The two most iconic submachine muzzle profiles would have to be the Cutts Compensator on the Thompson submachine guns and the tri-lug mount of the Heckler & Koch MP5. It is the latter that Springfield Armory is incorporating into its popular and award-winning Kuna large-format pistol.
The MP5 was born in an era when the use of suppressors was becoming more common among military and law enforcement users, and the tri-lug mount allowed a suppressor to quickly be attached or removed. Designed by HS Produkt as a submachine gun for military and law enforcement, the original Kuna used a tri-lug mount on its barrel. This means it has three integrally machined lugs at the muzzle of its 6.6-inch cold hammer-forged barrel. Compatible suppressors mount with a simple push-and-twist motion without tools.
While purpose-built tri-lug suppressors are less common on the market, tri-lug adapters, from companies like SilencerCo and Yankee Hill Machine, allow any HUB-compatible suppressors to be used. The tri-lug mount also allows for the use of the numerous muzzle devices and brakes designed for the MP5.
Adding the tri-lug option gives the Kuna a classic look and offers a version closer to what is sold to military and law enforcement users. The rest of the pistol’s specifications are the same as the original, from its 9 mm Luger chambering to its roller-delayed blowback action. The tri-lug Kuna is available in its standard format, with 10-round magazines for restricted localities, or with a factory-installed Strike Industries FSA folding stabilizing arm brace.
Last month, Springfield quietly introduced the .40 S&W chambering in the Kuna. Having gotten its start as a submachine gun intended for a Brazilian federal police contract (which it won), the original Kuna was designed around the .40 S&W cartridge. Besides the chambering, all other features match that of the 9 mm Luger Kuna. The .40 S&W Kuna is available with or without a stabilizing arm brace, and its muzzle is threaded 9/16×24 TPI and fitted with Springfield’s multi-port muzzle brake. It feeds from proprietary 30-round magazines. The result is a rare .40 S&W-chambered, PDW-style handgun.
All Kuna models, including the new tri-lug and .40 S&W versions, have an MSRP of $1,179 for standard versions and $1,330 for version with a folding brace. For more information on Springfield’s Kuna line-up, see the company’s website.
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