Springfield Kuna Review: Roller-Delayed PDW as a Truck Gun
Tom R 04.15.25
Is This Your Next Truck Gun?
Springfield Armory’s new Kuna might be the most practical subgun to hit the market in years. Compact, rugged, and built around a roller-delayed operating system, it offers a lot of punch for under $1,000. After putting 500 rounds through the 9mm variant, we think it’s time to ask: Is this your next go-to vehicle companion?
Quick Specs
- Caliber: 9mm (with .40 cal version on the way)
- Barrel: 6″ Cold Radial Hammer Forged
- Weight: 4 lbs 10 oz (non-braced), 5 lbs 5 oz (with FSA brace)
- Length: 15.5″ collapsed / 24.5″ with brace extended
- Action: Roller-delayed blowback
- MSRP: $999 (no brace), $1,149 (braced)
- Capacity: (2) 30-round translucent mags with metal feed lips
- Controls: Fully ambidextrous
- Handguard: M-LOK on 3, 6, and 9 o’clock
- Rear: Picatinny plate for brace or sling
- Muzzle: Multi-port brake, threaded 1/2×28
For a compact subgun, these specs hit a sweet spot. The weight is manageable without feeling toy-like, and the roller-delayed system is a big deal at this price point.
Out of the Box
The Kuna comes with two mags, built-in flip-up sights, and an optional Strike Industries brace. It’s compact and ready to go. No weird assembly tricks. No cheap-feeling parts. The monolithic upper feels like it could take abuse. The flat-faced trigger is smooth with a short reset. There is no grit, and there are no surprises. Everything about this gun says “grab-and-go.”
How It Shoots
We ran 500 rounds through the Kuna, using different shooters and ammo. There were no malfunctions, not even when we burned through five mags in quick succession.
The Kuna held its own compared to the B&T APC9 and the classic MP5.
- Felt recoil was very manageable
- Muzzle stayed flat even under fast strings
- Comfortable shooting posture
- Mag changes were simple and consistent
- The ambi controls were quicker and more ergonomic than B&T’s layout
You don’t need to shift your grip or do finger yoga to run this thing.
We had good accuracy at 25 and 50 yards. Even at 75 yards, hits were easy. For a 9mm PDW, that’s all you can ask for.
Controls and Handling
Running the Kuna is intuitive and smooth. Springfield got the control layout right.
- Reversible, non-reciprocating charging handle stays out of the way
- Safety selector clicks confidently with either hand
- Mag release is accessible and intuitive
- Bolt release is ambidextrous and fast
Whether you’re left- or right-handed, the Kuna doesn’t make you work around the design.
Brace or No Brace?
The FSA folding brace adds about $200 but gives you more control and better deployment. Folded, it stores easily behind or under a truck seat. Deployed, it gives you more stability for longer shots.
Still, even without it, the Kuna is shootable. The rear pic rail allows you to attach aftermarket sling plates or braces as needed. The brace is worth it if you want that full PDW experience.
Sling Options
QD points on the upper and brace (if equipped) make single-point sling use the most practical. Sling it cross-body, and the gun sits tight but deploys fast. That’s ideal for a truck or ATV role.
Other options include mounting your own sling plates to the rear Pic rail if you want something more custom. But the factory options are already solid.
Suppressor-Ready
We didn’t get to run it suppressed during this test, but with its 1/2×28 threads and roller-delayed action, it should shine with less gas in the face than a blowback system and softer recoil. The multi-port brake can be swapped easily.
If you’re looking for a compact suppressor host, the Kuna checks the boxes.
Practical Use Case: Truck Gun & Varmint Control
The Kuna is small. It stores easily.
- Glove box? No.
- Under-seat lockbox or trunk bag? Perfect.
- Behind-truck-seat stash? Ideal.
It deploys fast, especially in a single-point sling setup. The controls are glove-friendly. The mags load easily. The sights are quick to pick up. The Kuna fits the role for dispatching pests on a ranch, defending a campsite, or just having a compact PDW ready to go. At 75 yards, you can confidently take shots at coyotes or small game.
This gun makes a lot of sense for real-world use. Whether checking fences, heading out on the ATV, or dealing with a coyote problem, the Kuna is easy to keep on hand and quick to get into action.
Any Complaints?
Yes, one, but it is minor (and personal to the shooter)–hand placement. It is designed for your support hand to be on the magwell. Some people don’t like that. With no vertical grip or hand stop, your support hand can drift dangerously close to the muzzle. You might consider a hand stop or angled grip (if local laws allow it) if you are uncomfortable running it by holding the magwell.
Other small notes:
- The magazines fed flawlessly but could benefit from more texture for gloved reloads
- The trigger was smooth with a nice break and reset, but not “match grade” (nor does it need to be)
None of these are dealbreakers. They’re just things you’ll want to keep in mind as you set the gun up to your liking.
Value Compared to the Competition
We ran it side-by-side with:
- MP5: The gold standard in roller-delayed 9mm. The Kuna had less muzzle rise and better controls.
- B&T APC9: Costs almost double. The Kuna had better ergonomics and ran just as well.
It’s not just cheaper. It’s easier to shoot well.
You’re getting high-end functionality at a mid-tier price. That’s a rare find in the world of subguns.
Who Should Buy It?
The Kuna isn’t just for collectors or range day enthusiasts. It’s built for people who want a compact, capable firearm they can rely on. Here’s who it’s made for:
- Ranchers, farmers, or anyone who lives in rural areas
- Outdoor enthusiasts who want compact firepower
- Shooters who want something smaller than an AR but more capable than a pistol
If you’ve ever wanted a sub gun that makes sense as a working tool—not just a novelty—the Kuna is it.
What to Add
The Kuna comes ready to shoot, but a few key upgrades will make it shine even more:
- Hand stop or angled foregrip: For safety and better control
- Single-point QD sling: Makes truck deployment smooth and fast
- Red dot sight: A low mount works well with the existing flip-up sights
- Suppressor: The system is built for it, and it’ll make for a quieter, smoother package
These additions don’t break the bank and unlock the full potential of what the Kuna was clearly designed to be: a practical, compact, reliable PDW.
Final Word
The Kuna is a serious tool for serious use. It is roller-delayed, compact, and practical. It shoots like a dream, runs without issue, costs less than half of what a B&T does, and does the job just as well.
If you’re looking for a reliable subgun that will permanently reside in your truck, the Kuna is worth a look.
Springfield made something special here.
