Few things in the gun world are as cool as the sub-gun / PDW. We all want the compact 9mm sexy beast that performs as well as it looks. There is just something that feels high-speed about this platform. While there are a few notables on the market, we still want something more. The masterminds at Springfield share our desire and have created a gun to serve our desires. Today, they are releasing the Springfield Kuna.

We Wanted a High Speed Sub Gun Style PDW and Springfield Answered – The Springfield Kuna

The Kuna from Springfield Armory is a portable PDW built to deliver exceptional performance in a portable package. It is built on a sub-gun-style platform and designed to perform. Its monolithic aluminum upper provides a durable frame, housing a roller-delayed operating system that dramatically reduces felt recoil. Fully ambidextrous, this feature-rich platform is available in 9mm and comes with two 30-round magazines. Precision manufactured for optimal fit and function, the Kuna’s small profile, nimble handling, and prolific capacity make it a fierce personal defense platform.

Roller-Delayed Operating System

Yes, you read that correctly. The operating system on the Springfield Kuna is a roller-delayed system. This system is the pinnacle of simplicity and reliability. Engineered to reduce reciprocating mass, this system slashes recoil and muzzle flip, giving you unmatched control shot after shot. Employing a roller to temporarily locks the bolt in battery, the Kuna eliminates the need for a heavy bolt or gas system, delivering a lighter firearm with superior handling. More simply, the bolt holds in a locked position for just a moment. That, in turn, allows gas to bleed off, which reduces recoil. The Kuna’s roller-delayed operating system paired with the factory 1/2×28 threaded barrel makes it an ideal suppressor host, offering hearing-safe performance and increased accuracy. It is without question one of the smoothest actions in existence.

The barrel Springfield put on the Kuna is just as noteworthy. It features a six-inch cold radial hammer forged barrel that utilizes a fixed design. This minimizes movement and vibration during firing, enhancing accuracy and shot-to-shot consistency. The barrel is finished in Melonite for excellent durability, while the 1/2×28 threaded muzzle is topped off with a multi-port brake to reduce recoil further.

The Springfield Kuna is Fully Ambidextrous

One thing we all desire on a platform like this is ambidextrous operation. Springfield has answered, and the Kuna is fully ambidextrous. It features a reversible, non-reciprocating charging handle that automatically folds down and out of the way. This is complemented by a set of fully ambidextrous controls, including the safety, magazine release, and bolt release. The result is an ultra-compact 9mm firearm that any user can easily operate.

Another thing on our wish list is a compact gun with a folding stock. One of the two versions of the Kuna comes with a Strike Industries FSA. This is a robust, steel-hinged design, ensuring a solid fit and enhanced shooting stability. This single-side folder offers quick deployment and compact storage. Skeletonized yet sturdy, this easy-to-fold-out brace is a high point of the gun.

The features of this gun include an integrated Picatinny Rail on the end plate, which allows for the attachment of pistol braces. It also has ample M-Lok real estate and an AR pattern grip. This allows you to change out the grip if you choose. The gun has a unique set of sights on it as well. The Kuna has spring-loaded flip-up sights that can be used if you choose to run it without an optic. However, we have yet another set of sights when the sights are folded down. These are a “U” channel rear sight and a white dot front sight. They are very low to the rail yet work well if you don’t have time to flip up the other sights. Trigger-wise, Springfield went with a nice flat-face design. It has a tactile break and a short, audible reset.

2- 30 Round Mags

The Kuna ships with two translucent magazines that feature metal feed lips for exceptional durability. They have a 30-round capacity and are very well made. They load like most classic sub-gun mags, which saves our fingers from excessive wear and tear.

I got a sneak peek at the Springfield Kuna during a visit to Springfield several months ago. They were then kind enough to send one out for an extensive test drive. For my range session, I added a Meprolight MCO Pro closed emitter optic and a Dead Air Mojave 9 suppressor. If I was going to test this high-speed PDW, it was going to be kitted out like I would personally run it.

Out of the box, the Kuna is everything we expect from Springfield. The fit and finish of the gun are excellent. While it’s difficult to quantify, the gun just looked nice. I received the version featuring the Strike Industries FSA folding stock and loved it. On the range, the gun was a smile-maker. The roller-delayed system coupled with a suppressor makes this thing a supermodel. The flat-faced trigger served me well, and the ambi operations made left—and right-handed shooting simple.

High Speed Test Drive

I ran the gun slowly first to get a feel for it and confirm its function. In short order, however, I was running it as fast as I could on steel at various ranges. I added a single-point sling and put the Kuna under my 5.11 Founders Jacket. I also slipped an extra mag into the internal pocket for reloads. All I was missing at that point was theme music as I ran multiple close protection drills. The Kuna sat well under my jacket, even though the suppressor was a bit long for the application. I could easily clear my jacket, access the Kuna, and bring it to bear on targets. This was done with and without folding out the stock.

I ran a variety of ammo through the Kuna, ranging from standard 115gr ball ammo to HP defensive ammo and subsonic rounds. They all ran flawlessly. It was a sad moment when I realized my case of ammo had finally been depleted.

The Springfield Kuna

I want a PDW, you want a PDW, hell, we all want a PDW. The Springfield Kuna is a gun that serves that desire. It is an excellent addition to the collection, and it is well-made, reliable, and great-looking. While there are many applications, the Kuna would shine as a home defense weapon. Compact, lightweight, and chambered in 9mm, it would do a great job. You might as well buy one now because you will see a friend with one and kick yourself for not owning one.

For more information, visit: https://www.springfield-armory.com/kuna-series-pistols/kuna-pistols/

Springfield Kuna Specs