We’ve been bringing you news about Kalashnikov USA for years now, and even expected a T&E loaner to arrive back in fall of 2015. Needless to say, the product saw continued delays while hype and KUSA-related discussion died down. The wait is over . . .
KUSA’s KS-12 and KS-12T, both AK platform 12 gauge shotguns, are currently shipping to distributors with the 9mm KR-9 coming later this summer. Mike Rodgers of Lone Star Arms is shipping the KS-12 he bought and tested (click here for his shooting impressions) to our local FFL for a “before” review (LSA mods Kalashnikovs).
Press release follows . . .
Kalashnikov USA to Ship First American AK Shotguns from Florida Facility through Distribution
After an extended and extensive development and testing period, the very first KUSA firearms, the KS-12 and KS-12T AK Shotguns, have begun shipping out.
Pompano Beach, Fla. (May 2017) – Kalashnikov USA is proud to announce the long-awaited release of the first KUSA firearms to hit the U.S. marketplace. The KUSA shotguns, the KS-12 and KS-12T, are the first to ship, and will be followed by the KR-9 9mm platform around the end of the summer.
After a lengthy testing process and evaluation of performance, reliability and durability, the CEO of Kalashnikov USA, Brian Skinner noted that, “We have finally reached the point of being more than satisfied with the remarkable quality and reliability of these products. These firearms are truly worthy of the Kalashnikov name. We are extremely proud to introduce these to the market, and are confident of their success in the AK arena.
From coast to coast, firearms dealers and AK fans have patiently awaited the arrival of the first KUSA firearms. Increasing interest in the U.S. built platform required KUSA to insist on only the highest standards of parts and processes to complete the manufacturing of these firearms, thus delaying their initial launch. Now, the wait is over, with the arrival of what are to be the first of many models of Kalashnikov USA firearms. These guns bear the prestige of their Russian heritage and engineering along with the innovation of American production.
“I am certain these firearms will be in high demand,” added Bill Silver, VP of sales at KUSA. “Of course, we wanted to ship these guns months ago, but compromising the quality or the brand in order to speed up the time table, was not an option for us. Kalashnikov USA is only going to produce firearms that will perform well beyond any shooter’s expectations.”
The KR-9 9mm platform of firearms will follow in distribution and will include the KUSA 9mm pistol, the KP-9, the KR-9 carbine and the KR-9 SBR short-barreled rifle. Silver summed up the new 9mm KUSA firearm line models stating, “There will be nothing on the market that will be able to rival these 9mm guns in quality, price, or performance.
For more information on Kalashnikov USA or any of their firearms, visit www.kalashnikov-usa.com. Visit KUSA on:
Facebook at www.facebook.com/KalashnikovUSA
Instagram at www.instagram.com/kalashnikovusa.About Kalashnikov USA:
Headquartered in Pompano Beach, Florida, Kalashnikov-USA is the American designer and manufacturer of the iconic firearms platform. Using state-of-the art engineering and the latest in firearms technologies, KUSA is positioned to become a leader in American made AK platforms for the rifle, shotgun and pistol. Built on Russian Heritage using American Innovation, Kalashnikov USA firearms will exceed your expectations of how a firearm should perform. www.kalashnikov-usa.com
A story about some guns are shipping?
Why am I not impressed?
A modernized Bizon in 9×19 would sell like hotcakes here in america.
Just sayin’
Chase over at definitive arms already came out with an AK X in 9mm Parabellum that blows anything out of the water compared to it. Also I think I saw a video of this firing compared to a Sega 12 and it was built very well but wouldn’t Firebird shot or low brass. Other than that it was pretty good.
Yeah but the Bizon has the cool helical mag under the barrel with a folding stock that folds up.
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Holy shit I don’t know why that made me laugh so hard.
Are you a moderator on this site, Dracon?
So who does Kalashnikov USA import their parts from? It can’t be Kalashnikov Concern as they and their subsidiaries are barred from legally doing business in the United States. Are these parts from Molot? Why does this branding start to seem sketchy when you think about it.
Pretty sure they make them here. Don’t quote me on this, but my understanding is that KUSA actually has no affiliation with Kalashnikov, that it’s purely a name recognition thing. I’m sure they have some sort of agreement with the Russian company to use their name, but they have no direct relationship to each other. I’m stoked though; I’d love an American made AK that’s actually worth a shit.
Kalashnikov USA is taking advantage of sanctions. They were the real Kalashnikov’s US distro before the sanctions, and decided to steal the name since Kalashnikov Russia has no legal means to stop them. The Russians have already made it clear they’ll sue the minute they have standing to do so.
I’m really pumped to see what they’re going to roll out in the future. Their website is pretty bare-bones at the moment.
Wait, Kalashnikov USA is in Florida?
“Sort of USA”?
Staffed by floriduh man?
They still look like a tin can, oops, a stamped tin can
As opposed to … what? Recycled Schlitz cans and melted Pringles lids? (My presonal preference.)
So… Basically like every HK rifle ever made?
Easy there, buddy.
I just love the attitude that stamped com-block designs are utter garbage, while stamped West German designs made less than 100 miles away are utter gold.
>So… Basically like every HK rifle ever made?
More or less correct up until they started introducing the G36 (which borrowed very heavily from the AR-180), and later into the 416/716 AR variants.
Very valid point that for about 25 years, every H&K long gun was a variation of the same theme: sheet metal receiver, welded trunnions and a roller delayed blowback bolt.
Not that I’m knocking the basic design… It works quite well. And H&K did put an appreciable amount of time and effort in the testing and manufacturing process to ensure a high quality product. But there’s no earthly reason that this 70 year old design still commands the price premium, other than the collective delusion of cachet that the general gun buying public has for them.