The Springfield Armory Kuna is a compact 9mm roller-delayed PDW built by HS Produkt. Featuring ambidextrous controls, last-round bolt hold-open, a 6-inch threaded barrel, and strong accuracy out to 100 yards, it offers smoother recoil and more modern ergonomics than traditional blowback or older submachine gun-style platforms. While it uses proprietary magazines and carries a premium price, it delivers strong performance in a compact, suppressor-ready package suited for discreet defensive carry or recreational shooting.
Compact “bag guns” or personal defense weapons (PDWs) continue to gain traction among armed citizens who want more capability than a traditional concealed carry pistol without stepping up to a full-sized rifle. Into that space steps the new Kuna from Springfield Armory, a compact 9x19mm pistol designed to blend portability, modern ergonomics, and enhanced shootability.
Chambered in 9mm and built with ambidextrous controls, the Kuna aims to deliver higher hit probability than a handgun while remaining small enough to stash discreetly in a pack or messenger bag.
The Kuna is manufactured by HS Produkt of Karlovac, Croatia the same company behind the original HS2000 pistol that later became the XD line in the United States.
HS Produkt began as IM Metal in the 1990s and developed several service pistols during Croatia’s turbulent early post-independence years. Their HS2000 gained international recognition and was eventually rebranded and marketed in America as the XD series by Springfield Armory. That partnership proved highly successful, and the Kuna represents another collaborative effort.
“Kuna” translates to “marten,” referencing Croatia’s European pine marten and the country’s former currency, which carried the same name before the Euro replaced it in 2023.
Unlike many pistol-caliber carbines that rely on simple straight blowback, the Kuna utilizes a roller-delayed blowback system. This is notable because roller delay can:
The system employs a spring-loaded roller integrated into the bolt assembly, which interfaces with a recess above the chamber to delay bolt opening. The design is simple and robust while offering smoother cycling than traditional blowback guns.
With a 6-inch cold hammer-forged barrel (Melonite treated and threaded 1/2x28), the Kuna is suppressor-ready and ships with a multi-port muzzle brake installed.
The Kuna features a monolithic aluminum upper receiver with:
The polymer lower attaches via two captured pins in AR-style fashion. Controls are fully ambidextrous and mirror-imaged:
Unlike older designs such as the Heckler & Koch MP5, the Kuna locks open on the last round and allows for faster, more intuitive reloads. Magazines drop free with the press of a button no tugging required.
Two configurations are offered:
The Kuna measures:
This keeps it firmly in PDW territory compact enough for discreet carry yet stable enough to improve hit probability over a standard handgun.
The trigger is a single-stage unit breaking at approximately 5.5 pounds. While described as somewhat soft or “mushy” in feel, it offers a short reset and remains practical for defensive use.
The Kuna feeds from proprietary translucent 30-round polymer magazines featuring:
Two magazines ship with the firearm.
The only notable downside here is that it does not share magazines with Glock, MP5, or Colt-pattern platforms, meaning users invested in those ecosystems will be adding a new magazine type to their inventory.
Testing with multiple 9mm loads showed solid performance at 50 yards:
Velocity ranged from approximately 947 fps (subsonic) to just under 1,300 fps (+P loads).
Steel silhouettes at 80 and 100 yards were engaged successfully, demonstrating effective practical reach beyond typical handgun distances. The roller-delayed system noticeably reduced recoil impulse compared to many straight-blowback 9mm PCCs, making rapid follow-up shots easier.
In drills from 7 to 100 yards standing, kneeling, prone the Kuna proved controllable and smooth, offering faster and more consistent hits than a compact handgun like a Glock 19.
MSRP is listed at:
While not inexpensive, it competes with other premium PDW-style 9mm platforms and offers a modern alternative to legacy roller-delayed designs.
The Kuna stands out for its:
It bridges the gap between a carry pistol and a rifle-caliber carbine, providing improved hit probability and controllability in a compact 9mm package.
For shooters seeking a modern, smooth-shooting PDW that improves on older designs in terms of ergonomics and control layout, the Kuna appears to be a well-executed option one that balances defensive practicality with range-day enjoyment.
Get the latest 2A news and updates, plus save on gear, guns, ammo, and accessories.
By clicking one of the buttons above, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the next business day.
Firearms news where precision meets passion, and every shot matters. We're proud champions of history's patriots and steadfast defenders of the Second Amendment.
