AKS-74U

AKS-74U
AKS-74U with laminated wood furniture
TypeCarbine
Assault rifle
Personal defence weapon
Place of originSoviet Union
Russia
Service history
In service1979–present
WarsSoviet–Afghan War
Afghan Civil War (1989-1992)
Transnistria War
Afghan Civil War (1992-1996)
Tajikistan Civil War
First Chechen War
Second Chechen War
War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
Russo-Georgian War
War in Iraq (2013–2017)
Syrian Civil War
War in Donbas
Russo-Ukrainian war (2022–present)
Production history
DesignerMikhail Kalashnikov
Designed1970s
ManufacturerTula Arms Plant
Developed fromAK-74
Specifications
Mass2.7 kg (6.0 lb)
Length730 mm (28.7 in) (stock extended)
490 mm (19.3 in) (stock folded)
Barrel length206.5 mm (8.1 in)

Cartridge5.45×39mm
ActionGas-operated, long-stroke piston, closed rotating bolt
Rate of fire
  • Cyclic: 700 rounds/min
  • Practical: 100 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity735 m/s (2,411 ft/s)
Effective firing range300–400 m (330–440 yd)
Feed system20-, 30-round AK-74, 45-round RPK-74 detachable box magazine or 60-round casket magazine
SightsAdjustable iron sights, front post and U-shaped flip rear notch

The AKS-74U (Russian: Автомат Калашникова складной 1974 года укороченный, romanizedAvtomat Kalashnikova skladnoy 1974 goda ukorochenny, lit.'Kalashnikov assault rifle model 1974 shortened') is the compact carbine variant of the Soviet AK-74 rifle.