Produced Egyptian Misr Assault Rifle Copy Russian AKMS Rifle

The Misr Assault Rifle began life as an almost-identical, domestically produced Egyptian copy of the Russian AKMS. The Misr Assault Rifle was quickly changed to suit Egyptian production methods, with the folding stock being of a simpler (but more fragile) design; a little later, the wooden handguard and pistol grip were replaced with plastic ones. After turning away from the Russian sphere of influence, the upper receiver was modified so the Mist could mount most US/NATO standard optics. This weapon was still the primary personal weapon of the Egyptian military as of 2006, and was also used by several allied Middle Eastern militaries, and the army of Rwanda.

Misr Assault Rifle

A civilian/police version of the Misr, called the ARM, went on the market in the late 1990s; it was introduced in between different phases of the various anti-gun bills introduced in the US during that time, and while it uses the ugly thumbhole wooden stock, cannot be modified for automatic fire, and cannot mount a bayonet, it can still use standard AKM and AK-47 magazines, as well as the 5-round magazines normally sold with the ARM. (The ARM is also known as the Maadi, particularly in the US).

Misr Assault Rifle

The changes that allowed the Misr Assault rifle to mount Western-style optics came rather late in the game, and most Misrs can still use only Bloc-style optics. The ARM came so late that there was almost no time to export them, and most of them were used to equip domestic militia and police forces. the Misr Assault Rifle is the primary assault rifle of Egypt, and generally conforms to what is mentioned in the Notes. The ARM did not sell well in a world already glutted with AK variants and clones.

Rashid Assault Rifle

When Egypt came under the Soviet sphere of influence, they largely converted to the AK-47 and AKM assault rifles. However, the supply of AKs they were given and could make themselves was not enough to equip reserve forces and paramilitary police forces, so they decided to make a version of the Hakim battle rifle chambered for the 7.62mm Kalashnikov cartridge.

The Rashid Assault Rifle retained the direct gas impingement system of the Hakim, but the charging handle was attached to the bolt and the bayonet lug was removed to accept an SKS-type folding bayonet. The sights were also changed to reflect the new chambering. These weapons have been turning up on the civilian market in increasing numbers the past 20 years or so. They are typically cheap, and in decent, if not sterling condition.