RSA AKS-74U

The AKSU 74 also known as AK-74SU / AKS-74U was produced in the Soviet Union in 1975 to replace the small size assault rifle AKMSU. The 'U' stands for Ukorochennyi which means shortened in Russian. Even though it was produced in 1975 and brought into service in 1979, it was spotted for the first time only in early 1984 with the Soviet airborne troops. The AKSU 74 is also known by other Russian names such as 'Ksyukha' which is another version of a Russian woman's name, and 'okurok' which means cigarette stub. In the USA it is a semi automatic version known as 'krinkov'. This weapon was also widely used outside of Russia that is by the countries of the Warsaw Pact hence were also produced in those countries. In the former Yugoslavia it was manufactured under the name of Zastava M85. The Indonesian Army's Combat Recon Platoon uses a different version of the AKSU 74 chambered in 5.56mm cartridge. Other countries that also manufactured this weapon are China and Bulgaria.

This small assault rifle is the compact carbine version of the AK74 assault rifle and the smart blend of a small size submachine gun and powerful ammunition. The AKSU 74 is referred to as the shortened version of the AK74 due to the length of its barrel which is only 207 mm compared to AK74's 413mm. The entire length of this rifle is just 728 mm when the stock is extended hence making it the perfect weapon for short range combat or for personal defense purposes. The AKSU 74 uses the same ammunition as the AK74 which is the 5.45×39 mm caliber. This weapon is also considered to be light as it weighs only 3.10kg when fully loaded. The AKSU 74 was deliberately built in this compact size and light weight by the Soviets so that it can be easily handled by the tanks and helicopter crews and other vehicle crews as well as artillery teams and Special Forces who can enter and exit from their vehicles without hassle and yet be equipped with a powerful automatic weapon. The small size and reasonably light weight of this weapon has made it quite popular among its users because it can be easily concealed in bags and under the clothes.

The most noticeable feature of this weapon is the cone shaped flash suppressor which was used in place of a muzzle brake. The suppressor is the standard Marui B- SpetsNaz from Airsoft. The AKSU 74 also comes complete with a detachable silencer and a unique 30mm grenade launcher called the BD-1 Tishina which means silence in Russian. The grenade launcher utilizes special HE-DP grenades which are launched using exclusive blank cartridges that are kept in the box magazine in the launcher pistol grip. The silencer is used for 2 purposes. One is to hide the flash and second as an expansion chamber to release off gases that would otherwise cause aggressive withdrawal. This weapon has the capacity to fire 730 rounds per minute. This special variant of the AKSU 74 is known as the SpetsNaz because it was developed for a special force called SpetsNaz which means Special Force in Russian.

There are not many differences between the original AK74 and the AKSU 74. However the differences or modifications that do exist have created features that are unique to AKSU 74 starting with the most obvious feature which is the shortened barrel length. The gas chamber has also been moved to the back portion and the standard rear sight (which is adjustable) has been replaced with a flip-up U notch rear specifically designed to cover distances of 200m and 400m. This flip-up U notch rear is attached on the cover of the receiver which flips up when opened compared to the receiver of the AK74 which is detachable. The front sight is a cylinder like post that can be fixed with night sights. The AKSU 74 rate of fire (730 rounds per minute) is also distinctively higher than that of the AK74 and also cycles faster due to its shortened gas system. A bayonet cannot be fitted to this weapon however there is another version that is known as AKSU 74N which can be attached with either a standard side mounted rail system or a red-dot scopes for night vision.

The AKSU 74 is an exceptionally outstanding close range weapon for its small size. Even though it may not have a very high rate of fire, its powerful round and extended range makes up for that shortfall. That's not all. The AKSU 74 was built using the Kalashikov assault rifle scheme therefore chances of it hitting off target are slim even if it is fully submerged in mud or water. That's why it still continues to be the most extensively used tactical weapon in the Russian Federation.