Kalashnikov USA KP-9
Let’s talk about a little AK that many folk may or may not have heard about, the Kalashnikov USA KP-9. This is an interesting firearm to say the least. It’s an all USA made semi-auto variant of the Russian 9MM AK called the Vityaz. Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to acquire a real Vityaz, so Kalashnikov USA decided to make their own for the U.S. market. Dare I say it, but the KP-9 and associated variants have probably been KUSA’s most successful entry into the U.S. made AK world…there just aren’t many other options for those that want a “true” 9MM AK that’s being used in foreign militaries. The KP-9 is as close to the “real” version from my understanding as it can get.
There are a few different variants of the KP-9. Mainly these variants are manufactured in order to comply with the ever confusing firearm laws of different states that require barrel lengths or other attributes. These different variants pop up from time to time over at Brownells, but typically sell out relatively quick. Other Kalashnikov USA firearms and AK variants are also commonly found over at Brownells. I’ve owned my KP-9 for around 2 years now and have enough rounds through it, to give a good idea of what to expect if you purchase one. My particular KP-9 wasn’t perfect, it did have some finish wear on the safety selector, which didn’t bother me none as it’s an AK and will be treated as such. The one mechanical issue I ran into early on was the top cover rail assembly was out of spec. According to Kalashnikov USA, there were a batch manufactured that were out of spec. They promptly sent me out a replacement top cover and hinge pin so that I could replace it. Within the last 6 months there was quite a commotion on the internet with KP-9 owners as a number of them had experienced out of battery discharges. It took KUSA some time, but they came up with a solution or fix for the bolt assembly to rectify this. You only had to send in your bolt/carrier and they would apply the change and get it right back to you. The turnaround time for my repair was relatively quick and took no more than 2 weeks including transit time. At the end of the day, KUSA has done right by all accounts to fix any issues.
The firearm itself, it’s one sweet shooter! I have installed a 3 lug adapter and run a Rugged Obsidian suppressor. It can be a little bit gassy, but suppresses very well. I also opted to swap out the typical AK trigger for an ALG trigger. The ALG trigger is a super crisp and fast running trigger and KI much prefer them when possible in my AK platforms. For an optic, I’m running the Holosun 510C which is more or less their version of an Eotech. It’s a good and robust optic and I’ve had no complaints about it. Recently I submitted a Form 1 to the ATF so that I could finally install the proper triangle folding stock assembly. This is how the KP-9 should be!
So if you’re looking to pick up something a little different and have an interest is military type firearms, definitely check out the KP-9 series from Kalashnikov USA over at Brownells. 2 years later… it sstill puts a smile on my face!
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