As you may or may not know it is contentious as to whether the Soviet Union produced a rifle dubbed the Krinkov, or AKMSU.
I have translated a spread from an unfortunately unknown Russian book:
TRANSLATION:
small arms (top left of page) machine guns (top right, avtomati)
AKMSU (Russia) - Is for special weapons and airborne troops. Developed on the platform of the AKMS. Parts and mechanisms interchange with the base platform. Model features: Rotating bolt gas operated; gas tube and gas piston shortened; receiver cover strengthened in front for reduced pitching; open sight with L-shaped sight entirely mounted on the receiver cover; a muzzle brake is screwed to the muzzle, the surface of which has ribs for increased heat dispersion. The folding model had a more functional handle with an opening for the operator's finger.
AKMSU with folded stock (picture caption)
Handle close up (picture caption)
Characteristics
Caliber, mm 7.62
Mass, kg 2.85
Length:
Stock folded,mm 480
Stock Open,mm 740
Initial velocity of bullet, m/s 680
Rate of fire (theoretical), r/m 650
Rate, r/m 40-100
Magazine capacity, rounds 30
Sight Range, m 400
Also, I have updated the wikipedia article with my analysis.
The AKMSU is a compact carbine version of the Soviet AKM assault rifle in 7.62 caliber. AKMSU stands for Assault rifle ('Avtomat' in Russian) by Kalashnikov, Modified, Skladivaushiisya (folding-stock), Ukorochenniy (Shortened). It is a matter of contention whether the AKMSU was actually manufactured by the Soviet Union or was simply a one-off production, perhaps produced in Pakistan's Khyber Pass region, an area known for diverse and unique weapon production in small shops. The AKMSU can be produced by combining an AKMS receiver with an AKS-74U gas system, front trunion, and receiver cover; however, the signature front handguard is manufactured by a distinctly Russian process involving laminations of Russian birch plywood at perpendicular angles glued under extreme pressure and shaped to the finished product. Such a process would be unlikely in the Khyber Pass region, especially if combined with the Russian amber shellac finishing process. It is also noteworthy that the muzzle brake often pictured on the AKMSU is not simply a cosmetic piece. It 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. Like the complex front handguard, such a device was not likely to have been produced in the Khyber Pass region.
[edit]References
Isby, David C. Weapons and Tactics of the Soviet Army. Englewood: Jane's, 1988. pp 415.
Peterson, Philip. Standard Catalog of Military Firearms: The Collector's Price and Reference Guide. Lola: Gun Digest Books, 2007.
Lets get a good debate going!
I have translated a spread from an unfortunately unknown Russian book:
TRANSLATION:
small arms (top left of page) machine guns (top right, avtomati)
AKMSU (Russia) - Is for special weapons and airborne troops. Developed on the platform of the AKMS. Parts and mechanisms interchange with the base platform. Model features: Rotating bolt gas operated; gas tube and gas piston shortened; receiver cover strengthened in front for reduced pitching; open sight with L-shaped sight entirely mounted on the receiver cover; a muzzle brake is screwed to the muzzle, the surface of which has ribs for increased heat dispersion. The folding model had a more functional handle with an opening for the operator's finger.
AKMSU with folded stock (picture caption)
Handle close up (picture caption)
Characteristics
Caliber, mm 7.62
Mass, kg 2.85
Length:
Stock folded,mm 480
Stock Open,mm 740
Initial velocity of bullet, m/s 680
Rate of fire (theoretical), r/m 650
Rate, r/m 40-100
Magazine capacity, rounds 30
Sight Range, m 400
Also, I have updated the wikipedia article with my analysis.
The AKMSU is a compact carbine version of the Soviet AKM assault rifle in 7.62 caliber. AKMSU stands for Assault rifle ('Avtomat' in Russian) by Kalashnikov, Modified, Skladivaushiisya (folding-stock), Ukorochenniy (Shortened). It is a matter of contention whether the AKMSU was actually manufactured by the Soviet Union or was simply a one-off production, perhaps produced in Pakistan's Khyber Pass region, an area known for diverse and unique weapon production in small shops. The AKMSU can be produced by combining an AKMS receiver with an AKS-74U gas system, front trunion, and receiver cover; however, the signature front handguard is manufactured by a distinctly Russian process involving laminations of Russian birch plywood at perpendicular angles glued under extreme pressure and shaped to the finished product. Such a process would be unlikely in the Khyber Pass region, especially if combined with the Russian amber shellac finishing process. It is also noteworthy that the muzzle brake often pictured on the AKMSU is not simply a cosmetic piece. It 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. Like the complex front handguard, such a device was not likely to have been produced in the Khyber Pass region.
[edit]References
Isby, David C. Weapons and Tactics of the Soviet Army. Englewood: Jane's, 1988. pp 415.
Peterson, Philip. Standard Catalog of Military Firearms: The Collector's Price and Reference Guide. Lola: Gun Digest Books, 2007.
Lets get a good debate going!
