Is the AK117 Real? Unpacking the Truth Behind the Popular Call of Duty Assault Rifle
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The short answer is no, the AK117 is not a single, real-world firearm. It’s a fictional assault rifle created for the Call of Duty franchise, specifically appearing in Call of Duty Online, Call of Duty: Heroes, and Call of Duty: Mobile. While it may bear a resemblance to various real-world AK-pattern rifles, it’s ultimately a composite design, drawing inspiration from different firearms rather than being a direct copy of a specific model. The AK117’s design is an amalgamation of features from several well-known firearms. This makes it a unique entity within the game, but it also leads to confusion among players who may be trying to identify a real-world equivalent.
The AK117: A Frankenstein of Real-World Firearms
Instead of being based on one specific weapon, the AK117 pulls its design cues from multiple sources. Its characteristics are influenced by rifles such as the AK-12, AK-102, AK-107, and AEK-971 assault rifles. These are all members of the larger family of Kalashnikov rifles, but they each have unique features. The 5.45x39mm cartridge and the short-stroke gas piston system used by the AK117 are also common features of many modern assault rifles.
Therefore, the AK117 isn’t a single, real-world rifle you can find on a firing range or in historical archives. Instead, it’s a carefully designed in-game weapon, meant to strike a balance between functionality, aesthetic appeal, and playability within the Call of Duty universe. This “Frankenstein” approach to weapon design is quite common in video games, allowing developers to create unique and balanced gameplay experiences without being constrained by the limits of real-world firearms.
Why Fictional Names and Designs?
The practice of using fictional names and designs for weapons in video games is often driven by licensing issues. Obtaining the rights to use the exact names and designs of real-world firearms can be costly and complex. It also carries legal and marketing implications. For instance, concerns about marketing to minors restrict the use of real gun names.
Instead of securing these licenses, game developers opt for creating their own weapons, which allows them total control over the design and usage of their in-game arsenals. This freedom enables them to tailor the performance of each weapon precisely to meet the game’s balancing needs, which might not always align with how real-world firearms actually operate. This approach allows for a more controlled and enjoyable gaming experience.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the World of In-Game Firearms
To further clarify the details surrounding the AK117 and other related topics, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. What is the closest real-world counterpart to the AK117?
While there isn’t a single, direct real-world counterpart, the AK117 draws inspiration from several AK-pattern rifles, such as the AK-12, AK-102, AK-107, and AEK-971. It shares design and functional elements with these firearms.
2. What cartridge does the AK117 use?
The AK117 is chambered for the Soviet 5.45x39mm cartridge, a round used by many Russian and Soviet-era assault rifles.
3. What is the origin of the AK117’s design?
The AK117’s design is a fictional composite, meaning it’s not based on any single existing rifle but borrows features from multiple designs, primarily within the AK family.
4. Is the BK57 based on a real rifle?
Yes, the BK57 is designed to resemble the Ukrainian-made Vepr, a bullpup rifle derived from the AK-74 platform.
5. What is the DL Q33 based on?
The DL Q33 shares similarities in appearance and behavior with the Intervention from previous Call of Duty titles, a popular high-powered sniper rifle.
6. What real-world rifle is the Kilo 141 based on?
The Kilo 141 is based on the Heckler & Koch HK 433, a German assault rifle.
7. Why do video games use fake names for guns?
Licensing issues and concerns about marketing firearms to minors are primary reasons for the use of fictional names and designs in video games.
8. What is the origin of the Draco pistol?
The Draco pistol is inspired by the ubiquitous AK-47 rifle, specifically being a Romanian-designed pistol with a 7.62x39mm semi-automatic caliber.
9. What does “AK-47” stand for?
“AK-47” stands for Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947 (Automatic Kalashnikov 1947), named after its designer, Mikhail Kalashnikov, and the year it was adopted by the Soviet Union.
10. What is the M13 in real life?
The M13 in real life refers to the M13 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage (MGMC), a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun used by the U.S. Army in World War II, armed with two .50 caliber M2HB Browning machine guns.
11. What is the QQ9 in Call of Duty Mobile based on?
The QQ9 in Call of Duty Mobile is a variant of the MP5, a popular submachine gun seen in many other Call of Duty games.
12. What is the rarest gun skin in Call of Duty Mobile?
The ASM10 – Plasma skin is considered the rarest weapon skin in Call of Duty Mobile.
13. What does “AR-15” stand for?
“AR-15” stands for ArmaLite model 15, a selective-fire variant of the earlier AR-10, designed for military use.
14. Is the AK-47 a copy of the StG 44?
While there are external similarities, the AK-47 is not a direct copy of the StG 44. It uses a rotating bolt design, unlike the StG 44’s tilting bolt.
15. Why is the Draco considered illegal in some areas?
The Draco pistol is sometimes categorized as an assault weapon due to its characteristics, making it illegal under certain laws, like those in California. It is generally regulated due to being a “short-barreled rifle” without a stock.
Conclusion
In summary, the AK117 is not a real-world firearm but rather a fictional creation designed for the Call of Duty franchise. It draws inspiration from several AK-pattern rifles, creating a unique composite weapon that fits the needs of the game. This practice is common in video games due to licensing restrictions and the need to balance in-game performance. Understanding this distinction is crucial for gamers who want to separate in-game fiction from real-world firearms.