The following images are of a semi-automatic recreation of the Soviet pattern AKS-74UN in original caliber 5,45x39mm. This rifle is more or less modeled after an 80's issue "Krinkov" of the Soviet Army, and has been outfitted with the early vented style laminated handguards and polyamide grip. The mounted silencer is a unique variant of the PBS family of "silent fire devices" and is specific to the 5,45mm calibre AKSU rifle. While only a mock-up, it acts to conceal the fact this rifle actually has a standard length 16 inch barrel.
Although exceedingly handy due to it's compact size, the short barrel limited accuracy and the weapon was eventually replaced by the AK-104 carbine in 1992. Nevertheless, it's fame (or infamy?) has elevated the AKSU persona to classic proportions. No doubt, the weapon's sexy lines and ominous profile have helped generate the enormous collector interest in this model.
The PBS replaces the normal muzzle booster seen on the standard AKSU, and threads onto the mounting collar of the front sight base/gas block combination unit at the muzzle of the barrel. The effectiveness of the silencer to mask the noise of the fired cartridge depends on the use of special sub-sonic ammunition. A special rear sight mechanism is calibrated for the slower moving round.
It is obvious how handy the short barrel AKSU must be for helicopter crews, armor crews, and security forces. Note that the use of the PBS has returned the length to that of the standard issue rifle. Bayonets are normally not usable on an AKSU due to the omission of any sort of mounting lugs to attach them. In the image you will also notice the unique Soviet made AKS-74 web drop case, and the Russian 4-cell AK-74 magazine pouch which was standard issue with both of these weapons.
Also note the replacement of the normal AK-type rear sight base with a hinged mechanism directly attached to the receiver cover. This allows the operator to open the cover without actually removing it. The AKSU rear sight mechanism is a simple flip design which has been moved closer to the rear of the weapon in order to lengthen the sight radius. It is protected by the extended "ears" of the hinge bracket.
The AKSU was manufactured with laminated wood handguards and polyamide plastic pistol grips from the beginning of series production until near it's end run. Although there does exist a polyamide replacement handguard set of "plum" color (sometimes seen in factory brochures), they are extremely rare and it appears were never part of the normal supply line.
The sling attached to this rifle is authentic Russian AKSU, and is a special design used only on this weapon. It is made from standard cotton web materials, with zinc dichromate metal tip, belt buckle, and d-ring/snap hook. Differences from the standard AK version include a much narrower strap, a floating buckle, open end finished with a folded metal tip, an additional leather loop, and a sewn-in captive d-ring.
All in all, this is perhaps one of the finest builds of the AKSU we have seen in recent months, and it will no doubt generate interest in others who wish to tackle the subject in future projects. It is certainly a worthy example of the AKSU. The "Krinkov" is an extremely interesting weapon, and although now a part of history, will always be among the most famous of Kalashnikov's designs.
IMAGE 1: The AKS-74U is a short barrel version of the AKS-74, developed in the mid 1970's at the Izhevsk arsenal and placed into series production at Tula arsenal by 1982, when it was officially adopted by the Soviet armed forces. Primary use was designated for special operators, mechanized troops, armor and helicopter crews. It was first detected by Western sources in use with Soviet special forces in the Afghan War, and was tested in battle in various configurations (and calibres) before the final design was settled on. The monicker "Krinkov" was not of Russian origin, but was a slang term given the weapon by the Mujahadeen fighters who valued it as a war trophy and status symbol. The term has now gained worldwide use
Note the addition of a standard, late style side mounted optics plate, which automatically adds an "N" suffix code to the model nomenclature. This denotes it's ability to mount night vision devices, the traditional and primary function of an optics mount on the military Kalashnikov rifles. It appears that optical mounts are more common on the more uncommon Izhevsk manufactured examples, which were more specialized in many cases. I have not run across an AKSU of Tula origin which has a factory installed optics plate.
IMAGE 2: This example is outfitted with the rifle type triangular metal folding stock (AKS-74). The rifle type is characterized by a smooth buttplate and non-rolled struts. This same stock is sometimes seen on Russian AKSU's, mostly those made at Izhevsk. Those examples made at Tula have stocks with rolled struts, a ribbed buttplate, and a "horn" at the bottom rear corner. This AKSU-only version has a slightly thinner appearance in profile. Although most AKSU's were made at Tula, examples from Izhevsk are sometimes seen in earlier photographs and may have either type of stock, as well as some early, obscure prototype styles.
The non-functional example displayed here was manufactured from aluminum into a perfect replica of the original. It's primary purpose is to hide the 16" barrel which negates the need for short barrel rifle registration. It also lends to the enormously sinister appearance of the total package, and is quite a unique piece.
IMAGE 3: An advanced version of the PBS-4 (Device, Silent Fire) has been seen in recent years, in use by special security units of the Russian Interior Ministry. It is uniquely designed for use with the AKSU rifle, acting as a muzzle booster which enables the short rifle to remain reliable.
IMAGE 4 (below): This layout shows clear contrast between two similar Kalashnikov creations, the AKS-74 rifle(top) and the AKS-74UN "sub-machine gun" (bottom). Both were produced simultaneously and fielded together in these configurations during the height of the Afghan War. Although both fire identical cartridges, the firing characteristics of each weapon are vastly different.
IMAGE 5: This is perhaps the best image, offering a good view of the beautiful vented handguards, plum colored plastic magazine and grip, and nice, authentic looking Russian style black metal finish. Notice the round design of the shortened handguards, and the indented finger grooves. The upper is narrowed and scalloped to match the contour of the lower. Arguably, this offers perhaps the best looking and feeling hand grip of any Kalashnikov design.
Both the photography and the subject of this page are excellent, and we wish to extend out appreciation to M. Vorobiev for allowing us to display them to the public on this site. We are sure you will join us in thanking him. Without his thoughtful consideration, we could not present such extensive displays of authentic and dramatic projects.
Thanks, again, sir!
--Tantal
See our AK-74 Production Variations Study by clicking the link above.
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