standard Barrel and Compensator for the Kalash that can be found in the environment of Yamantau:
  • In the first barracks section, in the last room on the right, propped up in a chair. Attached to a Kalash.
• There are two NV Scope for the Kalash that can be found in the environment of Yamantau:
  • After passing through the frozen morgue and into the weapon storage room, laying on a table. Attached to a Kalash.
  • In the first barracks section, in the last room on the right, propped up in a chair. Attached to a Kalash.
• Kalashs found in the in the hands of the Cannibals are equipped with 20-Round Small Magazines or 30-Round Standard Magazines.
• There are two 30-Round Standard Magazines for the Kalash that can be found in the environment of Yamantau:
  • After passing through the frozen morgue and into the weapon storage room, laying on a table. Attached to a Kalash.
  • In the first barracks section, in the last room on the right, propped up in a chair. Attached to a Kalash.
• There is one 45-Round Extended Magazine for the Kalash that can be found in Yamantau:
  • One of the Cannibals after the ambush with the Heavy Troopers will have a 45-Round Extended Magazine as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
• There are two Infrared Lasers for the Kalash that can be found in the environment of Yamantau:
  • In the first barracks section, in the last room on the right, propped up in a chair. Attached to a Kalash.
  • After passing through pile of rubble to reach a isolated bunkroom. Climb up the stack of boxes to reach the top of the small room, there on another crate. Attached to Ashot

The Caspian

The Munai-Bailer in Caspian are equipped with Kalashs in a variety of configurations. The Kalash is the most commonly used weapon by the Munai-Bailer along with being commonly found in the environment in the Caspian. All directions are given in reference as though North on Artyom's map in this level is actually south. The Caspian sea should be to the south while the rail line that the Aurora is on is to the north.

• There are multiple Standard Stock and Grips for the Kalash that can be found in Caspian:
  • One of the Munai-Bailer in the caverns under the Lighthouse will have a Standard Stock and Grip as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
  • In the middle of a lurker nest east of the abandon helicopter base, next to a dead tribal. Attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the Munai-bailer that have set up an ambush just south of the ship breaking camp will have a Standard Stock and Grips as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash. (Will appear after the exploring the lighthouse and the Baron issues a bounty over the radio)
  • One of the Munai-bailer that have set up an ambush just north of the central crossroads will have a Standard Stock and Grips as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash. (Will appear after the exploring the lighthouse and the Baron issues a bounty over the radio)
  • Just west of where you meet with Damir on you way to seize the water tanker, there is rusted remains of a ship with some shipping containers. In the rusted remains of the ship, next to a set of skeletal remains. Attached to a Kalash.
  • In the abandon tribal settlement, just before entering the cave system. There is a smaller cave off the the north. At the end of the small cave next to a corpse and fire-pit. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Four of the Munai-bailer attacking the Aurora will have Standard Stock and Grips as part of their load-out. All are attached to Kalashs.
  • Following the road along the coast to the northwest, there is a wrecked ship on the north side of the road that is crawling with Humanimals. Inside the hull in the third compartment from the bow, laying against a partial buried wooden crate. Attached to a Shambler.
  • Two of the Munai-bailer guarding the Prison Hulk will have Standard Stock and Grips as part of their load-out. One is attached to a Shambler, one is attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the Munai-bailer guarding the foot of the crane will have Standard Stock and Grip as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the Munai-bailer that will attack the crane once you reach the main cabin will have Standard Stock and Grip as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Two of the armed slaves guards in the Slave Quarters underneath the Munai-bailer headquarters will have Standard Stock and Grips as part of their load-out. Both are attached to Kalashs.
  • One of the dead Munai-Bailer around the fuel tankers will have Standard Stock and Grips as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Several of the Munai-bailer will storm the entrance to the Baron's penthouse will have Standard Stock and Grips as part of their load-out. Attached to Kalashs.

• There are eight Semi-Grip Stocks for the Kalash that can be found in Caspian:
  • In the middle of the central oil field, there is rock karst with a demon nest at the top, on the south slope next to a dead Munai-bailer. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Two of the Munai-Bailer that will ambush you while exploring the intact hanger the abandon helicopter base will have Semi-Grip Stocks as part of their load-out. Both are attached to Kalashs.
  • One of the Munai-Bailer that will attack the canyon mouth once you are noticed will have Semi-Grip Stocks as part of his load-out. Attached to a Bulldog.
  • Three of the Munai-bailer guarding the Oasis will have Semi-Grip Stocks as part of their load-out. One is attached to a Kalash, one is attached to a Bulldog, and one is attached to a Shambler.
  • One of the Munai-bailer guarding the Prison Hulk will have Semi-Grip Stock as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.

• There are two Heavy Stock and Grips for the Kalash that can be found in Caspian:
  • On the south side of the second floor of the partially destroyed Air Control tower, leaning against the wall. Attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the Munai-bailer guarding the Prison Hulk will have Heavy Stock and Grip as part of his load-out. Attached to a Shambler.
• There are two Short Barrel and Suppressor for the Kalash that can be found in Caspian:
  • In the center of the destroyed buildings that are in the abandoned port. In a partially collapsed sheet metal building, in the southwest corner in a caged off sub-level. Attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the Munai-bailer guarding the foot of the crane will have Short Barrel and Suppressor as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
• There are multiple Standard Barrel and Compensator for the Kalash that can be found in Caspian:
  • One of the Munai-Bailer guards at the shipping crate camp northwest of the boat safe-house will have a Standard Barrel and Compensator as part of his load-out. Attached to a Bulldog.
  • In the middle of the central oil field, there is rock karst with a demon nest at the top, on the south slope next to a dead Munai-bailer. Attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the Munai-Bailer in the caverns under the Lighthouse will have a Standard Barrel and Compensator as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
  • North along the coastal road after leaving the Communication Center, off the east there is a demon nest on top of a rock outcropping. On the western side of the outcropping, next to a dead Munai-bailer. Attached to a Bulldog.
  • In the middle of a lurker nest east of the abandon helicopter base, next to a dead tribal. Attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the Munai-Bailer that will ambush you while exploring the intact hanger the abandon helicopter base will have Standard Barrel and Compensator as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
  • On the south side of the second floor of the partially destroyed Air Control tower, leaning against the wall. Attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the Munai-bailer that have set up an ambush just south of the ship breaking camp will have a Standard Barrel and Compensator as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash. (Will appear after the exploring the lighthouse and the Baron issues a bounty over the radio)
  • One of the Munai-bailer that have set up an ambush just north of the central crossroads will have a Standard Barrel and Compensator as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash. (Will appear after the exploring the lighthouse and the Baron issues a bounty over the radio)
  • Two of the Munai-Bailer that are attacking the canyon will have a Standard Barrel and Compensators as part of their load-out. Both are attached to Kalashs.
  • Just west of where you meet with Damir on you way to seize the water tanker, there is rusted remains of a ship with some shipping containers. In the rusted remains of the ship, next to a set of skeletal remains. Attached to a Kalash.
  • In the abandon tribal settlement, just before entering the cave system. There is a smaller cave off the the north. At the end of the small cave next to a corpse and fire-pit. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Two of the Munai-bailer attacking the Aurora will have Standard Barrel and Compensators as part of their load-out. Both are attached to Kalashs.
  • Four of the Munai-bailer guarding the Prison Hulk will have Standard Barrel and Compensators as part of their load-out. All are attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the Munai-bailer guarding the foot of the crane will have Standard Barrel and Compensator as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the Munai-bailer that will attack the crane once you reach the main cabin will have Standard Barrel and Compensator as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the armed slaves guards in the Slave Quarters underneath the Munai-bailer headquarters will have Standard Barrel and Compensator as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
• There are eight Long Barrel and Compensator for the Kalash that can be found in Caspian:
  • One of the Munai-bailer at the fortified western crossroads will have a Long Barrel and Compensator as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash. (This site will be abandoned after the Munai-bailer attack on the Aurora)
  • One of the Munai-bailer guarding the Oasis will have a Long Barrel and Compensator as part of his load-out. Attached to a Bulldog.
  • Three of the Munai-bailer attacking the Aurora will have Long Barrel and Compensators as part of their load-out. All are attached to Kalashs.
  • One of the Munai-bailer guarding the Prison Hulk will have Long Barrel and Compensators as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the armed slaves guards in the Slave Quarters underneath the Munai-bailer headquarters will have Long Barrel and Compensator as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the dead Munai-Bailer around the fuel tankers will have Long Barrel and Compensator as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
• There are three NV Scopes for the Kalash that can be found in Caspian:
  • In the boat safe-house between Saul's outpost and the Munai-bailer ship breaking camp, on a table inside the main cabin. Attached to a Valve.
  • Following the road along the coast to the northwest, there is a wrecked ship on the north side of the road that is crawling with Humanimals. Inside the hull in the third compartment from the bow, laying against a partial buried wooden crate. Attached to a Shambler.
  • One of the Munai-bailer guarding the Prison Hulk will have NV Scope as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
• There is one x4 Scope for the Kalash that can be found in Caspian:
  • In the middle of the central oil field, there is rock karst with a demon nest at the top, on the south slope next to a dead Munai-bailer. Attached to a Kalash.
• There are thirteen 30-Round Standard Magazine for the Kalash that can be found in Caspian:
  • North along the coastal road after leaving the Communication Center, off the east there is a demon nest on top of a rock outcropping. On the western side of the outcropping, next to a dead Munai-bailer. Attached to a Bulldog.
  • One of the Munai-Bailer that will ambush you while exploring the intact hanger the abandon helicopter base will have 30-Round Standard Magazine as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the Munai-bailer that have set up an ambush just south of the ship breaking camp will have a 30-Round Standard Magazine as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash. (Will appear after the exploring the lighthouse and the Baron issues a bounty over the radio)
  • One of the Munai-bailer that have set up an ambush just north of the central crossroads will have a 30-Round Standard Magazine as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash. (Will appear after the exploring the lighthouse and the Baron issues a bounty over the radio)
  • In the abandon tribal settlement, just before entering the cave system. There is a smaller cave off the the north. At the end of the small cave next to a corpse and fire-pit. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Two of the Munai-bailer guarding the Oasis will have 30-Round Standard Magazines as part of their load-out. One is attached to a Kalash, one is attached to a Bulldog.
  • One of the Munai-bailer guarding the Prison Hulk will have a 30-Round Standard Magazine as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
  • In the center of the destroyed buildings that are in the abandoned port. In a partially collapsed sheet metal building, in the southwest corner in a caged off sub-level. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Eye the the Munai-Bailer sniper will have a 30-Round Standard Magazine as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the Munai-bailer that will attack the crane once you reach the main cabin will have 30-Round Standard Magazine as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Two of the armed slaves guards in the Slave Quarters underneath the Munai-bailer headquarters will have 30-Round Standard Magazines as part of their load-out. Both are attached to Kalashs.
• There are six 45-Round Extended Magazine for the Kalash that can be found in Caspian:
  • In the middle of a lurker nest east of the abandon helicopter base, next to a dead tribal. Attached to a Kalash.
  • Three of the Munai-bailer attacking the Aurora will have 45-Round Extended Magazines as part of their load-out. All three are attached to Kalashs.
  • One of the Munai-bailer guarding the Prison Hulk will have 45-Round Extended Magazine as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
  • One of the armed slaves guards in the Slave Quarters underneath the Munai-bailer headquarters will have 45-Round Extended Magazine as part of his load-out. Attached to a Kalash.
• There is one 75-Round High Capacity Magazine for the Kalash that can be found in The Caspian:
  • Heading Northwest from the boat safe-house towards the central oil fields, you will come across a couple of shipping containers buried in the sand and covered with cameo-netting guarded by three Munai-bailer. Inside the open container. Attached to a Kalash.
• There are two Infrared Lasers for the Kalash that can be found in the Caspian:
  • North along the coastal road after leaving the Communication Center, off the east there is a demon nest on top of a rock outcropping. On the western side of the outcropping, next to a dead Munai-bailer. Attached to a Bulldog.
  • One of the fake guards for the "Baron" will have a Infrared Laser as part of its load-out. Attached to a Revolver.
• There are three Green Lasers for the Kalash that can be found in the the Caspian:
  • Head directly south from the Aurora and the abandon train station into a small box canyon. At the end, next to a firepit and some bedding, laying on a wooden crate. Attached to a Ashot.
  • At the central crossroads southwest of the central oil field, there is a wrecked van and to the northwest of the van, on the ground next to a dead combat slave. Attached to a Revolver.
  • In the abandon helicopter base to the northwest of the map, in the northwest corner past the hangers. There is a shack made from sheet metal, on a table to the left immediately after entering. Attache to a Revolver.

Taiga

The Pirates of the Swamp Camp in the Taiga are equipped with Kalashs in a variety of configurations as it is their third most used weapon. This is the only source of the Kalash or their upgrades aside from sights in the Taiga.

• There are two Standard Stock and Grips for the Kalash that can be found in Taiga:
  • Two of the Pirates in the Swamp Camp will have Standard Stock and Grips as part of their load-out. Both are attached to Kalashs.
• There are four Semi-Grip Stocks for the Kalash that can be found in Taiga:
  • Four of the Pirates in the Swamp Camp will have Semi-Grip Stocks as part of their load-out. All four are attached to Kalashs.
• There are three Standard Barrel and Compensator for the Kalash that can be found in Taiga:
  • Three of the Pirates in the Swamp Camp will have Standard Barrel and Compensators as part of their load-out. All three are attached to Kalashs.
• There are three Long Barrel and Compensator for the Kalash that can be found in Taiga:
  • Three of the Pirates in the Swamp Camp will have Long Barrel and Compensators as part of their load-out. All three are attached to Kalashs.
• There are fourteen NV Scopes for the Kalash that can be found in Taiga:
  • In the attic of the camp admin building, on a small pile of wooden crate. Attached to a Helsing.
  • In the basement of the Pirate Water Tower, past a re-bar door and leaning against a wooden crate. Attached to a Helsing.
  • Left behind after the Master of the Forest attacks the two Pirates and two Pioneers while Artyom is stuck in the Net. Attached to a Ashot.
  • One of the Pioneer reinforcements after the Master of the Forest will have a NV Scopes as part of his load-out. Attached to a Helsing.
  • Two Pioneers in the Forest Court will have NV Scopes as part of their load-out. Both are attached to Helsing.
  • Two of the Bandits in the abandoned village will have NV Scopes as part of their load out. Both are attached to Ashots.
  • Six of the Pirates in the Swamp Camp will have NV Scopes as part of their load-out. Two are attached to Ashots, three are attached to Kalashs, and one is attached to a Helsing.
• There are eleven x4 Scope for the Kalash that can be found in Taiga:
  • In the island cache, just east of the Forest Court settlement. Laying on a dirt filled wooden crate. Attached to a Helsing.
  • The Pioneer Sniper on Over-watch just outside of the Forest Court will have a x4 Scope as part of his load out. Attached to a Helsing.
  • Three of the Bandits in the abandoned village will have x4 Scopes as part of their load out. All three are attached to Revolver.
  • In the Gazebo Fire-pit overlooking the Pirate Swamp Camp. Resting against the side of Gazebo. Attached to a Helsing.
  • Five of the Pirates in the Swamp Camp will have x4 Scopes as part of their load-out. Four are attached to Kalashs, one is attached to a Helsing.
• There are six 30-Round Standard Magazine for the Kalash that can be found in Taiga:
  • Six of the Pirates in the Swamp Camp will have 30-Round Standard Magazines as part of their load-out. All six are attached to Kalashs.
• There are two 45-Round Extended Magazine for the Kalash that can be found in Taiga:
  • Two of the Pirates in the Swamp Camp will have 45-Round Extended Magazines as part of their load-out. Both are attached to Kalashs.

Dead City

There are not any human enemies in Novosibirsk. all Kalashs or their upgrades are found in the environment.

• There is one Standard Stock and Grips for the Kalash that can be found in Novosibirsk:
  • Inside the Institute after dropping off of the broken crosswalk. You will come to a central cross shaped room with four smaller rooms in each corner. In the far left room, inside an open metal locker. Attached to a Shambler.
• There is one Short Barrel and Suppressor for the Kalash that can be found in Novosibirsk:
  • After descending into the hole with crashed T-72B3, follow the underground hallway. On the right there is a bulkhead door which is closed. Further down the hallway is a cyan door. Inside this first room, there is a junction box, jump it with Artyom's electrical equipment. There is a crawlspace on the left side of the first room, inside the second room there is a lever to open the bulkhead door. In the space between the now open bulkhead and the gated entrance to a station, on some bedding. Attached to a Kalash.
• There is one Standard Barrel and Compensator for the Kalash that can be found in Novosibirsk:
  • In the middle of the burned out section of Prospekt, underneath a spotlight and a pile of burned corpse. Attached to a Kalash.
• There is one NV Scope for the Kalash that can be found in Novosibirsk:
  • Once you reach Kirill's room. Miller will leave his Tikhar with an attached NV Scope on a shelf near the workbench.
• There is one x4 Scope for the Kalash that can be found in Novosibirsk:
  • After descending into the hole with crashed T-72B3, follow the underground hallway. On the right there is a bulkhead door which is closed. Further down the hallway is a cyan door. Inside this first room, there is a junction box, jump it with Artyom's electrical equipment. There is a crawlspace on the left side of the first room, inside the second room there is a lever to open the bulkhead door. In the space between the now open bulkhead and the gated entrance to a station, on some bedding. Attached to a Kalash.
• There are two 30-Round Magazine for the Kalash that can be found in Novosibirsk:
  • In the middle of the burned out section of Prospekt, underneath a spotlight and a pile of burned corpse. Attached to a Kalash.
  • After descending into the hole with crashed T-72B3, follow the underground hallway. On the right there is a bulkhead door which is closed. Further down the hallway is a cyan door. Inside this first room, there is a junction box, jump it with Artyom's electrical equipment. There is a crawlspace on the left side of the first room, inside the second room there is a lever to open the bulkhead door. In the space between the now open bulkhead and the gated entrance to a station, on some bedding. Attached to a Kalash.

The Two Colonels (3 Months Ago Riot Suppression)

In the third section of the story, after Colonel Khlebnikov talks with Kirill before sending him home. He will pick up a Kalash equipped with a Standard Stock and Grip, a Short Barrel and Suppressor, a Reflex Sight, a 45-Round Extended Magazine and a Green Laser.

• The nearby workbench allows access to the following upgrades, the Semi-Grip Stock, the Heavy Stock and Grip, the Standard Barrel and Compensator, the Long Barrel and Compensator, a NV Scope, the 30-Round Standard Magazine, and the 75-Round High Capacity Magazine.
• After this leaving the armory, for the rest of this section, Colonel Khlebnikov will only be able to recover ammo from the environment and will be unable to make any changes to his equipment loadout.

Related Achievements/Trophies

Metro 2033

	Weaponsmith (Metro 2033)	40
	Kill at least one enemy with each weapon available in the game.

Metro: Last Light

	Gunslinger	/ 15
	Kill at least one Enemy with each Weapon available in the game.

Metro Exodus

	Professional	/ 15
	Make at least one kill with every ranged weapon.

Trivia

Novel

• In the novel, the firearms are never referred to by their exact name. Artyom and the VDNKh convoy guards carry "bulky military 7.62 calibre "machine guns" with wooden butts", (AK-47s or, more likely, AKMs) and weapons carried by Bourbon and Hansa guards are implied to be AKS-74Us. ("It was also a Kalashnikov but it was cut-off like the ones held by the Hansa border guards, with a hinged butt and a short socket instead.") In Metro 2035, however, the weapons used by the order are recognized by Artyom, saying they are silenced AK-74's.
• Artyom had an old AK-74 before being captured by the Nazis, while Anton equipped his own AK-74 before they set out for Park Pobedy.

Video Games

General

• If left idle, Artyom will run his finger along the exposed cartridges in the magazine.
• Even though the Kalash's magazines have huge slots cut into them, which would invite debris and dirt into and obstruct the feeding system, this is never a concern in any of the games. If a Kalash misfeeds, it's typically treated as something wrong with the gun rather than the magazine.
  • This modification was used extensively by the Soviet troops during the USSR/Afghanistan war in the 80s, and mostly used by Russians today. The durability of the AK line, combined with the generally cold and dry atmosphere of the metro, means this may not be as big of an issue.
• Upon close inspection, the selector lever on all Kalash's is always set to semi-automatic, regardless of their actual operation.

Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light

• The weapon in the game is a AK-74M. The Metro 2033 version comes with a most likely handmade wooden handguard. The Metro: Last Light version comes with a cut down Mosin Nagant M1891 stock as its lower handguard and a half pipe with ventholes as its upper handguard. Alpha versions of the Kalash looked more like the real-life AK-74M with minor visual changes.
• The Kalash has an incorrect reload animation; the magazines are inserted straight in, rather than at an angle and locked in as is standard for all AK-pattern rifles. The same can be seen on the AKS-74u and the RPK. This has been rectified in Metro Exodus.
• In Metro 2033, the Kalash has a woodland camouflage pattern and wrapping around the stock whereas in Metro Last Light and 2033 Redux, the Kalash is a matte black pattern.
• In Metro: Last Light, the Kalash was planned to accept a jury-rigged underbarrel launcher that uses pipe bomb-type Grenades as ammunition. This was cut in the final releases, though its files remain in the release builds and can be hacked into the game with a memory editor, and many NPCs can be seen with launcher-equipped Kalashes in the Redux edition of 2033.
  • The Medved seems to have been inspired by this idea.
• There are many AKs that appear to be from earlier builds of the game scattered on certain levels. They have a brown finish and the majority have their stocks broken or sawed off. They are unusable by the player and merely serve as decoration.
• In Metro 2033, the scope it uses appears to be a PK-AV Scope, which is the same type used by most other scoped weapon in the game.
  • In Metro: Last Light and Metro 2033 Redux, however, there are more options for aiming optics, and more customisation if the player character has MGRs.
• While the laser sight is barely visible in third person view, it is in fact attached to the gun barrel. This is changed in Redux, where it is visible on the left side of the barrel.
• In Metro 2033 and Redux, Miller and Khan carry unique unobtainable AKs that have bayonets and laser sights attached.
• Bourbon is the only person in the metro to call it an AK whereas everyone else refers to it as "Kalash".
• In the Metro: Last Light level "Red Square", Artyom can pick up a unique Kalash with a suppressor and a green laser sight, after killing a Red Line soldier on second-floor building of the ambush area, positioned between the two searchlights.
• In the Redux version of Metro 2033, an unusable Kalash can be seen in the performance hall, just before the player exits outside in the prologue, that features a full polymer handguard like an RPK and has a swollen gas tube.
• In Last Light, if the player uses MGRs for the Kalash it will have a much louder muzzle report, similar to the RPK.
• In Last Light, the upper barrel of the Kalash has a striking resemblance to the Khyber Customs Swiss Cheese Grater upper barrel.

Metro Exodus

• The gun's model in Exodus has the inscription of AK-103 on it, which is a newer derivative of the AK-74M chambered for the 7.62×39mm round, in service with various special operations groups in Russia since 2001. In-game, the firearm continues to use the 5.45x39mm round that the AK-74M uses.
• The heavy stock option features a stock that appears to be from a PKM, but cut in half and reconnected with springs to reduce the recoil in a similar manner to that of the Duplet.
• The Kalash in Metro Exodus has two different dry reload animations depending on which magazines are attached. When using 20 or 30 round magazines, Artyom will perform an underhanded charge. If the 45 or 75 round magazines are attached, then he will pull the charging handle with his right hand. This is because the 45/75 round magazines are too large and awkward to reach around under the gun with the left hand.
• Kalashes seem to have been retconned in Metro Exodus to be unable to handle Incendiary 5.45x39mm ammunition, thus giving rise to the Sammy which can. This is despite the fact that Military Grade Rounds were incendiary in all games released between Metro Exodus and the original Metro 2033. Also notable is the unchanged fact that both the Kalash and Sammy still use the same generic ammo, which defeats the purpose of the Sammy altogether since anyone can just load the powerful rounds into an AK mag without problems.

Gallery

In-game AK-74M, as seen from the first person perspective in Metro: Last Light.

Last Light Teaser shown with heat shield and single shot pistol under the barrel.

Last Light Teaser

E3 2011 demo

E3 2011 demo.

The Kalash seen in the Alpha version of the level "Outpost".

AK-74M with an old version of the scope from the Metro 2033 beta.

Default Kalash at Cursed Station.

First person view of the weapon.

This Kalash is modified with an IR scope, Suppressor and Laser sight.

The Kalash with 2x optical sight.

The Kalash with suppressor and reflex sight.

Both variants of the AK-74M in Metro 2033.

The Kalash owned by Khan in Metro 2033, notice the bayonet attachment.

The unused Kalash in Metro 2033.

Kalash in Metro Exodus.

Modifying the Kalash in Metro Exodus.

A modified AK-74M. This configuration of stock and hand guard, alongside with the x6 scope is not possible in game.

Franz, a character from Achromatopsia, uses a Kalash.

As seen in the "Metro Exodus" trailer.

Video Gallery

Metro Last Light - Kalashnikov