The AKS74U is a Russian Personal Defense Weapon. It is unlocked at rank 88, or it can be purchased with credits.
History[]
Created during the 1973 Soviet design competition codenamed "Modern" (Модерн), the AKS-74U is a PDW variant of the AK74. This PDW was made to bridge the tactical deployment gap between submachine guns (SMGs) and assault rifles (ARs). It was later adopted by the GRAU (Armed Forces of the Russian Federation) in 1977 due to the cost savings by utilizing the older equipment for the AK-74 line of rifles with no performance downsides. It was intended for use as a PDW for armored vehicles, airforce and artillery personnel. Despite almost being 50 years old, it is commonly used by the Russian military and police forces.
In-Game[]
General Information[]
The AKS74U holds a ROF which is roughly the average for the PDW class. Its maximum damage is very high for a PDW, with 37 damage at close range, however, that damage begins to drop off quickly, starting at the 32 stud range. It will, however, not reach its minimum damage until 132 studs, so damage drop off in comparison to other submachine guns in-game is good. This allows for above-average performance in most fields, however, this is at the cost of a low rate of fire than many SMGs have, creating a trade-off between a higher ROF and better damage & ranged performance. This slightly lower rate of fire requires that a player have better aim in order to operate the AKS74U effectively when compared to guns such as the MP5K, the MP7, and Kriss Vector.
Usage & Tactics[]
Similar to the G36C the AKS74U is a carbine-like gun in the PDW category with very fast handling, although it does benefit from better handling overall. As such, it is a powerful weapon that has a fast-killing potential, and can be used for aggressive run-and-gun or flanking tactics, thanks to its fastest reload. Recoil per shot is below-average, but because of the high RoF, it is quite noticeable in sustained fire. To avoid missed shots, it is advisable to either tap-fire or aim at the torso and legs first, to allow the recoil to reach for the enemy's head, where its 2SK to the head at CQC can deal heavy damage to clusters or hordes.
As this gun sacrifices ranged damage for better CQC performance, LRC (Long Range Combat) outside ~132 studs is not recommended due to high recoil and low muzzle velocity that makes landing shots at such range extremely difficult. This could waste ammunition considerably, considering that it requires 4SK to the head and 6SK at long range, unless if one is skilled enough to reliably hit shots at long range. But because of the AKS74U's gradual damage drop off, mid-ranged combat could be viable, but still poses a risk – again, due to high recoil in fully automatic. To aid target acquisition, the AKS74U is best used with optics for CQC, like Delta, Reflex or EOTech sights over the AKS74U's iron sights, however any optic can be used depending on one’s preference.
The AKS74U has ammunition conversion kits that are worth considering to use for different damage preferences and tactics. The 7.62x39mm allows better damage and firerate but at a cost of worsened recoil and reduction of ammunition reserves, therefore making long ranged combat far more difficult without the right set of attachments for recoil mitigation, while the 9x19mm allows aggressive combat with extra ammunition reserves, better handling and reduced recoil, but reduces its maximum damage to 34 (from 37). In both cases, it reduces the muzzle velocity down to 1800 studs/s and reduces damage range, although these penalties for both conversions are somewhat negligible.
Conclusion[]
The AKS74U is a shortened AK74 that sacrifices range for better performance in close-quarters-combat (CQC). Due to this, it is better used to flank enemies, applying its above average movement speed. Furthermore, the fast reload speed easily allows continuous assault.
Pros & Cons[]
Pros:
- Very fast reload.
- High maximum damage.
- Decent rate of fire (735 RPM).
- Able to 2SK to the head.
- Long damage drop off.
- Access to 7.62 and 9mm conversions, allowing for different playstyles.
Cons:
- High recoil.
- Very short maximum damage range.
- Poor iron sights.
- Generally high ammo consumption rate.
Trivia[]
- This gun was previously named "Krinkov" but ever since Update 5.7.0, it was renamed to "AKS74U"
- Despite the name change, the 9x19mm conversion on the AKS74U still shows as the the KOV 9mm Conversion when unlocking it in game.
- The name "Krinkov" is an American colloquial term that came about sometime in the 1980s. It refers to almost any given AK rifle, chambered in a rifle caliber bullet, with a very short barrel.
- Soviets referred to the AKS-74U as "Kyushka" (the diminutive of the name Ksenia, like calling a Katherine "Katie") or "Okurok" (cigarette butt).
- While the AKS74U may not fit within it's respective category perfectly, considering it's cartridge chambering is a rifle round instead of a pistol round, it is technically designated as a PDW within the Russian military. This isn't the only rifle caliber PDW either, as the G36C and FAL Para Shorty are both considered PDWs as well.
- The AKS74U was made in response to the Colt Commando after Soviet observers saw it in Vietnam.
- It is technically a carbine, as it is a shortened version of a full-sized rifle with no major internal changes.
- When equipping either the 9x19mm or 7.62x39mm conversions, the AKS74U is renamed. 9x19mm changes the name to "AKV", and 7.62x39mm changes the name to "AKMSU".
- Equipping 9x19mm also visually changes the receiver and bolt assembly. The bolt is shortened to accommodate the lighter pressure and shorter length of the 9mm cartridge. An extension to the receiver is also added; a magwell adapter, so the AKS74U can accept MP5-style magazines.