Beyond its unique feed mechanism, the ASM-DT was largely a conventional automatic weapon given a rectangular receiver with a general form not unlike the famous Kalashnikov line of assault weapons. The pistol grip/trigger unit was underslung at the usual position under the receiver while the shoulder stock became a lightweight, two-strut skeletal structure with a padded butt for some comfort. The shoulder stock was designed to fold over the receiver along a hinge for a more compact profile. The dual-feed/dual-magazine design, appearing somewhat cumbersome due to its depth and odd shape, allowed for 30 rounds of 5.45x39mm cartridges to be carried along with 26 x underwater darts. Unlike the APS before it, the ASM-DT was developed with modern support features for tactical accessories like optics / aimers, a fore-grip, a sound suppressor, bayonet, and Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL).
As far as is known, the ASM-DT is still an active component of modern Spetsnaz special forces. Its use in actual combat has become a closely-guarded secret over its decades-long use. The gun has been manufactured at the legendary Tula Arms arsenal.
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