AKS74U - to whom "Ksyusha", and to whom ... (part-3)

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In previous articles about the AKS74U machine you can get acquainted with its main competitors presented at the Modern contest, as well as with the reasons for creating the machine in very compact dimensions. Almost all samples weapons could become an excellent means of delivering lead to the body of the enemy, if not for one “but”, which consisted in the widest distribution of the Kalashnikov machine gun. Actually, the presence of a full-fledged version of the AK in service was the decisive factor in choosing the winner in the Modern contest, because production was established just under the AK, plus some unification of weapons, it only remained to reduce the size and weight of the weapon to the required ones, but it turned out so simple.

AKS74U - to whom "Ksyusha", and to whom ... (part-3)On the one hand, upgrading an already finished sample is an incomparably simpler task than creating weapons from scratch, but adjusting an existing sample to specific requirements, as it turned out, is not always as simple as it seems, and just drunk the barrel with an automatic, so that it becomes shorter, is not the best option. In order to get a sample of weapons, even being close to the requirements of the Modern competition, many problems had to be solved, and although AKS74U fundamentally does not differ from its full-size progenitor, many details are changed in its design in order to ensure the normal operation of the machine gun and reduce its size.

Naturally, the barrel of the weapon was shortened to 255 millimeters in the first place. This step led to the fact that the powder charge of the cartridge 5,45x39 did not have time to completely burn through with all the ensuing consequences. In order for this phenomenon to at least partially compensate, a modular device in the form of a volumetric cylinder was developed. The gas chamber had to be carried back, which required a reduction in the length of the piston rod. In addition, the sample submitted to the competition was also distinguished by sights. So, the rear sight was replaced with a simple reclining, and the butt of the arms was folded up. I repeat once again that this was the first version of the weapon, and not the AKS74U in the final version. Then came the long process of improving these weapons. So, it was decided to trim the barrel with another millimeter 35, butt was replaced with AKMS stock, but the most difficult work was done with the flue unit and the constriction device. In the end, they came to the result that everyone knows, with an even shorter barrel length of 206,5 millimeters. It seems that everything is simple and fast in words, and there is nothing complicated, but if you try to repeat it all, recalculate every detail, and even think up new ones, the result will be quite serious work, maybe not equal to creating a new small-sized automaton. ” from scratch, but very close to that.

Unfortunately, it was not possible to adjust the weapon fully to the requirements of the competition. The reason for this is not that it was impossible to do this, but when reducing the machine to the required dimensions, interchangeability with the full-sized version of the Kalashnikov machine of most parts would be completely lost, and this would mean high costs in production. Therefore, the length of the weapon with the folded butt is not equal to 450 millimeters, but 490 millimeters, but with the butt spread out, the length of the weapon is 20 millimeters less than the required one - 730 millimeters. The weight of the weapon is also significantly exceeded by 285 grams (2,485 kilograms without a magazine). Due to the changes associated with a decrease in the length of the piston rod and other factors, the rate of fire of the weapon increased to 700 rounds per minute. In addition, the barrels of weapons differ not only in their length, but also in the groove pitch. In the shortened version of the machine, the groove pitch in the barrel is equal to 160 millimeters, while in the full-length groove pitch is equal to 200 millimeters. This was done to ensure that the bullet after taking off from the barrel better stabilized in flight. It should also be noted that a smaller rifling step significantly increases the voltage on the bullet shell, and when the barrel is overheated, which is itself a very, very bad phenomenon, this resistance on the bullet shell manifests itself, becoming one of the reasons for “spitting” the weapon. In general, on the one hand, the AK seems to be the same, but already a bit different.

It is noteworthy that the airborne troops received the first shortened version of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, although it seems that this weapon was created more as a self-defense weapon for those who only need the rifle in an extreme case and are not the main means of influencing the enemy. Naturally, there AKS74U did not get accustomed and did not become the main weapon in view of its specific features. Although it should be noted flattering reviews about the small weight and dimensions of the weapon, which was quite important in this case. But neither weight nor dimensions could compensate for the low accuracy of firing and a small effective range of use. Nevertheless, the weapon was the most widespread, which could get, and not even where necessary (police, police, although sometimes they need this weapon, but obviously not in the same amount as it is now and not universally distributed). Having a fairly widespread distribution, the AKS74U machine gun was not only used in its original form, but also received a kind of development. On the basis of this assault rifle a rifle-and-grenade launcher complex was created, but this weapon is already in another article.
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  1. +1
    April 16 2013 07: 38
    It is strange why the author does not recall the nickname given to this "geek in the glorious Kalashnikov family" - "ok" and "fist's dream". It seems that says it all ..
    1. 0
      April 17 2013 08: 30
      the fist’s dream is to cut a mosquito like that.
  2. +6
    April 16 2013 07: 44
    In 86, while in military service, we received the AKS-74U (although in the attached documentation it was called the AK-74U) in exchange for the SKS-45. Each machine came in a canvas bag. His dimensions, after the carbine, he certainly impressed us. But with SKSs, I somehow became more akin, seemed more comfortable - although this is purely mine subjective view
  3. avt
    0
    April 16 2013 09: 31
    "Unfortunately, it was not possible to fit the weapon completely to the requirements of the competition." ------- Perhaps the key words explain everything. They adjusted it to the answer, and did not solve the problem. It was a losing option. We did not take the engineering solution under the name "Kalashnikov", and they adjusted a specific sample, so instead of creating it turned out to be circumcised.
    1. 0
      April 17 2013 08: 32
      I agree how this "miracle" got into the police is not clear at all.
  4. -1
    April 16 2013 10: 03
    From a Kalash to make a submachine gun, it can be the same success as from DShK. Not really the designers of small arms in Russia are no more.
    1. +3
      April 16 2013 10: 08
      In this case, the notorious unification is paramount
      1. 0
        April 16 2013 10: 26
        they’ve already saved on a submachine gun, at the same time, the discrepancy in the models of more expensive weapons is amazing, for example, this was the case in the submarine fleet
    2. +4
      April 16 2013 16: 33
      Quote: Canep
      From a Kalash to make a submachine gun, it can be the same success as from DShK.

      But they did the same! .. wink And very nice happened. Including performance characteristics ...
    3. predator.3
      0
      April 17 2013 06: 21
      Quote: Canep
      From a Kalash to make a submachine gun, it can be the same success as from DShK. Not really the designers of small arms in Russia are no more.


      I think in this case the name of the great Kalashnikov (with all due respect to M.T.) played (a negative role) those. "crushed" with his name-authority, the same thing happened with the AEC-971, which had to be adopted, at least in limited quantities!
  5. +1
    April 16 2013 11: 06
    Quote: mark1
    In this case, the notorious unification is paramount

    unification is a big plus in every way.

    In general, the adoption of the AKSU, instead of other applicants, is due to common sense, not a whim. Maybe AKSU was inferior in some respects to some, but it was not so significant that it would prefer another option, so unification, plus proven reliability, did the trick. If you hypothetically transfer that contest to another time, even today, the result would be the same. And most importantly, I consider unfair negative speeches about ACSU. For those tasks that are assigned to it in the niche for which it was created, there is no better alternative yet. All sorts of speculation about samples under 9x39, all sorts of grenades or something else instead of AKSU are simply thoughtless. The only true thing is software instead of AKSU in the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
    1. 0
      April 16 2013 11: 22
      Yes, I generally do not scold him. He had his own modest task - to equip units serving equipment operating in fortified areas and in cramped rooms, and only then to use them in any special units, and the cops generally had to be issued with extremely limited numbers. And unification, however, has become at the forefront.
  6. +1
    April 16 2013 11: 30
    Quote: mark1
    In 86, while in military service, we received the AKS-74U (although in the attached documentation it was called the AK-74U) in exchange for the SKS-45. Each machine came in a canvas bag. His dimensions, after the carbine, he certainly impressed us. But with SKSs I somehow more akin, seemed more comfortable - although this is purely my subjective opinion

    Exactly. Served 1986 - 1988. I agree.
  7. +2
    April 16 2013 11: 47
    AKSUShka is a normal trunk, there are also disadvantages. But its presence is better than its absence. smile
    A weighty argument in a dispute between business entities. smile I liked it, sometimes you forget what weighs on your shoulder after the AKC or "paddle".
  8. +1
    April 16 2013 13: 03
    Quote: mark1
    Yes, I generally do not scold him. He had his own modest task - to equip units serving equipment operating in fortified areas and in cramped rooms, and only then to use them in any special units, and the cops generally had to be issued with extremely limited numbers. And unification, however, has become at the forefront.

    I didn’t mean you, but the general negative mood in relation to AKSU not only on this site, but wherever it is mentioned. I think this is undeserved. The fact that unification played a key role is only positive.
    1. +1
      April 16 2013 19: 02
      Quote: MRomanovich
      The fact that unification played a key role is only positive.
      Is not a fact. What is left of that unification? except that the trigger part and the butt.
      For the sake of it is not clear what was chosen a machine gun with a barrel like a pistol, but in fact there could be a full-fledged machine gun. For example, the Smerch submachine gun participated in the competition, which in the same dimensions and close weight had a full-fledged barrel of 415 millimeters.
  9. +3
    April 16 2013 13: 50
    In fact, not for the infantry, but for the same air defense, the gunners are more comfortable with a short submachine gun, the cartridge is unified right there, - all the same, we sit in the cockpits, it is clear that the operators will not be able to stand a serious battle - they are not being "sharpened" for that, but the weapon should be and this is enough wink
    1. +2
      April 16 2013 14: 09
      For pilots shot down - that’s it. In the catapul, in the folded state breaks. Although not a machine gun yet, it is no longer a gun.
      1. -1
        April 16 2013 21: 33
        rather a big gun
  10. -1
    April 16 2013 13: 59
    My "benign tumor"
  11. 0
    April 16 2013 14: 01
    At one time he had a hunting carbine Saiga-MK-03 under 5.56x45 (.223 Rem). Accuracy is decent. It is clear that a 7.62x39 short barrel will no longer extend. AKSU under 5.45x39 is a normal machine, and under 7.62x39 - "spit", alas. :)
  12. +3
    April 16 2013 14: 15
    "and not even where it is needed (police-police, although sometimes they need this weapon, but obviously not in the same quantity as now and not ubiquitous)"
    --
    Here I would have taken away the AKSU from the police, knowing the shooting training. If used, more harm will be done to passers-by than to the criminal. They need a good police pistol, not an army weapon.
  13. +1
    April 16 2013 14: 52
    And yet Ksyusha, a rather controversial example ... As a result of refinement, he turned out to be just similar, and not unified, even
    weapon barrels differ not only in their length, but also in the pitch of the rifling.

    So the adoption of just him, and not someone from competitors, does not seem an obvious step ... As far as I understand, it makes sense as before in the production of Nagans and possibly TTs (I don’t remember exactly) to use trimmed defective rifle trunks. In the case of Ksyusha, almost nothing of the details of the elder brother can be applied, so what's the unification ???
    1. +2
      April 16 2013 16: 05
      Quote: sniper
      . In the case of Ksyusha, almost nothing of the details of the elder brother can be applied, so what's the unification ???

      Machine tools and molds, with a little refinement, can be applied.
      1. +1
        April 16 2013 18: 52
        Quote: marshes
        and the mold, with a little refinement can be applied.

        Molds, dies, when reworked, again become highly specialized tooling, i.e. on them it is no longer possible to make other parts, but only those for which they are "modified" ... That is, there is not much difference whether to make new ones or "modify" old ones ...
        1. 0
          April 16 2013 20: 04
          Quote: sniper
          .. That is, there is no big difference whether to make new ones or "modify" old ones ....

          Now yes, but at the time when the competition was held, it was apparently considered advisable to make a small-sized automatic machine based on the AK-74. Now, of course, with the development of technology in metal processing, there are no big financial and technical problems. If ordinary people can assemble CNC machines at home ( milling) 3D printer, the benefit is that high-frequency milling spindles, servos, step motors, milling cutters can be ordered on an Internet with home delivery. smile
  14. Alexander Kirov
    -1
    April 16 2013 20: 48
    Masks show in the cinema, where the special forces are armed with the AK-74. The fact is that you can shoot real indoors in peacetime, if there are hostages without injuring yourself or uninjured people, you will NOT RISK. And give the police to shoot during the operation, a monkey with a grenade is better. I personally love GSh. I don’t even ask if the enemy was wearing a bulletproof vest or not, if he could wear a hole through it at least. Now Kalashnikov’s monopoly is silently moved. There is an opportunity to arm for all kinds of operations, under specific conditions. AK-74su and etc. take it from the police. Give normal things under a Parabellum cartridge, there will be fewer casualties among the population.
  15. Vovka levka
    -2
    April 16 2013 22: 17
    Ksenia, Ksenia, when you get warm what a bitch you are.
  16. 0
    April 16 2013 22: 42
    Kirill, as always, thanks for the article! In the 90s, while working in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he was a user of such a sample of Tula production. A normal car for personnel not directly participating in hostilities. Noticed cons - it gets very hot when shooting in bursts (and cools down for a long time), and very loudly "slaps". But, again, for us techies, it's normal. They called him the affectionate nickname "shortcut". By the way, in the article on the top photo "Izhuha", and on the bottom "Tula". Our "Tula" were more common ... By the way, except for the shooting range, I never used it. And thank God!
  17. 0
    April 17 2013 05: 39
    Quote: AlNikolaich
    In the 90s, while working in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he was a user of such a model of Tula production. Normal machine for personnel not directly involved in hostilities.

    I was also a user of AKSU in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In addition to the AKS-74U, there were also full-size AKM and AK-74. For calls and raids in or near settlements, only AKSU was taken, which is still unnecessary for these places, a PP would be better suited. But trips, seizures, etc. are not limited to settlements, there have been real cases of actions both in the forest and in the open field, here full-size Kalashs were very useful. Therefore, I think that the statements about the need to replace the AKSU with a PP in the Ministry of Internal Affairs system are correct, but full-sized ones should be kept just in case. The place of AKSU is precisely in the troops, as it was correctly noted "for personnel not taking direct part in hostilities."
  18. 0
    April 17 2013 06: 05
    Quote: Bad_gr

    For the sake of it is not clear what was chosen a machine gun with a barrel like a pistol, but in fact there could be a full-fledged machine gun. For example, the Smerch submachine gun participated in the competition, which in the same dimensions and close weight had a full-fledged barrel of 415 millimeters.

    such a system obviously had no chance of success, for a number of reasons, the main of which was the need for excessive production costs. In addition, dubious reliability, problems with reloading speed, and a number of other shortcomings possessed by samples constructed according to the bullpup scheme have all the same. If much could be corrected with further refinement, then some of the shortcomings cannot be corrected, for example, such as high costs in money and problematic reloading. If in the usual bullpups we can still achieve a good reload speed, then with the Shevchenko (Smerch) sample it will be more difficult.
    1. 0
      April 17 2013 08: 39
      then with a sample of Shevchenko (Tornado) it will be more difficult.

      With this phrase you yourself admitted that it is possible, you just need to train.
  19. 0
    April 17 2013 12: 11
    Quote: cth; fyn
    With this phrase you yourself admitted that it is possible, you just need to train.

    indeed, in terms of manipulating weapons, anything is possible, most importantly the skills acquired during training or with regular use. But there is one point in this matter - to bring complex manipulation, figuratively, to the level of reflexes, considerable time is required. Most users will not have this time and opportunities, as a result, the speed, sometimes vital, is lost, we add to this effort in an attempt to perform manipulation at the proper level, which can speed up the process, but each effort is distracting in nature, which is also not good .

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