The pistol-caliber carbine (PCC) market has grown exponentially over the last several years. Once considered little more than a range plinker, the PCC market has expanded to competition as well as self-defense guns. While the most popular flavor of the day is those chambered in 9 mm, there is a spectrum of options. This surge in a new market has not gone unnoticed, including companies that do not normally come to mind when you think of a longarm chambered in 9 mm. One that jumped out at me was Kalashnikov USA, which has its KR-9S as an offering in this enjoyable platform.
Contrary to the name, Kalashnikov USA is an American company. Based in Pompano Beach, FL, it was originally an importer of Russian-made firearms. However, the sanctions put on the Russian-defense sector in 2014 changed things dramatically. Then in June of 2015, Kalashnikov USA began selling American-made guns. Since then, the company has produced a variety of semi-automatic rifles, shotguns and handguns for the U.S. market, but a slowdown in gun sales caused it to declare bankruptcy earlier this year. It remains a going concern, however, and its guns are available in stores nationwide.
The KR-9S is Kalashnikov USA’s answer to the demand for rifles chambered in rounds like 9 mm. It is a semi-automatic, AK-style rifle based on the Russian Vityaz-SN submachine gun, developed for the 1st Special Purpose Unit of the Internal Forces “Vityaz” in 2004.
One of the first things you notice in the suppressor is that’s not a suppressor. This is a faux suppressor that honestly looks pretty slick on this small rifle. It has a 1/2×28-tpi pitch and can be removed should you want to mount a real suppressor. The rifle also has a skeletonized, Vityaz-style triangle folding stock that locks onto a pin on the left side of the gun. Along with the general design, this stock gives it a classic and eye-catching com-bloc look. The KR-9S continues its classic look with standard AK-style adjustable sights. It goes off the traditional plan a bit, though, with the inclusion of a Picatinny rail on the top of the dustcover, which makes adding an optic easy. Kalashnikov USA also added a feature for those looking to run optics: Unlike old-school AK’s, the dustcover on the KR-9S folds open, allowing you access to the internals without completely removing the cover. This also allows us to maintain zero on our optic. The operation of the gun is in line with the AK manual-of-arms, including the paddle-style safety on the side of the rifle.
Kalashnikov USA’s KR-9S features a traditional adjustable rear tangent sight and a winged front post • In addition to offering an eye-catching aesthetic, the KR-9S’ faux suppressor is removable and its nominal weight helped mitigate muzzle rise • For those who wish to add a sling to the rifle, a small, unobtrusive eyelet is integral to the forearm, while the triangular folding stock includes a corresponding swivel.
Fit and finish of the gun are surprisingly good. In my experience, most AKs seem to be assembled by angry Russians who want to inflict pain on you when you shoot. The KR-9S does not have the countless sharp edges we see in mass-produced firearms. Furniture-wise, it is a classic AK-style pistol grip and foregrip. I suspect fans will see versions of this gun with wood furniture or even Bakelite as people get them in and start to tinker. Assembly is tight, yet still “AK loose,” which is one of the renowned calling cards for the platform’s reliability.
On the range, the gun performed well. In fact, it was fun to shoot. Weighing in at 7 pounds, this 9 mm rifle was a pleasure to run. In one fell swoop it fed my desire to run the classic AK platform, but in a mild 9 mm fashion. Manipulation-wise, the safety was firm with clear indication, but not brutal in any fashion. The trigger on the KR-9S surprised me. In guns from Mother Russia or those built in the same fashion, triggers seem to be an afterthought. That is not the case here. The KP-9S has a two-stage model that has a slight degree of travel with a nicely defined wall before breaking at 4 pounds. In terms of an AK “bang switch,” it’s one of the best I’ve shot in a long time.
The fairly significant mass of the KR-9S’s bolt, which includes the faux gas piston/operating rod, kept the bolt from feeling like it was running too fast. The 30-round magazines were easy to load and functioned well. There have been some rumors the KR-9S could also run CZ Scorpion magazines, but that is false.
I even took the liberty of folding the stock in and running some CQB-style drills. Even in the shorter configuration, the gun proved to be a solid fighter. The KR-9S is an AK, so you get features like a fixed, reciprocating charging handle on the right side of the gun, and actual rivets. The only thing I did not care for was the stock. While I appreciate its minimalist design, it is not comfortable during extended shooting sessions.
I see multiple applications for this gun and wanted to make sure it ran defensive ammo as well as it did standard ball ammo. In the 800 rounds I fired, I experienced no malfunctions. During testing, I ran the gun hard, both in multiple-target engagements and on steel at distances out to 100 yards. In each, it did well. The small amount of extra weight provided by the faux suppressor offered an unintended bonus—it helped manage the already mild muzzle rise and in turn, allowed me to run the KR-9S faster.
Where does the gun fall in regard to application? With its folding stock and small size, it would make a good personal-defense option. Those features also make it an ideal portable self-defense firearm. Whether it’s in your truck or in a backpack as you hike, it would work well. I also believe it would be solid in a home-defense setting as well. The fact that it ran hearty personal-protection ammo without hesitation secured it high marks from me. Lastly, there’s the “just because” category. The Kalashnikov USA KR-9S is simply fun to shoot. Sometimes we do not need a reason beyond that. There is no rule that all of our guns need to fill a specific role. Compact, easy enjoyable to shoot and reliable. If you are looking for a PCC with an Eastern vibe, you need to take a good look at the KR-9S.
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