The AEK-971 is a Russian/Soviet designed, fully automatic assault rifle chambered for the same 5.45 x 39mm cartridge as the AK-74, and uses the same 30 round magazines. Internally, it is essentially the same as the AK-74 series of weapon. The interesting difference with the AEK-971 and other Russian assault rifles, is the introduction of a recoil balance mechanism. It employs a counter-weight that negates the impulses of the gas piston, which results in much more controllable automatic fire. Initially, the AEK-971 lost out to the AN-94, which is also featured in Battlefield: Bad Company 2, but the Soviet army has since begun conducting field trials of the weapon due to its lighter weight, simpler design, and cheaper manufacturing cost.
Statistics
Fire Mode: Fully automatic Rate of Fire: 800 rounds per minute Damage at 18M: 14.3 Damage at 64M+: 14.3 Magazine Size: 30 rounds Reload time: 3.2 seconds
Mechanics The AEK-971 is the first assault rifle available in Battlefield: Bad Company 2. Available, exclusively for the assault class, it could be considered a good, but unspectacular weapon. It offers decent, but not great stopping power. Middle of the road iron sights which jive with some and offend others, and a semi-quick reload time. The AEK is a jack of all trades, and master of none. It does 14.3 damage at all ranges, regardless of whether or not you are 6 meters away or 60. This is both good and bad, because up close, you'll fail when up against a sub-machine gun, but at longer ranges, you can have the advantage. And the amount of rounds you need to kill an enemy will only change based on where your rounds strike the target. Overall, the AEK is a very solid, but does not shine in any one area.
Targeting The iron sights are decent. They offer a good, sharp point of aim, and don't take up a lot of real estate on your screen. This makes it a lot easier to maintain situational awareness when aiming down your sights. In the end its going to come down to personal preference. As you can see, the bullet spread on the AEK-971 is pretty bad. Holding down the trigger and rocking and rolling will put your muzzle in the sky in a hurry. Because of this, using 2-3 round controlled bursts is the best way to quickly and efficiently kill your target.
Video Portrait
Role The AEK-971 is a great all around assault rifle. It is the jack of all trades, master of none. You can confidently engage targets at almost all ranges with a good chance of success, and of course, it has the added utility of the 40mm grenade launcher, 40mm smoke, and the 40mm shotgun. You will excel in moving with your team, providing medium to close range fires, and working to resupply your medics, engineers, and mobile recon players. Your iron sights are pretty good, so feel free to use a different upgrade in that spot, instead of the run-of-the-mill red dot or 4x scope. Just try to avoid extreme long range engagements, and brutal close quarters engagements, since your weapon will be bested by SMGs and shotguns at close range, and sniper rifles at longer ranges.
Assault Rifle Damage Comparison
ROF
Damage
Damage+M
DPS
DPS+M
AEK-971
800
14.3-14.3
17.875-17.875
190.67-190.67
238.3-238.3
XM8-P
750
16.7-14.3
20.875-17.875
208.75-178.75
260.9-223.4
F2000
850
12.5-12.5
15.625-15.625
177.08-177.08
221.35-221.35
AUG
700
16.7-12.5
20.875015.625
194.83-145.83
243.5-182.3
AN94
600
16.7-14.3
20.875-17.875
167-143
208.75-178.75
M416
700
16.7-14.3
20.875-17.875
194.68-166.83
243.35-208.53
M16A2
800
14.3-14.3
17.875-17.875
190.67-190.67
238.3-238.3
Assault Rifle Spread and Recoil Comparison
Spread-Base
Spread-Move
Spread-Zmove
Spray
Recoil-Amp
Recoil-Kick
AEK-971
1.5
2.5
1.0
0.35
0.5
12
XM8-P
1.5
2.5
1.0
0.37
0.5
20
F2000
1.25
1.5
0.4
0.33
0.35
20
AUG
1.35
2.5
0.8
0.4
0.45
16
AN94
1.5
2.5
0.7
0.35
0.6
3
M416
1.5
2.5
1.0
0.4
0.45
9
M16A2
1.5
2.5
0.8
0.35
0.35
15
Notes
The spread on the AEK is fairly significant, so look at bring a 40mm shotgun for your close range fighting. Using Magnum Ammunition and a x4 scope with this combination will give you good long range damage while also allowing you to operate well is close quarters.