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The AKS-74U is a modified version of the AK-74 assault rifle with a much shorter barrel (207 millimeters versus 413 millimeters) and a conical flash supressor instead of a muzzle brake. Like the AKS-74, it has a folding metal stock. The overall length of the submachine gun is only 492 millimeters with stock folded or 728 millimeters with extended stock. The rear sight is a flip-type U-notch. The front sight is a cylindrical post.
The Soviets designed the AKS-74U as a weapon short enough to be handled easily when the crew enters and exits vechicles. The device at the end of the barrel functions as an expansion chamber to bleed off gases which would otherwise cause a violent recoil. With a loaded weight of 3.106 kilograms, the submachine gun is considerably lighter than the assault rifle AK-74 and has a somewhat higher rate of fire.
The AKS-74U has a greatly reduced range due to its shortened barrel. However, it still has more power and longer range than conventional submachine guns that fire pistol cartridges.
The AKS-74U was first seen with Soviet airborne troops in early 1984.
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| Cartridge: | 5.45 x 39.5 mm | Operation: | gas, selective fire |
| Locking: | —- | Feed: | 30-round magazine |
| Weight: | 3.2 kg loaded; 2.7 kg empty | Length: | 490 mm with butt folded; 730 mm butt extended |
| Barrel: | 206.5 mm | Rifling: | 4 grooves, rh |
| Sights: | —- | Muzzle velocity: | 735 m/s |
| Rate of fire: | (cyclic) 650-735 rds/min | Effective range: | —- |
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