Kalashnikov AKS-74U
Overview
AKS-74U
Right side view of AKS-74U compact assault rifle.
Source: Unknown author -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Mikhail Kalashnikov
Russia
Krinkov (American nickname)
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
Media
AKS-74U
Right side view of AKS-74U compact assault rifle.
Source: KardeN
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
AKS-74U
AKS-74U with stock in folded position.
Source: KardeN
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
AKS-74U
AKS-74U with stock in folded position.
Source: KardeN
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
AKS-74U
Right side view of AKS-74U compact assault rifle.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
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.