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In this episode: the AK-12 - the latest in a long line of reliable Kalashnikov rifles, hailing from Russia.

The AK's damage is higher than most other assault rifles - killing in 3 shots up close, or 2 where one is a headshot.

It retains this damage over quite some distance, and ultimately falls to a 4 shot kill at range, or 3 headshots.

Rate of fire is moderately low, at 697 rounds per minute: this means it's quite important to land aimed shots to ensure reliable kills, and depending on hipfire may leave you vulnerable to faster firing weapons.

Hipfire spread is standard for the assault rifle class, at least - so per-shot hit probability is as good as most other weapons within its class - although the slower output gives the enemy a greater chance to fight back.

Recoil is moderate, with high per-shot deflection reigned in by the slower fire rate: in most cases, automatic fire is OK - but burst firing at long range will do much to preserve ammunition and enhance accuracy.

Aim time is standard for the assault rifle class, at 300 milliseconds: and your movement speed is at the class-default too, at 90 percent of the base speed.

Magazine capacity is the standard 30 rounds, or 45 rounds with extended mags: as with most assault rifles.

Reloads are the slowest in class, however: taking 3.27 seconds to complete.

Although a far cry from an LMG-grade reload, the extra half second or so could prove deleterious to your safety in certain circumstances.

The AK-12 is a powerful assault rifle that remains relatively easy to handle.

No other automatic assault rifle deals as much damage, and paired with its mild to moderate recoil, the AK will kill in very few shots at all ranges.

Unfortunately, the key area where the weapon fails is in its rate of fire: only the Remington R5 shoots more slowly within the class.

This means you will be outgunned at a close range if you're not careful: with most automatic weapons able to dispense far more rounds per second, you might find the AK is too slow-firing to compete.

Paired with a slightly slower reload and the average handling speed of an assault rifle, it pays to be cautious at a closer range.

While you might be able to down targets quickly up close in anticipated gunfights, if you're caught by surprise from the flank or rear you will be at a disadvantage.

Still, for the alert player your reward with the AK is consistent performance across a wide range band: you'll be able to repel invaders both up close and at a considerable distance.