AKS-74U

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The AKS-74U is a compact assault rifle that's a scaled-down version of the original AKS-74. Its development kicked off in the mid 1970s with the goal of creating a lightweight, portable firearm for airborne troops and special forces. The AKS-74U shares many design similarities with its predecessor, the AKMSU compact assault rifle, but it's chambered for the smaller 5.45x39 mm ammunition cartridge. Adopted in the early 1980s by the military and later by law enforcement agencies, this versatile firearm saw service not only among paratroopers but also with vehicle crews, artillery personnel, and even some special units within police forces.