The Springfield Armory Kuna offers a wide range of performance features in a PDW-style pistol. Reviewed here by Jeremy Tremp, you get a close look at everything this new gun has to offer along with an evaluation of how the semi-automatic pistol performs on the shooting range. A production Kuna was loaned to the author for this review.
A place where precision, innovation and style converge, the Springfield Armory Kuna pistol redefines what it means to hold a masterpiece in your hand.
With the launch of the Kuna pistol, in my opinion it marks a historic moment on the timeline of Springfield Armory product releases. The Kuna is the embodiment of modern design and manufacturing, packing a big punch into a small package.
For anyone thinking the Kuna is just another “me too” product, guess again. The Kuna represents what a demanding market wants — precision craftsmanship, feature-rich design and impeccable style — and all from a reputable manufacturer like Springfield Armory.
As a little background, the Kuna was developed by Springfield in partnership with HS Produkt in Croatia. The name comes from the European Pine Marten, which is referred to as a “Kuna” in Croatia, it also happens to be the country’s national animal. The Kuna is a formidable hunter, sleek, quiet, compact and fierce. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?
Core Foundation
Let’s dive into what makes the Kuna stand out in a crowded market of 9mm PDW-style firearms.
We’ll start with the most defining feature that everyone will love — the roller-delayed operating system. For those who know what this technology delivers, this is likely all I need to say to convince you that the Kuna is the next big thing. However, in case you’re not familiar with the benefits of this type of system, let’s go over the details.
Most PDW-pattern firearms like this on the market are simple blowback-operated designs. These are usually quite reliable in their simplicity, but they rely on both recoil spring pressure and — most importantly — bolt mass to keep the action safely closed when firing. This can have an effect on accuracy and muzzle control for fast follow-up shots.
The Kuna’s roller-delayed blowback system employs a small roller that temporarily locks the bolt into battery. Once the round is fired, the roller requires force to be overcome, delaying and absorbing some force of the recoil. This removes the necessity for a large and heavy bolt, allowing for a much more compact and lightweight system. Simply put, this method of operation ensures a smoother shooting experience as well as keeping you on target for quick follow-up shots with less muzzle rise.
The Kuna is made to perform utilizing a monolithic aluminum upper receiver featuring M-Lok slots at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, and a durable polymer lower. The 6” barrel is a cold radial hammer forged and melonite finished for ultimate durability and accuracy. Attached to the barrel is a 1/2×28 multi-port muzzle brake to further reduce recoil.
The Details
At the rear of the receiver is a Picatinny rail end plate. The pistol is offered “bare” for an MSRP of $999, or fitted out with a Strike Industries FSA folding brace for $1,149. The brace folds neatly along the left side of the pistol and locks up solidly in the open position. It is very easy to open and close.
Beyond the ingenious operating system, the Kuna is fully ambidextrous from bolt lock/release, safety selector, magazine release and the reversible charging handle. The bolt is non-reciprocating, and you can easily swap the handle for left- or right-hand charging.
For those who are familiar with AR-15 controls, you will be very familiar with operating the Kuna. The grip is a swappable AR-pattern unit utilizing Springfield’s ever-popular Adaptive Grip texture, and the trigger is a flat-faced aluminum unit with a tactile break and audible satisfying reset.
The Kuna comes ready to roll out of the box with two magazines. These 30-rounders are designed specifically for use in the Kuna and are very reasonably priced at $25. They feature translucent construction along with steel feed lips. The result is a tough and durable magazine that allows quick visual access to round counts.
In addition, the Kuna features unique adjustable hybrid flip-up metal sights. They offer users either a precision aperture rear/ring post front sighting system when flipped up, or a pistol-style white dot front sight/U-notch rear unit when folded down. When they are in the down position, they blend right into the upper receiver and its top strip of Picatinny rail.
Hands-On
All these features combine makes the Kuna one of the most impressive modern PDW-style firearms on the market in my opinion. They truly took what people have been asking and looking for, put all of that thought into the Kuna, and it really shows.
When I first caught wind of the Kuna pistol, I was excited to learn more and get my hands on one. Then when I heard that it was built on a roller-delayed operating system, my interest hit a fever pitch. I am familiar with and own just about every popular PDW-type firearm on the market, and I am a firm believer in their value for self-defense in or away from home.
For my Kuna, I set it up with an Aimpoint ACRO P-2 and Surefire Scout light. Additionally, I put a handstop on the lower portion of the handguard. I also ran the Kuna with a SilencerCo Omega 9k to test it out suppressed. I suspected the Kuna would make for an excellent suppressor host, with its compact nature as well as the roller-delayed blowback operation.
Let’s dive a little deeper into what makes the Kuna a fantastic suppressor host. When shooting suppressed, ideally most gas escapes through the muzzle and ultimately the suppressor. However, once the bolt opens and travels rearward, gas can escape through the ejection port. With a roller-delay, the gas stays controlled in the barrel longer, allowing more to move forward through the suppressor, leading to reduced gas flowing out of the ejection port.
The roller-delayed blowback system is also known for its reliability. It helps ensure that, even with the addition of a suppressor, the firearm continues to function smoothly and cycle properly, minimizing malfunctions or stoppages. This is crucial when it comes to any defensive situation where reliability could mean all the difference.
Range Time
On the range, the Kuna ate through ball and defensive ammo alike. The translucent polymer magazines were a breeze to load, and they fed with zero issues. I really like the look and feel of the Kuna magazines; they’ve got style and functionality but, equally important, they are quite affordable.
The recoil impulse on the Kuna is smooth and predictable. It doesn’t thump you and jostle the pistol around. You know exactly what to expect when the trigger is pulled, and you stay on target with ease. The trigger is comfortable and situated in a natural position, allowing you to cleanly press for a proper and accurate shot. The reset is easily discernible, and you know when the Kuna is ready for that next shot from a physical and audible perspective.
The controls are well-designed and easily actuated, and within reach of your support or shooting hands. The controls share similar muscle memory to those of an AR. This made picking up the Kuna and working it quickly with precision a breeze. I didn’t need much time to become familiarized with it and, for me, this is a huge positive — especially in a defensive tool.
As far as accuracy is concerned, I set the Kuna on a makeshift bag rest at 15 yards and shot four different five-shot groups with ball ammo and defensive ammo.
The first group I shot was with Remington Golden Saber Bonded 147-gr. JHP. The second group was Hornady Critical Defense 115-gr. FTX. The third was Nosler ASP 124-gr. JHP. Finally, the last was PMC Bronze 115-gr. ball. The groups were as follows:
I lost track and threw a bonus round with the Nosler, so that ended up being a six-shot group. From my experience, these groups are quite impressive from a 6” PDW in 9mm. The Kuna was clearly built to perform when it counts.
Conclusion
It’s always very interesting trying to explain in words an experience or feeling. The Kuna is simply very satisfying to shoot. Each and every shot feels good, and the pistol wants to come back to a neutral position to fire again.
I’ve really enjoyed my time shooting and reviewing the Kuna pistol. A PDW-style firearm holds a very important place in my kit as a defensive tool. The extra performance, stability and accuracy that a firearm like this can provide you with is hard to beat. You can mount a more powerful light, a vis/IR laser, suppressor, larger red dot sight, and have 30 rounds per magazine. What more could you ask for? With the features and price point of the Kuna, this one is going to be extremely hard to beat.
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