Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the assault rifles category.
01 / Overview
AKS-74U
Category
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1979–1993
Operators
Conflicts
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
ASSAULT RIFLES · COLD WAR
31
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
92
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the assault rifles category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
- First Production Year1979
- Service Entry Year1979
- DesignerMikhail Kalashnikov
- Weight (Empty)2.7 kg
- Currently In ServiceYes
◈Cartridge & Calibre4MOD.4
- Cartridge5.45×39mm
- Calibre5.45 mm
- Case Length39 mm
- Bullet Weight3.4 g
▣Operation5MOD.5
- Action TypeGas-Operated
- Fire Modesselective fire
- Feed SystemDetachable Magazine
- Cyclic Rate of Fire700
- Practical Rate of Fire100
◇Ballistics3MOD.3
- Muzzle Velocity735 m/s
- Effective Range (point)300 m
- Effective Range (area)400 m
◆Barrel & Sights4MOD.4
- Barrel Length206.5 mm
- Rifling Twist1:6.3
- Sight TypeAdjustable iron sights, front post and U-shaped flip rear notch
- Iron SightsYes
▤Construction3MOD.3
- Length (stock folded)490 mm
- Furniture Materiallaminated wood
- Folding / Collapsing StockYes
⬢Features1MOD.1
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1945First deployment: Cold War
- 1979Production started
- 1993Production ended
47
years in service
14
years in production
14
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Conflicts
AKS-74U · CONFLICTS SERVED IN20% win·20% ongoing·20% loss
Total Conflicts
5
Victories
1
Ongoing
1
Losses
1
2022–full-scale Russo-Ukrainian warOngoing→2014–2017Iraqi Civil War of 2014–2017—→2008Russo-Georgian WarDecisive victory→2001–2021War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)—→1979–1989Soviet-Afghan WarDecisive victory→
ⓘ Shown only from conflicts recorded in our database.
05 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
06 / Operators
Operator Countries14country
07 / MASS Score
ASSAULT RIFLES RANKING Assault Rifles · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
133ASSAULT RIFLES31COLD WAR · ASSAULT RIFLES404RUSSIA · ALL WEAPONS5PERFORMANCE/PRICE · ASSAULT RIFLES
ⓘ Rankings are within theAssault Riflescategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE5terms
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a separate container (magazine) that can be removed and replaced, enabling rapid reloading.
A firearm stock that can be folded or collapsed to reduce overall length for storage or transport.
Firearm action type where expanding gas from a fired cartridge cycles the mechanism, typically via a piston or direct impingement.
Uses high-pressure gas to cycle the action, rather than recoil energy.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources