AKMSU

AKMSU
AKMSU belonging to the National Firearms Centre
Type Carbine
Place of origin Soviet Union or Pakistan
Service history
In service Disputed
Wars Disputed
Production history
Designer Mikhail Kalashnikov
Designed Early 1980s
Manufacturer Unknown
No. built Disputed
Specifications
Weight 2.85 Kg
Length 480mm (folded) / 740mm (extended)
Barrel length 270mm
Cartridge 7.62×39mm
Action Gas operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire 650-785 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity 680 m/s (2,231 ft/s)
Effective firing range 200 m
Maximum firing range 400 m
Feed system 30-round detachable box magazine, also compatible with 40-round box or 75-round drum magazines from the RPK

The AKMSU (Attributed name: Russian: Автомат Калашникова Mодернизированный Складной Укороченный, tr. Avtomát Kaláshnikova Modernizírovanny Skladivaushiisya Ukorochenniy, lit. Shortened Modernized Kalashnikov Automatic Rifle with Folding Stock) is a compact carbine version of the Soviet AKM assault rifle in 7.62 caliber of disputed origin.

Design and Origins

It is a matter of contention whether the AKMSU was actually manufactured by the Soviet Union or was simply a one-off production, a "Khyber Pass Copy" from Pakistan's Khyber Pass region, an area known for diverse and unique weapon production in small shops.[1]

One alleged genuine AKMSU model is in the possession of Royal Armouries in Leeds, United Kingdom. It is the most well-known model attributed with the AKMSU name. However, it is actually a custom model, composed of a Chinese manufactured Type 56-1 receiver combined with a 1977 dated AKM trunion. Its other custom parts include a muzzle brake, which is required for the correct functioning of the rifle and contains an expansion chamber to correctly cycle the rifle. The muzzle brake has many grooves machined into it for increased heat dispersion. It also has a custom hand guard.[1]

Although no authentic pictures of the AKMSU are known to exist, a number of Russian and Western sources attest to its existence.[2][3]

AKMSU-like firearms can be produced by combining an AKMS receiver with an AKS-74U gas system, front trunnion, and receiver cover.

References

  1. 1 2 Onokoy, Vladimir (10 August 2018). "The legend of AKMSU – mysterious AK that never was". The Firearm Blog. The Firearm Blog. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  2. ↑ Монетчиков, С. Б. "История русского автомата." Санкт-Петербург: "Издательство "Атлант", 2005г. С. 170.
  3. ↑ Isby, David C. Weapons and Tactics of the Soviet Army. Englewood: Jane's, 1988. pp 415.

Further reading

  • Peterson, Philip. Standard Catalog of Military Firearms: The Collector's Price and Reference Guide. Lola: Gun Digest Books, 2007.
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