AKS-74U

Description

The Kalashnikov family of weapons was the creation of Russian Mikhail Kalashnikov towards the end of World War Two. Although often disputed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War, the original AK-47 design was heavily influenced by the German Sturmgewehr MP/StG 44.

By the mid 1970’s most NATO countries had reduced the calibre of their assault rifles from 7.62 x 51mm down to 5.56 x 45mm, as it was deemed that modern infantry warfare was predominantly fought at close quarters and the need for such high powered/long range ammunition was only required for snipers and support weapons. As a result the Soviets were soon to follow suit and their infamous AK/AKM assault rifle was again subjected to a design overhaul.

This new model was designated the AK-74, unsurprisingly the most significant change was the reduced calibre, from the once steadfast Soviet 7.62 x 39mm, now down to 5.45 × 39mm. Other modifications were an enlarged extractor claw to aid extraction, a newly designed barrel and gas assembly, an enlarged muzzle break, a rubber butt plate and reinforced/resin coated magazines.

The AKS-74U carbine variant of the AK-74 bridges the gap between a submachine gun and assault rifle. Its barrel was reduced in length from 415 mm (16.3 in), down to 206.5 mm (8.1 in), which intern resulted in a smaller handguard, new muzzle break and modified sights. It utilizes the same side folding stock as the AKS-74 and fires the same 5.45 × 39mm cartridge.

Predominantly it was issued to issued Soviet special forces, paratroopers and vehicle crews. However its design proved so popular that it has been exported to countless countries around the world and is a favourite of irregular forces, criminal organizations/cartels and terrorist groups. In fact one of its most famous users is the late Osama Bin Laden.