AK-74

September 10, 2008

The shortened small caliber assault was being created in the framework contest on the project «Modern». In the year 1979 the AKS-74U («Kalashnikov folded shortened submachine gun Mod. 1974, under the code name 6P26, leading designer S.N. Furman») was adopted for service.
The shortened barrel by 206.5 mm forced to shift a gas chamber rearward, to change the front sight attachment, to reduce the length of a pushing rod and gas bleeding tube. A huge gas pressure near a muzzle end face compelled designers to install more powerful flash suppresser

In an effort to better stabilise the bul¬let in its flight fired from a shorter barrel, developers increased the inclination of the grooves, thus the length of the grooves was changed from 200 mm to 160 mm. A curve-slide sight was replaced by a tumble L-shaped rear sight intended to deliver fire at a range of 300 and 350-500 meters, the attachment of the sight on the cover of a receiver allowed developers to increase a sight radius (235 mm). The receiver cover is hinged in the upper position.
The AKS-74U has its two modifications, the AKS-74UN and AKS-74UN2 designed to mount the NSPU and NSPUM night sights.

The AKSB-74U version is designed to mount the PBS (silencer) and the BS-1 underbarrel silent grenade launcher. The AKS-74U light and rather compact weapon proved to be among other things very suit¬able for special subunits («spetsnaz»), crews of the infantry combat vehicles, sig¬nal troopers, military field engineers, police, security men guarding government buildings and money collectors. The Tula-based Ordnance Plant (Armory) manufac¬tured the AKS-74U in series-produced way
Specifications
Caliber………………………..5.45mm
Cartridge……………….5.45×39 (Mod. 1974)
Weapon weight w/o cartridges…………. 2.485 kg
Length:
w/unfolded stock ……………….. 730 mm
w/(olded stock…………………. 490 mm
Barrel length………………….. 206.5 mm
Bullet muzzle velocity ……………..735m/sec
Rate ot tire …………………..700rds/min
Effective rate ot fire……………40-100 rds/min
Sighting range…………………up to 500 m
Magazine capacity ………………….30rds