AKS-74U

The AKS-74U (Russian: Автомат Калашникова Складной образца 1974 года Укороченный, Automatic Kalashnikov Folding model 1974 Shortened) is a Soviet carbine, developed in the late 1970s. Nicknamed "Ksyukha" in Russia and "Krinkov" in the USA, the AKS-74U straddles the line between an assault rifle and submachine gun, firing the 5.45x39mm rifle cartridge with a severely shortened barrel. This allows for maneuverability in restricted spaces, yet noticeably decreases both its accuracy and muzzle velocity.

Initially developed as a shortened version of the AKS-74 for Soviet vehicle crews, the AKS-74U would also see adoption by Soviet police and Spetsnaz units. The AKS-74U has not been produced in Russia since 1993, and has mostly been replaced by the slightly larger AK-105 in Russian military service.