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Back in Cold War Russia the “Krinkov” was a mainstay on the nightly news.
Now the iconic “Krinkov” has a modern version made by Palmetto State Armory.
The Soviet Arms AKS-74U “Krinkov” pistol made by Palmetto State Armory is a modern incarnation of a classic Russian com-bloc weapon but with U.S. legal parts. It also is in the more common 5.56×45 rifle cartridge. It is categorized as a pistol that also has a folding “arm brace”.
Here is what Palmetto Armory has to say about their Soviet Arms AKS-74U “Krinkov” pistol:
The Soviet Arms AKS-74U “Krinkov” pistol features a side folding rear trunnion, hinged dustcover, and short barrel for the most compact AK PSA has offered to date. This pistol is equipped with a black triangle side folding pistol brace, hinged dustcover with integrated rear sight, and plum gloss wood furniture. The original AKS-74U was adopted in 1979 to bridge the gap between a sub gun and a full-length rifle. This Soviet Arms AKS-74U is chambered in 5.56x45mm and still maintains all the charm and aesthetic of the original 5.45x39mm Krinkov, but in an easier to obtain caliber.
Let’s look at the list of all the features of the PSA Soviet Arms AKS-74U “Krinkov” pistol also directly from the PSA website:
Caliber: 5.56x45mm
Barrel Length: 8.4″
Barrel Twist Rate: 1:7
Barrel Material: 4150 Steel
Barrel Finish: Gas Nitride
Muzzle Device: Krink Booster
Muzzle Thread: M24x1.5 RH
Receiver: Stamped Steel
Front Trunnion: Hammer Forged 4340AQ
Bolt: Hammer Forged
Carrier: Hammer Forged
Handguard Type: Plum Gloss
Grip: Checkered Grip, Plum Gloss
Brace: JMAC Customs Stock Adapter with Black Triangle Side Folding Brace
Fire Control Group: Single Stage, Single Hook
Side Rail: Yes
Sights: 90 Degree Combo Sight/Gas Block, Dustcover Rear Sight
Magazine: 30 Round Magazine (1); Where Allowed by Law
What exactly is the history of the iconic AK74U “Krinkov” carbine? Well in 1977 Kalashnikov’s model was adopted over other competing designs. You might recognize that name as Mikhail Kalashnikov also is the inventor of the original AK-47 design. This indeed is a shorter design that fires the lower recoiling5.56X39mm cartridge that is smaller than the original AK-47 rifle chambering, the 7.62X39mm. This handy little carbine was meant as a compact option for troops such as helicopter pilots, armored vehicle crews, law enforcement and others where a full sized rifle might be impractical. It was made from 1979-1993.
Let’s take a look at the traditional Soviet caliber for the AK74U. The 5.56X39mm is quite an interesting cartridge to study. My research turned up with bullet weights ranging from 53 grains to a subsonic version weighing 80 grains this little cartridge is lighter than the previous versions to carry on a march and quite lethal. In service since 1974, the construction of the cartridge is quite interesting. The unhardened 22.1 grain steel rod penetrator core is covered by a thin lead inlay which does not fill the entire point end, leaving a hollow cavity inside the nose. The bullet is cut to length during the manufacturing process to give the correct weight. The very lethal 7N6 version uses a boat-tail design to reduce drag and there is a small lead plug crimped in place in the base of the bullet. The lead plug, in combination with the air space at the point of the bullet, has the effect of moving the bullet’s center of gravity to the rear; the hollow air space also makes the bullet’s point prone to deformation when the bullet strikes anything solid, inducing yaw. That’s right, a rifle bullet that tumbles on impact! That makes for some really wild wounds that are certainly hard to treat.
That tumbling projectile was well feared in war zones of the time, often called the “poison bullet”, that the 5.56X39mm cartridge was even more damaging to human targets than the older and larger 7.62X39mm cartridge. Mr. Kalashnikov certainly thought outside the box and created some real iconic and useful weapon systems.
As many firearms enthusiasts of my era, I grew up watching movies such as Red Dawn. The ever present AK-47 was always there, with a real treat when you spotted the shorter Krinkov. This was the era of the fear of Soviet invasion into the Western hemisphere. As a kid, seeing one of these carbines from behind the Iron Curtain was like spotting a UFO. No one had one, and the chances of even handling one back then was minimal.
Enter the modern age. Well, times are changing and the once unobtainable AK74U is now available in a U.S. legal form. The short barrel makes it classified as a handgun. The stock is not a real stock at all as it would turn the little shooter into a classified short barreled rifle. It instead is an arm brace for better stability adding to better accuracy. It folds out of the way also when not needed. Now that is a brilliant way to get around an anti-Second Amendment law. This compact design really makes the PSA Soviet Arms AKS-74U “Krinkov” pistol handy and not take up much space. Stash this little firecracker in places where a full length rifle would not fit.
So what is the modern version of the old classic Russian design useful for? Well first off it will certainly do what the original did many decades ago, only in semi-auto only. For fun, it would be a plinker’s dream fun gun that whispers the past in 1980’s vibes. For varmints while out for a walk in your back 40 acres, well the PSA Soviet Arms AKS-74U “Krinkov” pistol would certainly be better than any conventional handgun you could pack. More accuracy and firepower are certainly big wins! Obviously, it would make a great home defender for protecting your own personal homeland and family. For a gun collector, the PSA Soviet Arms AKS-74U “Krinkov” pistol is quite a sought after firearm that goes well with any Soviet era collectible you might have in your mancave. Just imagine watching all those great 1980’s movies again with this classic design hanging on the wall.
What is even better with the Palmetto State Armory model, the PSA Soviet Arms AKS-74U “Krinkov” pistol, over the original? It fires the readily available 5.56X45mm cartridge. That’s right, you can feed it the same cartridge that is the original M-16 cartridge and is a big favorite in popular rifles like the AR-15, Ruger Mini-14 and many others. No need to have to hunt for the original shorter Russian cartridge and pay big bucks over the normally stocked ammo. Stop by any sporting goods retailer or order online and you are in luck for this great American caliber. Well played Palmetto State Armory!
What about warranty? Well Palmetto State Armory really stands behind their products. Here is what PSA says in their own words:
Palmetto State Armory firearms are covered by an industry leading Full Lifetime Warranty. This extends beyond the original purchaser. We want the person who bought a great quality firearm at an excellent price to have comfort in knowing that no matter what, the firearm can be fixed at no additional cost.
We strive for excellence all the way through production and hope customers never have to use this warranty but we also pride ourselves in 99% non-repair/return ratio. It is there for peace of mind so that the consumer can be confident in their purchase. Should the consumer ever need to contact us regarding a repair under the warranty, simply use our contact form or give us a call at 877-560-7229.
Palmetto State Armory firearms and parts are backed by our Full Lifetime Warranty. Our PSA firearms and parts are warranted to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship for the serviceable lifetime of the firearm or part. All Palmetto State Armory barrels are machined and guaranteed to be concentric with the bore of our barrels.
The liability of Palmetto State Armory under this warranty shall be limited solely to the obligation to repair or replace the firearm/part or defect at its discretion, and to pay transportation and insurance charges for return of the firearm to the owner for a rightful warranty claim. This warranty is transferable for the serviceable lifetime of the firearm or part. Modification of firearm will void this warranty. This warranty does not cover normal wear or any damage resulting from careless handling, neglect, repairs and adjustments, corrosion, improper, substandard or defective ammunition.
The reviews online while researching for this article appear to be quite positive for the PSA Soviet Arms AKS-74U “Krinkov” pistol. If you have an itch for a modern incarnation of the Cold War in a weapon form, the PSA Soviet Arms AKS-74U “Krinkov” pistol is quite hard to beat. This might be the best patrol weapon for your Siberian winter trekking to your local outdoor gun range this winter. Be sure to wear your ear plugs though as this one spits fire and could certainly not be to friendly on your ear drums. The PSA Soviet Arms AKS-74U “Krinkov” pistol will certainly shake up any range in a hurry and turn heads.
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