The Polish AKMS is a carbine length assault rifle based on the Kalashnikov series of AKM rifles. It is an under folding stock variant of the AKM and has most of the same features. It started production in the early 1960s and is a modernized version of the AK-47 with a stamped sheet metal receiver and design improvements to make it lighter and easier to produce. The AKMS has a 415mm barrel and a stamped sheet metal folding stock for easy transport and maneuverability in tight spaces.

The Polish AKMS can be identified by markings on the left side of the rifle's front barrel trunnion. It has a distinct circle "11" marking on the side of the trunnion, indicating it as a Polish Radom built firearm. It also has a date of manufacture and a unique serial number, which can be found on various parts of the rifle. Polish AKMS rifles have a blued metal finish on early models and black paint or parkerized finish on later ones. The rear sight leaf will feature a "P" or "S" marking indicating "battle zero."

The Polish AKMS has some unique design features, such as a stamped sheet metal folding stock in line with the rest of the rifle, a ribbed sheet metal dust cover, a wide orange or red bakelite pistol grip, and a pair of laminated wood handguards. The fit and finish on a Polish AKMS is superior to many other AKM/AKMS rifles, with crisp edges on metal stampings, smooth machining markings on various milled parts, clean weld marks, and overall craftsmanship. The Polish AKMS operates with a manual of arms comparable to a standard Kalashnikov assault rifle.