AKS-74U
Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) · Personal Defense Weapon · Discontinued · 1979
Also known as: Krinkov, Ksyukha, Suchka, GRAU 6P26
Overview
The AKS-74U is a select-fire personal defense weapon chambered in 5.45x39mm, produced by Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) since 1979. Featuring a 30-round magazine capacity, this personal defense weapon offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2710 g (95.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3010 g (106.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 735 mm (28.94") |
| Folded Length | 490 mm (19.29") |
| Barrel Length | 210 mm (8.27") |
| Height | 175 mm (6.89") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 735 m/s (2411 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 925 J (682 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 165 mm (6.50") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 5.45x39mm · primary — also known as 5.45x39mm Soviet, 5.45mm Kalashnikov, 7N6, Krinkov
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Muzzle Brake Flash Hider, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Side Folding Stock, Extremely Compact, Faster Rifling Twist, Skeleton Stock
Variants
- AKS-74UN — Optics Ready
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Armed Forces · adopted 1979
- Russian Armed Forces · adopted 1991
- Soviet Airborne Forces (VDV) · adopted 1979
- Spetsnaz · adopted 1979
- Afghan National Army
Conflicts
- Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)
- First Chechen War (1994-1996)
- Second Chechen War (1999-2009)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 1979-1993
Mass production ended around 1993 when superseded by the AK-105. Exact numbers not disclosed but remains in widespread service across former Soviet states.
Origin
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Designer: Mikhail Kalashnikov
Discontinued: 1993
Notes
The AKS-74U was officially designated as a personal defense weapon (PDW) rather than a submachine gun or carbine due to its rifle cartridge. The extremely short barrel reduces muzzle velocity by approximately 18% compared to the standard AK-74, dropping from 900 m/s to 735 m/s. This results in increased muzzle flash and blast, mitigated by the distinctive conical flash hider. The faster rifling twist was necessary to stabilize the 5.45mm bullet at reduced velocities. Early production featured wooden pistol grips and laminated wood handguards; later versions used polymer furniture. Mass production continued until approximately 1993 when it was largely superseded by the AK-105 carbine, though the AKS-74U remains in widespread service across former Soviet states. The weapon gained iconic status through extensive use by Soviet forces in Afghanistan and appearances in media. Compatible with standard AK-74 30-round magazines and 45-round RPK-74 magazines. Not compatible with under-barrel grenade launchers due to shortened barrel.
Background
The nickname 'Krinkov' is a Western invention with murky origins -- it may derive from a corruption of a Mujahideen term for the weapon. Soviet troops affectionately called it 'Ksyukha' (a diminutive of the name Oksana) or more crudely 'Suchka' (little bitch) due to its small size and fierce muzzle blast.