The New Kuna from Springfield Armory

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Firearms News Editor-in-Chief Vincent DeNiro calls them a “bag gun,” referring to a compact piece small enough to be carried discreetly in a modest bag or pack for personal protection. Often pistol caliber, “bag guns” are intended to provide “a bit more” than your normal concealed handgun, which they complement. Their purpose? Specifically they have a higher hit probability than a typical CCW pistol, but without the length, bulk and weight of a rifle. DeNiro, a former deputy sheriff, also likes the intimidation factor of a submachine gun-looking firearm as well. I typically refer to something along these lines as a personal defense weapon (PDW), but no matter what you call it, they can be a valuable addition for personal protection.

One new offering along these lines is the Kuna from Springfield Armory. This is a modern looking pistol available in 9x19mm with a number of interesting features. A compact piece with very well laid out controls, it is designed to be easy to operate and user friendly. Unlike the norm though, this design’s method of operation is not straight blow-back. Rather it features a roller-delayed system. A good looking piece that is sure to turn heads, I was interested to examine it and see how it performed.

Let’s begin this review by taking a quick look at Springfield Armory’s partner manufacturing the Kuna for them, HS Produkt of Karlovac, Croatia. Neither Springfield Armory nor HS Produkt is unfamiliar to me. I purchased my first 7.62mm M1A rifle from Springfield Armory many moons ago when I was in high school. Looking at some old notes, I see that I reviewed my first HS Produkt firearm, the HS2000 9mm pistol, back in May of 2000. 25 years ago the company was known as IM Metal, and no one at the time suspected their polymer pistol would become such a success.

The Hrvatski Samokres 2000 (Croatian Pistol 2000) was actually the third pistol IM Metal had designed and manufactured. The company was established in the town of Ozalj which is a short drive southwest of Croatia’s capital, Zagreb. It began as a privately owned company manufacturing industrial metal parts. The company designed and produced its first service pistol, the PHP, in 1991 amidst wartime conditions. The PHP, while a good design, had some disadvantages due to the conditions under which it was produced.

In 1993, IM Metal began development of a new model, the HS95. This pistol featured a 15-round magazine, new safety, and new firing pin construction, among other changes allowed by the continued development of improved production technology. Designed by a team of engineers led by Marko Vuković, the HS95 evolved into the HS2000. This new service pistol was developed specifically for military use and it was subsequently adopted by the Croatian Armed Forces as well as their police.

Introduced in 1999, the HS2000 became a commercial success and was imported into the US. In 2001 IM Metal changed its name to HS Produkt. It wasn’t long before the design was noticed by Springfield Armory. Recognizing the pistol’s potential, Springfield Armory worked with HS Produkt, gave it a facelift and introduced it to American shooters as the XD or eXtreme Duty in 2002. Since its introduction into the US, the XD has proven very popular and been hugely successful for both HS Produkt and Springfield Armory.

Springfield Armory’s new Kuna is another interesting product from HS Produkt. Available as a select-fire submachine gun for military and LE use and as a semi-automatic pistol for armed citizens, I will focus on the semi-automatic version now available in the US. Kuna is “Marten” in Croatian, referring to the small European Pine Marten, a carnivorous animal, which happens to be one of the national symbols of Croatia. The pine marten also appeared on the currency of Croatia, also known as the kuna, from 1994 until it was replaced by the Euro in 2023.

To examine the various features on the new Kuna, and try it on the range, I requested a sample on short-term loan from Springfield Armory. This was then returned to Springfield Armory after testing. I was interested to see how user-friendly the new design is, how the controls are placed, and what the recoil impulse is like. I was also interested to see how it compares to legacy designs. The most obvious design to compare it to is the HK MP5 and its various modern semi-automatic clones such as Century Arms’ MKE manufactured AP5, or the MAC 5 from SDS Arms. How does the Kuna stack up to the competition?

I was also interested to see how Springfield Armory’s new Kuna would perform as a PDW carried discreetly off body in something like a messenger bag. Back in 2017, I wrote about PDWs and my thoughts on what would be desirable for the armed citizen. In that article, I published a list of 10 desirable features for a “bag gun” to have. I was looking for a complement, not a replacement, for my daily carried concealed carry pistol. Here are my thoughts from 2017:

Very compact- This was the most important part, it needed to be small enough to easily carry stored inside a small bag. Desired length was less than 
15 inches.

1. Reliable-The design needed to be well proven, robust and reliable.
2. Chambered for a common and effective cartridge- It needed to be chambered for a cartridge which was economical to buy and practice with yet 
   terminally effective.
3. High hit probability- It needed to have a higher hit probability than a handgun, which dictated the need for a shoulder stock or a brace.
4. Capable of mounting modern accessories- A red dot sight, white light, sound suppressor and other modern accessories are required as they can increase survivability.
5. Adequate reach- A minimum effective range of 100 yards was needed.
6. Well-supported- I wanted spare parts and aftermarket support readily available.
7. Light weight- A maximum unloaded weight of 4.5 pounds was desired.
8. Blue collar price- The price needed to be within reach of a blue-collar worker.
9. High capacity magazines- It needed to have magazines with a capacity of 20+ rounds readily available at an economical price.

Basically, I was looking for a very compact firearm I could carry discreetly in a small bag, in addition to the pistol on my hip. Over the years, I have tried a number of different designs as possible solutions. These include Kel-Tec’s SUB-2000 in 9x19mm, Century Arms imported MKE manufactured 9mm AP5-P MP5K clone, a Glock 35 (9mm, .357 SIG and .40 S&W) in a Flux Defense chassis, SIG Sauer 300 AAC BLK Rattler with 5.5 inch barrel, and a Glock 19 (9mm) in a Micro Roni chassis. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. If size and weight is of paramount importance, the Glock in a Flux chassis gets the nod. If size and weight are less important, SIG’s Rattler provides 300 BLK performance. For an all-around solution, Century Arms’ AP5-P (MP5K clone), with B&T collapsible stock, is hard to beat.

What about Springfield Armory’s Kuna? At first glance, it is a more modern design compared to the Cold War era MP5 series. When HKs roller-lock system was developed, everyone was right-handed, bolts didn’t need to lock-open on the last round, and stamped sheet metal welded together was considered high tech. Times change. The Kuna is constructed using modern manufacturing techniques and features ambidextrous controls.

The Kuna is being launched in 9mm but I suspect other calibers will soon follow. Operation is not by the typical blowback system, but rather the Kuna utilizes a roller-delayed operating system. Utilizing a roller-delayed system reduces the reciprocating mass and felt recoil. The reduction in weight also contributes to the Kuna’s handling. Initially, two basic models will be offered, one with a Strike Industries FSA folding arm stabilizing brace as seen here, and one without a brace but with a MIL STD 1913 rail at the back of the receiver.

Barrel length is a short, but not too short at six inches. The barrel is cold radial hammer forged, Melonite coated for corrosion resistance, features a one turn in ten inches rifling twist and 1/2x28 threads at the muzzle. The Kuna comes fitted with a multi-port muzzle brake. So, the end-user has the option to use the factory muzzle brake or swap to a different muzzle device or a sound suppressor using the 1/2x28 muzzle threads.

The barrel mounts to a monolithic aluminum upper receiver which is Type III hardcoat anodized. This features an integral full-length MIL STD 1913 rail at 12 o’clock and M-LOK slots at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. This facilitates easy mounting of optics and accessories. The ejection port is located on the right side of the blocky upper receiver while the fixed ejector is bolted to the left side. Two slots run down the left and right side of the upper receiver for the non-reciprocating low-profile folding charging handle. This is nicely contoured, spring-loaded, and folds neatly out of the way when released. It can be mounted onto either the left or right side of the receiver depending on the desires of the user.

The polymer lower receiver attaches to the upper receiver by two cross-pins, similar to an AR-15. The controls consist of a bolt catch/release, magazine release and safety lever which are mirrored on the left and right side for ambidextrous use. The safety is placed similar to an AR-15 and is very easy to manipulate from safe to fire and back again without having to change your grip. The magazine release is a push button and placed similar to an AR-15 so it is easy to operate with your trigger finger. The bolt catch/release sits above the magazine release and can be used to lock the bolt to the rear or to release it. It is easily manipulated with your trigger finger or the thumb of your non-dominant hand as you change magazines. The pistol grip is textured for a secure hold and can be replaced if you so desire with an AR-15 pistol grip.

The Kuna is very easy to take down, and I did it easily without instructions. After removing the magazine and verifying the pistol is empty with no round in the chamber, you simply push the two captured take-down pins out, remove the lower receiver, and slide the back plate of the receiver down until it can be easily removed. This allows the captured recoil spring assembly with its guide rod and buffer to be removed. Then the bolt can be withdrawn.

With the bolt in hand, if you look at the top of the bolt assembly above and forward of the breech face you’ll see a simple spring-loaded stainless steel roller. This drops into a recess in the top of the barrel above the chamber. The roller delays the bolt opening hence the term “roller delayed” blowback. Keeping the bolt closed longer is also a plus if you are shooting suppressed, as there is less chance for gas to escape out the ejection port. The overall design appears simple, robust and easy to maintain.

The sample I received on loan for review is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. I prefer the 9x19mm cartridge over other common service pistol handgun cartridges for a few basic reasons. Chief among these are availability and cost of ammunition. Both economical training ammunition and modern expanding personal protection loads are widely available. 9mm FMJ ammunition is less expensive than other calibers, facilitating economical practice. In my opinion, this is extremely important. More range times leads to greater proficiency. The 9mm cartridge has mild recoil, is easy to suppress, has both subsonic and supersonic loads readily available, and is capable of excellent accuracy with high-quality ammunition. With modern defensive ammunition, it can be effectively employed at 50+ yards.

Springfield Armory’s Kuna feeds from detachable polymer magazines with a capacity of 30 rounds. The design is double-column with dual-feed, so they are easy to load cartridges into by hand. The design appears robust and features stainless steel feed lips. The magazines are translucent and feature round count numbers on both sides. The follower activates a bolt hold-open on the last round. Magazines insert and lock into place with a simple upward push into the magazine well and drop free with the push of a button. The Kuna ships with two 30-round magazines.

To check the Kuna’s performance, I collected four different 9mm loads. These consisted of Black Hills Ammunition’s 115-grain TAC-XP +P, SIG Sauer’s 124-grain V-Crown JHP, and Federal’s 150-grain Syntech subsonic. To these three modern loads, I added Wolf Performance Ammunition’s steel case 115-grain FMJ. These four loads were intended to both check the Kuna’s accuracy and reliability.

Accuracy testing was conducted from off a bag on my bench. I would expect most who buy a Kuna will outfit it with some type of red dot sight, so I mounted an Aimpoint H-1 in a LaRue Tactical mount. A quick zero on a steel silhouette and I got to work. Accuracy testing was then conducted at 50 yards with four five-shot groups fired with each load and velocity measured using a LabRadar Doppler chronograph.

As I began testing, I noted rounds load easily into the magazine until the last two rounds, which require a bit more force. Magazines lock securely into place with a firm upward push. The ambidextrous controls make operating the Kuna simple and straight-forward. The bolt retracts easily and the charging handle is nicely contoured, comfortable in the hand, and automatically folds out of the way when released. The bolt catch/release, mag release, and safety are all well-placed and easy to reach from a firing grip. Handling-wise, the Kuna feels good with an overall length of just 16.5 inches with the brace folded, and 24.25 inches with it extended and a weight of just five pounds five ounces.

Rounds load smoothly into the chamber, and I found the pistol grip comfortable in the hand. The Aimpoint H-1 provides a nice clean dot for aiming. Getting to work, I noted the trigger is straight with a nearly flat face. The trigger pull is slightly long and what James Tarr best described as “mushy,” but not gritty or heavy. The reset is short though and total pull weight is 5.5 pounds on my sample. The operating cycle of the Kuna is smooth and it is a very comfortable and fun pistol to fire.

Accuracy from the bench was quite good at 50 yards. Federal’s 150-grain Syntech subsonic load provided the best accuracy averaging 3.2 inches at 947 fps. Black Hills Ammunition’s 115-grain TAC-XP +P averaged 3.5 inches at 1,299 fps, while SIG Sauer’s 124-grain V-Crown JHP averaged 3.9 inches at 1,288 fps. Wolf’s 115-grain steel case FMJ load averaged 4.8 inches at 1,291 fps. Following my 50-yard groups on paper, I next engaged steel silhouettes from the bench at 80 and 100 yards. The Kuna/Aimpoint combination proved capable of making consistent hits on a silhouette at 100 yards without issue.

Moving from the bench, I ran the Kuna through a variety of drills shooting from seven to 100 yards offhand, kneeling, rice paddy prone (squatting), and prone off the magazine. It was during these drills that the Kuna really showed the thought that went into the design. I noticed it is a very smooth shooting piece compared to a typical blowback 9mm PCC. It’s easy to make rapid multiple hits with due to how easy it is to control.

Operating the Kuna is faster and easier than an MP5 due to the modern well-placed controls; the bolt hold-open and the bolt release levers, magazines also drop free with the push of a button rather than needing to be tugged free. The mag well design facilitates faster magazine insertions compared to a MP5. I also find the safety is easier to reach and manipulate compared to an MP5.

Once it is unlimbered and in the game, the Kuna provides a definite advantage over a typical carry pistol such as a Glock 19. How? The Kuna is easier to make rapid hits with, especially as the distance to the target increases. Hitting a man-sized silhouette at 25, 50, 75, and 100 yards with the Kuna is substantially faster and easier than with many handguns. Basically, it provides a higher hit probability. Making precise hits at distance, such as head shots, is also easier.

My experience with Springfield Armory’s new Kuna was positive. It proved soft shooting, easy to operate, accurate and reliable. No issues were encountered during testing. The one negative to the Kuna is the need for a proprietary magazine. If you are heavily invested in MP5, Glock, Colt-pattern, or other magazines, well, here is another to add to your pile.

The Kuna appears well-made, but only time will tell how it holds up to long term use. Yes, it is only a 9mm and lacks the exterior ballistics, penetration, and terminal performance of a rifle. However, it is substantially less expensive to shoot and train with than a 5.7x28mm, 5.56x45mm, 300 AAC BLK, or 7.62x39mm. The MSRP of the Kuna without the brace is $999 and with the brace is $1,149. While not inexpensive, the Kuna is an option to consider to complement your CCW when a full-size rifle is simply too much. Plus, from a recreational standpoint, my time on the range with it proved very relaxing and enjoyable. Shooting doesn’t always have to be serious, it can be fun too. When it comes to fun, the Kuna proved to be a real winner.

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY KUNA SPECS

• Caliber: 9mm
• Operation: Roller-delayed Blowback, Semi-Automatic
• Barrel Length: 6 in. w/Melonite finish
• Barrel Twist: 1-10, RH twist
• Trigger: Single-Stage, 5.5 lbs.
• Feed: Detachable 30-round box magazine
• Overall Length: 16.5 in. collapsed, 24.25 in. ext.
• Weight: 5 lbs., 5 oz.
• Sights: Open and aperture flip sights
• Finish: Hard Coat Anodized
• Accessories Included: Two 30-round magazines, cable lock, manual
• MSRP: $1,149 ($999 without brace)
• Contact: (800) 680-6866, Springfield-Armory.com

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