AKMSU
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2013) |
| 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 | |
| Mass | 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, romanized: 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
- ^ a b Onokoy, Vladimir (10 August 2018). "The legend of AKMSU – mysterious AK that never was". The Firearm Blog. The Firearm Blog. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
- ^ Монетчиков, С. Б. "История русского автомата." Санкт-Петербург: "Издательство "Атлант", 2005г. С. 170.
- ^ 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.