Nexus Firearms Kuna Lower: Kuna Matata Means More Features

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Wise words to live by, but sometimes you can’t help yourself. The Springfield Kuna is a great PCC on its own, but if it’s possible to make it better… why not?

Entier, the Nexus Firearms Billet Aluminum Kuna Lower.

NEXUS FIREARMS BILLET ALUMINUM KUNA LOWER

Not commonly seen but helpful in this case, the Springfield Armory Kuna has a serialized upper as the actual firearm, with the lower being just another gun part. Because of this, we have some options for aftermarket lowers!

After about 2,000 rounds on my OG Kuna, I love it. But it has one major and one minor downside for me. The trigger is “meh” and proprietary magazines aren’t ideal. Kuna mags work well and are only $35 retail, but it’s annoying having a magazine that only fits one gun.

Nexus Firearms Kuna lower solves both of these issues. First, it takes standard AR triggers, meaning I can drop in a KE Arms Rekluse for an insanely crisp mouse-click shooting trigger. Second, instead of proprietary Kuna magazines, the Nexus Firearms lower now takes CZ Scorpion magazines. 

And with the ability to use an AR trigger also comes the option to add a Super Safety or similar firing system.

Both the new trigger and new magazines are substantial upgrades for the Kuna and really help transform it. The working bits stay the same, so there is no change in durability or reliability, but with the enormously better trigger, it now feels more like a high-speed, low-drag shooting gun that I like in a PCC. It’s not JP-5 race gun speedy, but it’s a huge improvement over the Honda Camry feeling original trigger.

CZ mags are durable and dependable. Nexus uses the Magpul CZ Scorpion magazine as their standard of choice, so the PSA AK-V magazines fit and function, but are tight in the magazine well. They work fine, but take a good push to seat and a good pull to drop. Because of this, I finally picked up a few Magpul CZ magazines, and they work famously in the Nexus lower. Drop free and easy to seat.

2,000 rounds through my standard Kuna and another 500 rounds with the Nexus Firearms lower, I’m still crazy about this gun. Changing the lower isn’t an inexpensive change, but it’s not horrible either. $350 to dramatically improve a platform is not the end of the world.

That said, this isn’t an upgrade that everyone needs to buy, or you’ll get killed in da streets. My Kuna is my PCC of choice for range sessions and competitions. Making it the best Kuna it can be is worth a little effort in my book.

Nexus Firearms lower is available in two flavors: push-button magazine release, kind of like an AR-15, and paddle release, like a CZ Scorpion. If you choose the Paddle Release, you’ll have a few options for paddle design. Mine is the Magpul version because I trust Magpul the most.

On that note, huge thanks to AmmunitionToGo.com for providing S&B 124gr 9mm ammo for this review!

INSTALLATION

Even for those who are mechanically uninclined, this is a simple change to tackle. Trigger and grip are installed in the stripped Nexus Firearms lower the same way they would be in a standard AR-15 lower. Two trigger pins and a screw for the grip.

Installing the lower to the upper is even easier; just take out the two takedown pins connecting the upper to the lower, and swap out the entire unit. Nothing small or weird to install or fiddle with. 

LOOSE ROUNDS

Springfield Armory’s Kuna is one of the best guns of the past several years, but there is room for improvement. Factory options for lowers would be nice, or just redesign it to use AR triggers from the start, but we’re not there yet.

The Kuna is an easy recommendation to make for value and a great shooting PCC. If you want to give it a major upgrade, I highly recommend Nexus Firearms Kuna lower to take it to a new level.

Why you can trust RECOIL

---

Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. 

Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. 

At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. 

Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products.

NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOIL

For years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included).

Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.

You want this. Trust Us.