Editing AK-74 (section)

==Variants==
The AK-74 series is also available in several "night-fighting" configurations, equipped with a side dovetail rail for mounting optical sights. These variants, the '''AK-74N''', '''AKS-74N''' and '''AKS-74UN''' can be used in conjunction with NSPU and NSPU-3 ([[1PN51]])<ref>{{cite book |script-title=ru:Изделие 1ПН51 Техническое Описание И Инструкция По Эксплуатации |trans-title=Product 1PN51 Technical Description and Operating Instructions |date=January 1992 |page=11 |language=ru}}</ref> night sights, as well as optical sights such as the [[USP-1]] (1P29). The variants designated AK-74N2 and AKS-74N2 can use the multi-model night vision sight NSPUM ([[1PN58]]).<ref>{{cite book |date=February 1991 |pages=5, 13 |language=ru |script-title=ru:Изделие 1ПН58 Техническое Описание И Инструкция По Эксплуатации|trans-title=Product 1PN58 Technical Description And Operating Instructions}}</ref>

===AKS-74===
[[File:AKS-74.png|thumb|The AKS-74. Designed for airborne infantry and equipped with a folding shoulder stock]]
The '''AKS-74''' ("S"—[[Russian language|Russian]]: {{lang|ru|складной}}; ''Skladnoy'', or "foldable"), is a variant of the AK-74 equipped with a side-folding metal shoulder stock, designed primarily for use with [[Airborne forces|air assault]] [[infantry]] and developed alongside the basic AK-74. Unlike the [[AKM#Variants|AKMS]]'s somewhat fragile underfolding stock (modeled after the [[MP 40]] [[submachine gun]] stock), the AKS-74 stock is fabricated from stamped sheet metal struts, [[machine press]]ed into a "U" shape and assembled by punch fit and welding.

The stock has a triangular shape; it lacks the folding shoulder pad found on the AKMS stock and is folded to the left side of the receiver. The hinged stock is securely locked in its extended position by a spring-loaded button catch located at the rear of the receiver. When folded, the stock is held closed by a spring-loaded capture hook situated on the left side at the front of the receiver housing. A rear-mounted sling swivel is also provided on the right side at the beginning of the stock frame. It retains the pistol grip reinforcement plate the AKMS used, though due to the less complex rear trunnion, only has one riveting hole in place of the three on the AKMS.

===AK-74M===
[[File:Ak-74mpdomain.JPG|thumb|The AK-74M]]

In 1991, the Izhmash factory in the city of [[Izhevsk]] began full-scale production of a modernised variant of the AK-74—the '''AK-74M''' ("М"—{{langx|ru|Модернизи́рованный|Modernizírovanny|translation=modernised}}) assault rifle that offers more versatility compared with its predecessor. Apart from several minor improvements, such as a lightened bolt and carrier assembly to reduce the impulse of the gas piston and bolt carrier during firing, the rifle features a new [[Fiberglass|glass-filled]] [[polyamide]] stock that retains the shape of the original AK-74 fixed laminated wood stock, but side-folds to the left like the skeletonised AKS-74 buttstock. As a result, pistol grip reinforcement plates that were once exclusively used on the folding stock variants are standard on all AK-74Ms. Additionally the AK-74M features an improved muzzle device with extended collar and threads to reduce play and a machine cut beneath to allow easier cleaning rod removal, a reinforced smooth dust cover and a redesigned guide rod return spring retainer that allows firing the GP-25, GP-30 and GP-34 underslung grenade launchers without having to use the previously necessary additional receiver cover fastener. To reduce production costs, barrel hardware, such as the front sight base and gas block, are dimple pressed on to the barrel instead of pinned on (commercial semi-auto variants are still pinned on to maintain user serviceability).

Other economic changes include omission of lightening cuts on the front sight block and gas piston as well as a stamped gas tube release lever, replacing the milled one. The bullet guide and bolt guide were also separated, with the bolt guide becoming a simple bump held in place on the left side of the receiver with an additional rivet (often called a "bump rivet" because of this) making it easier to replace in case of wear. Each AK-74M is fitted with a side-rail bracket for mounting optics that is a simplified version of the 74N mount with less machining cuts. The AK-74M would have been adopted by the Soviet Union as the standard service rifle, and has been accepted as the new [[service rifle]] of the [[Russian Federation]].

====AK-74M UUK (Universal Upgrade Kit)====
[[File:Комплект модернизации "Обвес".jpg|thumb|Upgrade set ''Обвес'' for the AK-74M and [[AK-100 (Rifle family)|AK-100 rifle family]]]]

An AK-74M universal upgrade kit consisting of a new safety, dust cover and furniture featuring improved ergonomics and [[Rail Integration System|rails]] to attach accessories like aiming optics, [[optoelectronic]] sights, laser sights, weapon lights and vertical fore grips and a new muzzle device had its official debut on 9 May 2015 in Moscow as part of the [[2015 Moscow Victory Day Parade]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rbth.com/news/2015/05/07/kalashnikov_to_show_off_upgraded_ak-74m_at_victory_day_parade_45825.html|title=Kalashnikov to show off upgraded AK-74M at Victory Day parade |website=[[Russia Beyond]] |agency=[[TASS]] |date=7 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729044532/https://www.rbth.com/news/2015/05/07/kalashnikov_to_show_off_upgraded_ak-74m_at_victory_day_parade_45825.html |access-date=9 May 2015|archive-date=29 July 2020 }}</ref>
The Kalashnikov Concern has further developed three sets of additional equipment for the modernization of [[5.45×39mm]] and [[7.62×39mm]] chambered [[Kalashnikov rifle|AK-pattern]] assault rifles for normal military units, reconnaissance units, and special forces units.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rostec.ru/en/news/4516453 |title=An improved Kalashnikov rifle will be on display at the Victory Day Parade |work=[[Rostec]] |date=6 May 2015 |access-date=9 May 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150511180352/http://www.rostec.ru/en/news/4516453 |archive-date=11 May 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, the Kalashnikov Concern announced a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence to deliver upgrade kits for their AK-74M assault rifles.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://blog.predatorbdu.com/2015/06/russian-armed-forces-upgrade-kit-for-ak.html |title=Russian Armed Forces Upgrade Kit for AK-74M |date=June 17, 2015 |website=PredatorBDU.com |access-date=May 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624182051/http://blog.predatorbdu.com/2015/06/russian-armed-forces-upgrade-kit-for-ak.html |archive-date=June 24, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>{{Clear}}

===AKS-74U===
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = AKS-74U
| image              = File:AKS74U (noBG).jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = AKS-74U with laminated wood furniture
| type               = [[Carbine]]<br />[[Assault rifle]]
<!-- Type selection -->| service            = 1979–present
| wars               = [[Soviet–Afghan War]]<br />[[Afghan Civil War (1989-1992)]]<br />[[Transnistria War]]<br />[[Afghan Civil War (1992-1996)]]<br />[[Tajikistan Civil War]]<br />[[First Chechen War]]<br />[[Second Chechen War]]<br />[[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)]]<br />[[Russo-Georgian War]]<br />[[War in Iraq (2013–2017)]]<br />[[Syrian Civil War]]<br />[[War in Donbas (2014–2022)|War in Donbas]] <br/> [[Russian Invasion of Ukraine]]<ref>{{cite tweet |author=War Noir |user=war_noir |number=1643689916864290832|title=#Russia / #Ukraine 🇷🇺🇺🇦: #Russian Security Forces (#FSB/Border Guards) detained a #Ukrainian pilot after his plane crashed in #Bryansk. As a result an AKS-74U carbine was captured from the pilot —the markings of the weapon appear to be obscured as well.|language=en |date= 5 April 2023|access-date=15 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416063943/https://twitter.com/war_noir/status/1643689916864290832|archive-date=16 April 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
| designer           = [[Mikhail Kalashnikov]]
| number             = 
| spec_label         = 
| length             = {{convert|730|mm|abbr=on|1}} (stock extended)<br />{{convert|490|mm|abbr=on|1}} (stock folded)
| width              = 
| height             = 
| diameter           = <!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
| action             = [[Gas-operated reloading|Gas-operated]], [[gas-operated reloading#Long-stroke|long-stroke piston]], [[closed bolt|closed]] [[rotating bolt]]
| origin             = Soviet Union<br />Russia<!-- Please leave as it is, see WP:INFOBOXFLAG and template:Infobox weapon/doc -->
| is_ranged          = Yes
<!-- Service history -->| used_by            = See ''[[#Users|Users]]''
| design_date        = 1970s
| manufacturer       = [[Tula Arms Plant]]
| unit_cost          = 
| production_date    = 1979–1993
| variants           = <!-- General specifications -->
| weight             = {{convert|2.7|kg|abbr=on}}
| part_length        = {{convert|206.5|mm|abbr=on|1}}
| cartridge          = [[5.45×39mm]]
| rate               = {{plainlist|
*'''Cyclic''': 700 rounds/min<ref name="AKS-74U"/>
*'''Practical''': 100 rounds/min}}
| velocity           = {{convert|735|m/s|0|abbr=on}}
| range              = {{convert|300-400|m|yd|abbr=on}}
| max_range          = 
| feed               = 20-, 30-round AK-74, 45-round [[RPK|RPK-74]] detachable [[box magazine]] or 60-round [[casket magazine]]
| sights             = Adjustable [[iron sight]]s, front post and U-shaped flip rear notch
}}

In 1973, a design competition (codenamed "Modern"—Модерн) was started<ref>By Soviet TTT (тактико-технические требования) order number 008407 from 19.17.1973.<!-- Invalid date --></ref> for the adoption of a fully automatic [[carbine]].

Soviet planners drew from the unsolicited design [[AO-46 (firearm)|AO-46]] built in 1969 by [[Peter Andreevich Tkachev]], which weighed only 1.9&nbsp;kg. The TTT specifications required a weight no greater than {{convert|2.2|kg|abbr=on|1}}, a length of {{convert|75|cm|abbr=on|1}}/{{convert|45|cm|abbr=on|1}} with the stock unfolded/folded, and an effective firing range of {{convert|500|m|yd|abbr=on|0}}. The competition was joined by designs of [[Mikhail Kalashnikov]] (PP1), [[Igor Stechkin]] ([[TKB-0116]]), [[Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov|S. G. Simonov]] ([[AG-043]]), [[A. S. Konstantinov]] ([[AEK-958]]), and [[Yevgeny Dragunov]] (who called his model "MA"). Kalashnikov also presented an additional design (A1-75) which differed from PP1 by having a modified muzzle for flash and noise suppression.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/04/27/krinks-never-aksu-trial-rifles/ |title=The Krinks that never were, AKSU trial rifles |date=27 April 2016 |website=The Firearm Blog |access-date=2016-08-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802012952/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/04/27/krinks-never-aksu-trial-rifles/ |archive-date=2016-08-02 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1977, the [[GRAU]] decided to adopt Kalashnikov's model, which was largely a shortened AKS-74, because its performance was no worse than the competition, and promised significant production cost savings by utilizing existing equipment for the AK-74 line. A final round of large scale testing with Kalashnikov's model was performed by airborne divisions in the [[Transcaucasian Military District]] in March 1977. The AKS-74U ("U"—[[Russian language|Russian]]: {{lang|ru|укороченный}}; ''Ukorochenniy'', or "shortened") was officially adopted in 1979, and given the official, but seldom used [[GRAU#Designation scheme|GRAU designation]] 6P26.<ref>Monetchikov, pp. 165–177.</ref> Production stopped in 1993.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/02/12/experimentation-use-and-variants-of-the-russian-aks74u/ |title=Experimentation, use, and variants of the Russian AKS74U |date=12 February 2016 |website=The Firearm Blog |access-date=2016-08-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802191934/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/02/12/experimentation-use-and-variants-of-the-russian-aks74u/ |archive-date=2016-08-02 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The AKS-74U bridges the tactical deployment gap between a [[submachine gun]] and an [[assault rifle]]. It was intended for use mainly with [[special forces]], airborne infantry, rear-echelon support units, helicopter and armored vehicle crews. It has been augmented and replaced by various submachine guns, and the less compact [[AK-105]] carbine in Russian military service. It is commonly used by law enforcement; for example, each urban police foot patrol is issued at least one.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

[[File:AK74andAKS74U.jpg|thumb|left|AK-74 (top) and AKS-74U]]

The AKS-74U's compact dimensions were achieved by using a short {{convert|206.5|mm|abbr=on|1}} barrel (this forced designers to simultaneously reduce the gas piston operating rod to an appropriate length). Due to the shortening of the operating mechanism, the [[cyclic rate]] rose slightly to around 700 rounds per minute.<ref name="AKS-74U">{{Cite web |title=5.45 мм автомат Калашникова обр.1974 укороченный АКC-74У |url=https://history.gpk.gov.by/history/weapons-equipment/avtomaty/5-45-mm-avtomat-kalashnikova-obr-1974-ukorochennyy-akc-74u/ |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=История белорусской пограничной службы}}</ref> In order to effectively stabilize projectiles, the barrel's twist rate was increased from 200&nbsp;mm (1:7.87 in) or 37 calibers [[Rifling#Twist rate|rifling twist rate]] to 160&nbsp;mm (1:6.3 in) or 29.6 calibers rifling twist rate to adapt the AKS-74U for muzzle velocities of {{convert|720|m/s|abbr=on|0}} and higher. A new gas block was installed at the muzzle end of the barrel with a [[muzzle booster]], which features an internal expansion chamber inside the cylindrical section of the booster while the conical end acts as a nozzle to increase net pressure inside the gas chamber by supplying an increased amount of propellant gases from the barrel. The chrome-lined muzzle booster also burns any remaining propellant, which would normally reduce muzzle blast. However, due to the extremely short barrel and conical end of the booster, the muzzle blast is nevertheless extremely large and visible. The muzzle device locks into the gas block with a spring-loaded detent pin and features two parallel notches cut into the edge of the flash hider cone, used for unscrewing it using the cleaning rod. Unlike most Kalashnikov variants there is no provision to store the cleaning rod under the barrel. The front sight was integrated into the gas block/forward sling loop.

The sight height above the bore axis is also approximately {{convert|3|mm|abbr=on|1}} higher than the AK-74, due to the combined front sight/gas block, rear sight configuration. The AKS-74U has a different rear sight composed of a U-shaped flip sight on the top cover instead of the standard sliding notch tangent rear sight. This rear sight has two settings: "''П''{{-"}} standing for ''постоянная'' (constant) corresponding to a {{convert|350|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} "point-blank range" battle zero setting and "4-5" (used for firing at distances between {{convert|400|-|500|m|yd|abbr=on|0}}).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gunsru.ru/rg_avtomat_aks-74u_eng.html |title=AKS-74U Kalashnikov shortened assault rifle |publisher=Firearms Russia |access-date=16 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102192400/http://gunsru.ru/rg_avtomat_aks-74u_eng.html |archive-date=2 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The rear sight is housed in a semi-shrouded protective enclosure that is riveted to the receiver's spring-loaded top cover. This top cover hinges from a barrel trunnion (hinging where the rear sight on a normal AK74 is located), pivoting forward when opened, which also works to unlock the gas tube cover. Both the gas tube and handguard are also of a new type and are wider and shorter than the analogous parts in the AKS-74.

For the AKS-74s combined with the 7N6 or 7N10 service cartridges the 350 m battle zero setting limits the [[External ballistics#Bullet drop|apparent "bullet rise"]] within approximately {{convert|-5|to|+42|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} relative to the line of sight. Soldiers are instructed to fire at any target within this range by simply placing the sights on the center of mass (the belt buckle) of the enemy target. Any errors in range estimation are tactically irrelevant, as a well-aimed shot will hit the torso of the enemy soldier.

[[File:Interpolitex 2010 (337-50).jpg|thumb|An AKS-74U with various Zenitco accessories installed]]

The AKS-74U is significantly more maneuverable in tight [[close quarters combat|quarters]] than the AKS-74; however, the significant decline in [[muzzle velocity]] to {{convert|735|m/s|abbr=on|0}} resulted in a {{convert|100|m|yd|abbr=on|0}} reduction in effective range to {{convert|400|m|yd|abbr=on|0}} (the effective hitting distance for a "running"-type silhouette target was reduced from {{convert|625|m|yd|abbr=on|0}} to {{convert|360|m|yd|abbr=on|0}}). The AKS-74U cannot mount a bayonet or standard under-barrel grenade launcher. However, a suppressed 30&nbsp;mm BS-1 grenade launcher was developed specifically for that platform that fires a high-explosive dual purpose (HEDP) grenade. The grenades for the BS-1 are launched by special blank cartridges that are inserted into the grenade launcher via a detachable magazine. The majority of AKS-74U carbines were manufactured at the Tula Arms Factory rather than [[Izhmash]]. There were some accessories produced for the AKS-74U including a plastic thigh holster and (shorter than standard) 20-round AK-74 type magazines. The rifle utilizes a proprietary 25&nbsp;mm wide sling that differs from the standard 35&nbsp;mm AK sling also in construction. The AKS-74U also exists in a version featuring modernized synthetic furniture made from a black, [[Fiberglass|glass-filled]] [[polyamide]]. The AKS-74U was also used as the basis for several other unique weapons, including the [[bullpup]] [[OTs-14 Groza]] specialist carbine which is now in limited service in the Russian military, and the [[Gepard (submachine gun)|Gepard]] series of multi-caliber submachine guns (none of which evolved past prototype stage).

In the United States, the AKS-74U is sometimes called a "Krinkov".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pike |first=Travis |date=2021-12-24 |title=What is a Krinkov?: A Guide to the AKS-74U |url=https://www.pewpewtactical.com/krinkov-aks-74u/|access-date=2022-08-22 |publisher=Pew Pew Tactical |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227193859/https://www.pewpewtactical.com/krinkov-aks-74u/ |archive-date=27 February 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> The origin of this term is uncertain. A hypothesis was circulating that the name came from the [[Mujahideen]] who supposedly had captured a high-ranking Soviet officer armed with an AKS-74U, and that they had named it after him. However, investigation by [[Patrick Sweeney (gunsmith)|Patrick Sweeney]] could not confirm this hypothesis, for no Soviet officer with a resembling name was captured in Afghanistan.<ref name="Sweeney2009">{{cite book |url=https://www.scribd.com/book/368483827/The-Gun-Digest-Book-of-the-AK-SKS-A-Complete-Guide-to-Guns-Gear-and-Ammunition |title=The Gun Digest Book of the AK & SKS: A Complete Guide to Guns, Gear and Ammunition |publisher=Gun Digest Books |isbn=978-0-89689-678-9 |page=236 |first=Patrick |last=Sweeney |author-link=Patrick Sweeney (gunsmith) |date=2009-01-13 |access-date=2016-01-05}}</ref> US journalist [[C. J. Chivers]] reported that the gun was nicknamed "the Osama" in jihadist circles, after [[Osama bin Laden]] was photographed next to an AKS-74U.<ref name="Chivers2010" /> Research by The Firearm Blog published in 2016 suggests that the name "Krinkov" is a Pashtun invention that came to the United States with accounts of the Mujahideen.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/01/18/krinkov-the-definite-origin/ |title=Krinkov: The definite origin |date=2016-01-18 |website=The Firearm Blog |access-date=18 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120195254/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/01/18/krinkov-the-definite-origin/ |archive-date=20 January 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The AKS-74U is approximately {{convert|3|oz|abbr=on}} lighter than the NATO equivalent [[XM177]], and {{convert|10.2|in|abbr=on}} shorter with the stock folded.

==== AKS-74UB ====
The '''AKS-74UB''' ("B"—[[Russian language|Russian]]: {{lang|ru|бесшумный}}; ''Besshumniy'' or "silent") is a sound-suppressed variant of the AKS-74U adapted for use with the PBS-4 [[Sound suppressor|suppressor]] (used in combination with [[Speed of sound|subsonic]] 5.45×39mm Russian ammunition).<ref name="Cutshaw_192">Cutshaw, pp. 19-20.</ref>