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Kalashnikov AKS-74U



Overview


AKS-74U

Right side view of AKS-74U compact assault rifle.
Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Compact assault rifle
Entered service
1979
Status
In service
Development
Mid to late 1970's
Developer
Russia
Mikhail Kalashnikov
Production
1979 - 1997
Producer
Soviet Union
Russia
Designations
6P26 (GRAU index)
Krinkov (American nickname)
Notable users
Soviet Union

Description


Introduction

The AKS-74U is a compact assault rifle of Soviet origin. It was developed in the mid to late 1970's for use by vehicle crews, but is also popular with law enforcement units and special forces. The U stands for "Ukorochenniy", which is Russian for "shortened". Especially in the USA the AKS-74U is better known as the Krinkov.

Design

The AKS-74U is a sub machine gun derivative of the full size AK-74 assault rifle. The AKS-74U has a much shorter barrel with increased twist rate and has a different flash hider. In order to reliably cycle the action with such a short barrel the flash hider features a booster chamber. Compared to a full size AK-74 the AKS-74U sacrifices effective range, some reliability and muzzle energy for increased portability. Advantages over a pistol caliber sub machine gun are increased range and penetration. Other advantages are commonality with the AK-74 in the areas of production, operating procedures and ammunition.

Firepower

The AKS-74U fires the 5.45x39mm Soviet round from a 30 round detachable box magazine. The 45 round magazine of the RPK-74 light machine gun can be used as well. The AKS-74U is a select fire rifle with a cyclic rate of fire of 650 to 735 rpm. Although the sights have a range adjustment to 500 meters, the practical range is about 200 meters. The AKS-74U works well, but is not as reliable in adverse conditions as full size Kalashnikov rifles.

Users

The AKS-74U was acquired in large numbers by Soviet Forces to equip vehicle crews. It was widely used by law enforcement and military special units as well. Ever since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan the AKS-74U has been regarded as a status symbol, especially in the Middle East. In Russia the carbine size AK-105 is acquired in limited numbers to supplement and replace the AKS-74U.

Details


Facts AKS-74U
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Compact assault rifle
Caliber
Caliber
5.45x39mm Soviet
Feed system
30 round detachable box
Barrel length
210 mm
Rifling
4 grooves, 160 mm right hand twist
Muzzle velocity
735 m/s
Operation
Action
Gas operated, long stroke gas piston
Locking
Rotating bolt
Fire selector
0 - 1 - F
Rate of fire
650 - 735 rpm
Dimensions
Stock type
Side folding
Length
735 mm stock extended
490 mm stock folded
Weight
2.5 kg empty
Sights
Mechanical
Iron sights, post front and flip-up notch rear
Range adjustment
350 and 500 m gradations
Optics
Optional on AKS-74UN model with side mount on receiver

Media


Related articles


Kalashnikov AK-74

The AKS-74U is a subcompact version of the full size AK-74 assault rifle.

Kalashnikov AK-105

The AK-105 carbine with a longer barrel than the AKS-74U is a more reliable and capable modern alternative to the AKS-74U.

Zastava M92

The Zastava M92 looks similar to the AKS-74UN, but is based on the Zastava M70 and chambered for 7.62x39mm Soviet.