Editing AK-74 (section)

===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>