Kalashnikov AKSU-74 (AKS-74U)

Submachine Gun / Assault Carbine [ 1983 ]

The AKSU-74 is a shortened carbine form of the AKS-74 series assault rifle.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 03/15/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.

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The AKSU-74 represents a submachine gun derivative of the full-sized AKS assault rifle. Both feed the 5.45x39.5mm Soviet intermediate rifle cartridge cartridge but the AKSU-74 is a shortened version of the full-length assault form with an overall compact design - made handier for airborne troopers, special forces and vehicle crews appreciating a smaller footprint for their primary weapon. The AKSU-74 sports a foldable butt-stock (side-folding) and feeds from a 30-round, curved detachable plastic box magazine. Knowledge of this submachine / assault carbine model reached Western sources in 1983 during which time the weapon was already in use in the Afghan Theater of the by Soviet troops in the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989).

Though borrowing many of the key features of the earlier AKS assault rifle design, the smaller design of the assault carbine model firing a relatively powerful round necessitated the need for additional compensation to be introduced. As such, the AKSU-74 was given a distinct flash hider / muzzle compensator attached to the "business end" of the shortened barrel. An expansion chamber was also fitted to the weapon in an attempt to retard the recoil effects.

Sights are iron front and rear. The weapon is listed with an effective range out to 656 feet and a muzzle velocity of 2,410 feet-per-second. Rate-of-fire is 800 rounds-per-minute.

Beyond its use by Soviet (and now Russian forces, including SPETSNAZ), the AKSU-74 is a known participant of American Delta Force and Navy SEALs special forces actions.©MilitaryFactory.com

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Specifications

Izhmash / Kalashnikov - Soviet Union / Russia
Manufacturer(s)

Iraq; Russia; Soviet Union
Operators

1983
Service Year

Soviet Union
National Origin

SPECIAL FORCES
Qualities of this weapon have shown its value to Special Forces elements requiring a versatile, reliable solution for the rigors of special assignments.

775 mm
(30.51 inches)
Overall Length

5.95 lb
(2.70 kg)
Empty Weight

Gas-Operated
Action

GAS-OPERATED
Gas-operated system is featured, typically involving a gas cylinder and rear-driven piston directing energy to the bolt component.

5.45x39.5mm Soviet M1974
Caliber(s)
May not represent an exhuastive list; Calibers may be model-specific dependent; Always consult official manufacturer sources.

30-round detachable box magazine
Rounds

Adjustable Iron.
Sights

Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information.

656 feet
(200 meters | 219 yards)
Max Effective Range

800
Rounds-per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

2,410 ft/sec
(735 m/sec)
Muzzle Velocity

AKS - Base Assault Rifle Designation

AKSU-74 - Shortened Submachine Gun Variant base on the AKS design; foldable butt-stock; additional gas expansion chamber and bell-shaped flash hider implemented; plastic ammunition box.

AKS-74U - Alternative Designation.

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Images

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Image of the Kalashnikov AKSU-74 (AKS-74U)

Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.

2 / 2

Image from the United States Department of Defense; Public Release.

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