Springfield Armory’s new Kuna pistol is a compact 9mm powerhouse that blends retro inspiration with cutting-edge features. This Springfield Kuna review takes a close look at the design, performance and real-world capabilities of this unique pistol-caliber carbine (PCC).
HK-Inspired Design Built by HS Produkt
Developed in partnership with Croatia’s HS Produkt — the same firm behind Springfield’s Hellion Bullpup rifle as well as the XD and Echelon pistol series — the Kuna draws from the iconic HK MP5 fully automatic submachine gun. Used for many years by military and police agencies around the world, the MP5 was renowned for its reliability and accuracy, making it an excellent base for Springfield’s latest firearm.
The Kuna PCC takes its name from the European Pine Marten — a fearsome weasel-like animal that is compact and powerful — known in Croatia as the Kuna. Featuring a roller-delayed blowback operating system, a cold hammer-forged 6-inch barrel and an optional pistol brace, this firearm stands out in the crowded PCC market.
Springfield Armory Kuna Pistol Specifications
Color: Black
Upper receiver: Monolithic aluminum, type III hardcoat anodized
Lower receiver: Injection molded glass-filled polymer
Operating system: Roller-delayed gas operated
Handguard: Integral, M-Lok®
Pistol brace: Strike Industries FSA
Trigger: Flat aluminum
Barrel: 6-inch cold radial hammer-forged, Melonite®, 1:10, 1/2×28
Muzzle device: Multi-port muzzle brake
Receiver end plate: Picatinny
Charging handle: Reversible, non-reciprocating
Safety switch: Ambidextrous
Bolt release: Ambidextrous
Trigger guard: Integral to receiver
Grip: AR-pattern w/ adaptive grip texture with storage compartment
Magazine release: Dual ambidextrous/fingertip release
Magazines: Two 30-round magazines included
Weight: 5 pounds, 5 ounces
Length: 15.5 inches to 24.5 inches
Sights: Hybrid flip-up iron sights/picatinny rail top for mounting optics
Muzzle device: Threaded/comes with multi-port muzzle
Safety switch: Ambidextrous HK-style levers
MSRP: Pistol without brace $999/with brace $1149
Compact, Capable and Adaptable: About the Kuna Pistol
Weighing in at 80 ounces, the equivalent of three standard-sized Springfield polymer-framed handguns, the Kuna isn’t one you’d carry all day. However, it is a great option for any situation that calls for more than a standard pistol, especially in quarters that are too close for a rifle.
I opted for the Kuna with the brace. In the closed position, the Kuna pistol operates as it would without the brace — readily usable as a conventional handgun.
The factory iron sights are mounted on the fore and aft end of top Picatinny rail strip. The rear sight is the excellent white Springfield “U” rear pistol sight, and the front sight is a plain white dot. Sitting low over the bore, these sights are meant for conventional handgun shooting positions and easy to pick up.
These same sights become a set of emergency conventional elevated front and rear peep sights by simply flipping up. They are made of sheet steel and don’t lock when moved into place.
The non-reciprocating charging handle came mounted on the left side of the Kuna but can be switched to the right side for a left-handed shooter. Mounting the charging handle on the side opposite the shooting hand allows the shooter to maintain fire control after loading a new magazine.
The curved magazines hold 30 rounds and is made of gray translucent polymer. The feed lips are metal. Additional 30-round magazines can be purchased from Springfield at just $25 each. Despite similar operating systems, HK MP5 magazines will not fit the Kuna.
The ambidextrous safety levers feature the HK style white for safe in the upper position and red for fire in the lower position. The safety moves similar to that of a 1911 and is easily reached by the shooting hand thumb.
Open the pistol brace by simply pulling it away from the left side of the frame. To fold it again, pull down on the stock slightly and fold it forward. It locks solidly in place.
Two quick-detachment sling points are included at the upper receiver on the left and right at the rear. I tried an old Tactical Link single-point sling I had on hand, and it fit perfectly.
Shooting the Springfield Kuna
I mounted my Aimpoint Comp 2 as its larger diameter tube and field of view would accommodate a wide range of shooting positions and headed to my friend’s range. We tested three loads: Liberty Ammunition’s Steel Plate and Range, which launches a frangible 100-grain FP bullet at 1,250 feet per second for 347 foot-pounds of energy; Federal’s 124-grain Punch JHP self-defense load with 364 foot-pounds of energy at 1,150 feet per second; and Federal’s 124-grain HST JHP, which delivers the same velocity and energy as the Punch load.
Firing from 30 feet at a B27E PROS silhouette target, the Comp 2 was sighted a little high for the Kune but still proved up to the mission. My friend fired the first 10 rounds of Liberty Steel Plate and Range ammunition, aiming for the middle of the forehead. The group was landed near the top of the target head and measured 3 inches in diameter. I fired six of the same load. Taking a 6 o’clock hold at the bottom of the 10-ring, four rounds landed in the center of the X-ring, while one round just barely broke the line of the X-ring and the last entered the 10-ring at 9 o’clock.
Nine of the last 10 rounds of the Liberty load grouped into the tiny 4-inch by 2-inch scoring silhouette in the top left corner of the target. One round was just below the silhouette but still in the frame around it. The total group measured 3 inches in diameter.
The last group fired on paper was a mix of 17 rounds of the Federal Punch and HST self-defense loads. That group measured 2 ¾ inches in the center of the scoring block. I fired more of the Liberty ammo at the steel silhouette target to finish things off. There were no malfunctions of any sort. Recoil was gentle and empties ejected clear regardless of load.
Is the Springfield Kuna the Right PCC for You?
The Springfield Kuna pistol is one of the most thoughtfully engineered pistol-caliber carbines to hit the market in recent years. Its roller-delayed gas operating system is very smooth shooting, and the trigger pull is quite crisp. With its ambidextrous controls, rock-solid construction and nod to HK MP5 heritage, the Kuna PCC delivers both performance and nostalgia in one formidable package.
Whether you’re a home defender looking for a reliable, high-capacity 9mm platform, or a range enthusiast chasing that classic subgun feel, the Springfield Kuna delivers on all fronts at an impressive $1,149. The legality of pistol stabilizing braces continues to evolve, so be sure to check your local and federal laws before purchase or use.
Springfield Armory: Springfield-Armory.com
Tactical Link: TacticalLink.com
Aimpoint: Aimpoint.com
❓ FAQ Section
What is the Springfield Kuna?
The Springfield Kuna is a 9mm pistol-caliber carbine featuring a roller-delayed blowback operating system, a 6-inch cold hammer-forged barrel, and ambidextrous controls. It’s designed for home defense and range use.
How much does the Springfield Kuna cost?
The MSRP is $999 without the brace and $1,149 with the brace.
Is the Springfield Kuna good for home defense?
Yes, the Kuna’s compact size, smooth recoil from its roller-delayed blowback system, and 9mm chambering make it a highly effective option for home defense in close-quarters environments.
