Palmetto State Armory (PSA) has introduced a new variant to their Soviet Arms Krink series. The company is now offering the classic 7.62x39mm chambering, addressing a frequently requested omission from their prior offerings. Previously, the Krink series was available in 5.56xmm NATO, .300 Blackout, and the historically correct 5. 45x39mm.This addition reflects a strategic response to civilian market demand, which heavily favours the ubiquitous 7.62x39mm Kalashnikov-pattern rifles. Although the AKS-74U, the rifle on which the "Krink" is based, was originally chambered for the 5.45xmm round, the commercial appeal of the older, more powerful calibre has ultimately driven this product decision.

The firearm itself is a short-barrelled pistol, maintaining the diminutive stature of the original Soviet design, which was intended to bridge the gap between a full rifle and a submachine gun for vehicle crews and support troops. Its nickname, "Krinkov," is thought to be an Afghan Mujahideen invention, a Russian-sounding title for a weapon they coveted as a trophy during the Soviet-Afghan War. The irony of an American company recreating a gun named by those fighting the original Soviet users is, well, rather rich.

The PSA Soviet Arms AKS-74U "Krinkov" pistol features a few hallmarks familiar to the purist and the pragmatist alike. It boasts the side folding rear trunnion and hinged dustcover, which, together with the shortened 8.4-inch barrel, make for a genuinely compact package. For those with a penchant for the classic look, it ships in a configuration featuring a plum gloss wood grip and handguard, which does lend it a rather handsome, period-appropriate air.

Under the bonnet, so to speak, the specification sheet suggests a focus on durability, which should assuage any lingering concerns over the quality of modern, domestically-produced AKs. The core components—the front trunnion, bolt, and carrier—are all hammer forged, a process generally favoured for its strength. The 8.4-inch barrel is 4150 steel with a nitride finish and features the rather essential Krink Booster muzzle device. This booster, as many know, is vital for ensuring reliable function in such a short gas system, by increasing back-pressure to cycle the action correctly and giving the short barrel a respectable ‘bark’ in the process.

Practical features include the side rail for mounting optics, a nod to the modern user who might want something a bit more refined than the hinged dustcover-mounted rear sight. Crucially, the barrel is threaded M24x1.5 RH, which is standard for the Krinkov pattern, allowing for the attachment of a variety of compatible muzzle devices, should the owner wish to switch out the included booster.

For those navigating the labyrinthine waters of current firearm regulation in the United States, the offering is presented as a pistol with a black triangle side-folding pistol brace—or an SBR-Ready version for those willing to brave the administrative processes for a proper short-barrelled rifle. A brief but necessary note of caution is issued regarding the mechanics of the folding brace: while the brace itself folds via its internal mechanism, the receiver's side-folding button will only engage a traditional 4.5mm stock directly—a detail that ensures owners don’t end up in a mild state of confused chagrin upon initial inspection.

PSA continues its mission of offering firearms that the community clearly desires, and at a price point that, thankfully, won't require a second mortgage. With this 7.62x39mm variant, they’ve managed to tick off the final, arguably most traditional, box in the Krinkov family. It’s a testament to good business sense and a healthy disregard for strictly adhering to the original Soviet design brief—a compact AK in the classic calibre, now available for a jolly good bit of fun.