I'm surprised that there hasn't been any mention of the AM-17 being adopted:
It was originally a Soviet prototype, known as the
, and languished in a factory collection for decades. The Dragunov MA was created around the time of the competition for what became the AKS-74U, and it is generally believed that the competition was biased to ensure the victory of the Kalishnikov design. The MA was in a separate competition, for a polymer lightweight rifle.
The MA prototype extensively used polymers in the receiver and stock, which reduced weight. The construction of the upper receiver also allowed for easy and reliable scope mounting. The fire selector was more ergonomic than the AK.
It could have been conservatism, favourtism, or maybe the required polymers were too advanced for the Soviet Union of the 1970s. But it was not selected for any production at the time, and was shelved away.
After being rediscovered this century and adapted to modern production, it became the AM-17:
It is being deployed initially to policing and special forces, and people who need shorter rifles. A similar group as to who used the AKS-74U. The AKS-74U has been out-of-production since 1993 or so, so replacement production is needed. [And the AKS-74U has a number of detractors].
Not the most important story, not like aircraft production. But there are observers who say the design is superior to the AK. If the AM-17 is successful, perhaps the design will replace the longer rifles eventually. It's an interesting procurement story, in any case.