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11.12.2001 18:27:34
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Рубрики
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Стрелковое оружие;
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Итересный обзор на российское оружие. В т.ч. на Абакан.
Bruce L. Jones
The Mojave Desert - The Geographic Center of Nowhere
CURRENT STATUS OF RUSSIAN SMALL ARMS
RIFLES
The ASN Assault Rifle:
The ASN assault rifle which may now be production at the Izhevsk
Machine Factory (Izmashzavod) was initially shown in 1993 and it
immediately created a stir in the West as it was a complete
departure from earlier Soviet/ Russian small arms designs. The
rifle apparently was the winner in what Russian literature has
referred to as the "Abakan Competition" to choose a new service
rifle and is the apparent winner. It has been selected to replace
the venerable Kalashnikov series of rifles in Russian military
service, according to an official announcement from the Chief
Missile and Artillery Directorate of the Combined Armed Forces of
the CIS.
The ASN can be viewed essentially as the Russian version of the
American Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW), as it is
truly different from any rifle ever fielded or developed by the
Soviet/ Russian firearms industry and represents a significant
improvement in performance over the Kalashnikov designs that it
will replace.
The ASN has appeared on an irregular basis at arms show inside
Russia, but unlike virtually every other Russian infantry weapon,
the ASN is emphatically not for sale to foreign buyers. The fact
that the ASN is appearing in equipment displays by elite Russian
Army units indicates that it is beginning to replace the
Kalashnikov AK-74, the old service weapon. The RPK-74 will
probably remain in service, at least until a light machine gun
version of the ASN is developed. Interestingly, when queried
about the ASN rifle, the usually plain-spoken Mikhail
Timofeyevich Kalashnikov refused to comment on the ASN. He was
quoted as saying, "I don't feel I am entitled to give an
assessment of the new product." Kalashnikov went on to say that
his son Viktor had a design in the Abakan Competition, hence his
reluctance to comment. This implies that the Kalashnikov design
was a "loser" in the competition.
According to Russian sources, the ASN is disassembled by
"traditional methods" but reliability and maintenance is greatly
improved over the AK series of weapons by the aforementioned use
of modern materials and production processes. It is difficult to
imagine that AK reliability could be improved upon to any degree,
but the Russians claim that it has.
The functioning of the ASN is unusual. It has four selector
settings: Safe, Semiautomatic, Two-Round Burst, and Full
Automatic. What makes the ASN unique is its "Full-Auto", setting.
When placed in this position, the ASN fires the first two rounds
at a cyclic rate of 1,800 rounds per minute (rpm). After the
first two rounds leave the barrel at this very high cyclic rate,
the rifle automatically cycles down to 600 rpm until the trigger
is released. When the trigger is released, the process is
repeated. The net effect of this arrangement is to significantly
raise the probability of obtaining hits with the first two rounds
fired, as they come out of the barrel so close together that the
rifle has not yet had time for the muzzle to begin to move as a
result of recoil forces. According to Russian sources, this
solves the contradiction between high volume of fire and accurate
aimed fire by the individual rifleman. When "burst" is selected,
the ASN fires two rounds at the "high" rate of 1,800 rpm. The ASN
feeds from 30 or 45 round magazines.
The ASN is gas operated, but the gas tube is beneath the barrel.
This is some-what puzzling as the above the barrel position of
gas operating mechanisms assist in reducing muzzle rise, always a
problem with a fully automatic firearm. The ASN has an unusual
appearing compensator which almost certainly helps stabilize the
rifle, and may be so efficient in combination with the ASN's
other features that the position of the gas tube is immaterial.
The rifle employs what the Russians call a "blow-back shifted
pulse" or "shifted rebound pulse" in recoil which assists in
increasing the firing efficiency of the rifle. This recoil
mechanism prevents the reciprocating mass of the bolt mechanism
from striking the rear of the receiver when it is in full recoil,
implying that the rifle uses what we refer to as a "constant
recoil" principle which, in conjunction with a buffer mechanism,
helps stabilize the rifle. Further, the recoil forces of the ASN
are carried straight back from the breech, thus reducing the
tendency of the muzzle to climb when in fully automatic fire.
The Russians claim that the probability of a first round hit
using the ASN is 1.5 to 1.7 times more likely than with an AK-74,
determined using actual troop testing in combat units.
The ASN is apparently equipped with optical sights as standard.
These are the familiar IL29 4X optical sights which have been
used on the AK-74, RPK-74 and PKM weapons for several years. The
ASN also has unique "iron" sights. The rear adjustable peep sight
is a " ... wheel canted slightly to the right of horizontal with
apertures at different elevations for adjusting aimed fire".
According to Russian sources, the ASN is sighted out to 1,000
meters, but the increments of adjustment of the iron sights are
not known as of this writing. This "canted drum" arrangement is
similar to that used by Heckler & Koch. Each aperture is clearly
marked on top with its sighted range and a quick twist by the
rifleman allows him to change his range almost instantly, even
with gloves or trigger-finger mittens.
In addition to using the same optical sights as earlier weapons,
the ASN also accepts the familiar GP-25 40mm underbarrel
grenade-launcher.
The ASN bayonet is similar to earlier designs, and may well fit
older rifles, but the blade design is somewhat different than
that of the Kalashnikov rifles. ASN bayonets that have been
observed lack the "sawback" feature of older designs and the
point is apparently nearly symmetrical while retaining the
wirecutting capability of earlier bayonets.
The construction methods of the ASN were likely another reason
for its adoption. Unlike the Kalashnikov weapons, the ASN employs
modern manufacturing techniques. All components are simplified
over those of older weapons, incorporating investment castings,
steel stampings, laser welding, powder coatings and polymer
construction. All of these constitute advantages over earlier
firearms such as the Kalashnikov designs, which still are
manufactured using essentially 1950's manufacturing methods and
materials. The polymer construction and use of powder coatings
for metal parts should improve reliability and simplify
maintenance.
Despite improvements over earlier weapons that the ASN represents
the Russian firearms industry lags far behind the West in terms
of computer numerical controlled (CNC) machinery and it is
unlikely that this advanced production methodology in
manufacturing the ASN.
In summation, Gennady Nikonov has apparently developed a
thoroughly modern replacement for the venerable Kalashnikov
series of assault rifles which have dominated not only Soviet/
Russian armies but the world's military small arms market for
nearly 50 years. There are other significant military rifles, but
none can compare with the Kalashnikov series, with some 50
million AK-47's, AKM's and AK-74's manufactured since 1947. It
now seems, however, that the Kalashnikov has finally been
overcome by modern technology. Wisely, the Russians have chosen
to begin replacing the Kalashnikov rifles in their own military
while the AK's are still serving satisfactorily. Even so, the
latest versions of the Kalashnikov assault rifles, the AK-100
series (chambered in 7.62X39mm, 5.45X39mm and 5.56X45mm NATO)
produced with the latest phenolic furniture and the same optical
sights as the ASN, will ensure the presence of Kalashnikov
assault rifles on the world's battlefields for many years to
come.
The V-94 Heavy Sniper Rifle:
The V-94 sniper rifle was introduced to the international arms
market by the Russians in 1995. A product of the Tula Instrument
Design Bureau, the V-94 has an effective range of 2,000 meters.
The concept behind the V-94 is similar to other such rifles like
the Barrett M-82A1A SASR in that it is intended as an anti-
materiel rifle, rather than an anti-personnel weapon. Russian
literature on the rifle states that it is intended for use
against "...protected personnel, lightly armored vehicles,
radars, missile launcher and artillery systems, landed aircraft
and ... coastal protection against small surface ships ..."
What makes the V-94 different than most other such rifles is the
fact that it folds nearly in half to make it into a manageable
package for movement to the firing point. The configuration of
the V-94 either when open or folded appears to place the carrying
handle "at the balance" thus making the rifle convenient to carry
in one hand, although at 25.8 lbs. it will not be carried
one-handed for very long.
The muzzle brake of the V-94 is very large and obviously plays a
major role in recoil reduction. According to articles in the
Russian press, the brake is also an effective flash suppressor,
minimizing the probability of detection of the sniper. There is
no mention in Russian articles on the V-94 as to whether or not
it has any sort of buffer system, although the presence of an
effective recoil pad is emphasized.
Overall design of the V-94 is fairly conventional in other
respects. The bipod appears to be virtually identical to that of
PK/ RPK machine guns. Oddly, the V-94 employs the PSO-1 4X
telescopic sight, which would seem hardly adequate for the type
of long-range shooting envisioned for such a rifle. Russian
literature also suggests that there is a special sniper cartridge
for the V-94, although the rifle can fire any 12.7X100mm
cartridge.
COMBAT SHOTGUNS
The RM-93 Combat Shotgun:
This 12-gauge shotgun was first shown in 1994, but little has
been seen of it since. The gun is as very innovative design,
reminiscent of the South African Neostead in that the RM-93
employs a fixed breech, pump-forward system like the Neostead. In
such a design, the magazine is over the barrel, which is pumped
forward to eject the spent shell and strip another down,
simultaneously pressing the fresh round against the fixed bolt
and sliding the chamber end of the barrel over it. This "bullpup"
design allows for a very compact gun in terms of overall length,
while still having a full-length barrel.
There are two versions of the RM-93, one with a 680mm barrel for
"defence of farms," and a 505mm barrel length version for use by
police and military. The RM-93 is chambered for both 2 3/4 and 3
inch shells and apparently has changeable choke tubes.
The KS -23 Combat Shotgun:
The KS-23 is arguably the most powerful shotgun in existence. It
is a four-gauge (23mm) gun and surprisingly is available in a
commercial sporting version, perhaps for the African big-game
market. There are a number of shells available for the KS-23
ranging from buck shot to slugs. In the case of 000 buck, the
KS-23 fires 67 pellets! One American who fired the civilian
version of the KS-23 actually had his jaw broken when he fired
it. Remarkably, the military version has a removable shoulder
stock so that it may be carried and fired with only a pistol
grip. Little else is known of the gun other than the fact that
Russian military and police are equipped with it.
MISCELLANEOUS
There is one item in this category, the GM-93 grenade launcher.
This odd weapon apparently fires the same ammunition as the GP-25
underbarrel grenade launcher, but it is a three-round magazine
fed pump action grenade launcher that seems to be derived from
the RM-93 shotgun. More probable is the idea that both firearms
were developed concurrently by Tula. Regardless, they are
remarkably similar in concept and execution. When first shown at
Nizhny-Novogorod in 1995, the GM-93 was still in development and
unavailable for sale. Russian sources at the time stated that the
weapon would be ready for production and sale in the spring of
1996. Russian television has shown the GM-93, so some hardware
does apparently exist, but whether or not the GM-93 is in
production remains to be seen, especially given the overall
condition of the Russian arms industry.
HANDGUNS:
The Russian firearms industry has introduced a number of
pistols and revolvers which are departures from previous
designs., Most have been previously covered, but two are new, at
least to the West. We will begin with updates of previously
covered firearms.
The Gurza Pistol:
The Gurza (Translation: Viper; or P-9) has been advertised for
some years, but no hardware has appeared at Western arms shows.
Despite this, it is evident that the Gurza is ready for
production, if not already in full scale production because so
many Western firearms business people have been allowed to shoot
it. The Gurza was designed around the 9X2lmm Russian cartridge,
which differs from the Western 9X2lmm, by being based on the
9X18mm Makarov cartridge, rather than the 9Xl9mm Parabellum.
Whether the Gurza will chamber and fire Western cartridges
remains to be seen.
According to Russian sources, the Gurza was developed because the
9Xl8mm Makarov pistol failed to meet modern military and police
requirements for a pistol capable of defeating body armor,
soft-skinned vehicles and targets behind barriers. The 9X2lmm
cartridge is designed to defeat Level III body armor.
Ballistically, the 9X2lmm Russian cartridge falls into the .357
Magnum class, but it is the design of the bullet itself which
gives the 9X2lmm Russian its penetration ability. The bullet
contains a hardened steel penetrator inside a gilding metal
jacket and will probably perform as the Russians claim. Americans
who have fired the Gurza in Russia against body armor claimed to
be Level III state that the 9X2lmm bullet does indeed penetrate
not only the body armor, but the approximately 3/4 inch plywood
board behind it.
Several Westerners who have visited Izhevsk and fired the Gurza,
stated that the Gurza performed flawlessly and was easy to shoot.
It appears to be well-designed and made, at least in its most
recent iterations. Like many other modern semiautomatic pistols,
the Gurza has a polymer frame and steel slide.' The slide rides
on steel rails embedded in the frame. The basic design of the
Gurza appears to be based on the Makarov, as the general layout
of the pistol is very similar. The Gurza, however, is much larger
than the Makarov and differs from it in several major ways. The
Gurza has no external manual safeties. It has a trigger safety
similar to that of the Glock pistols and the Smith & Wesson
Sigma. It also has a grip safety reminiscent of the venerable
Colt's M1911A1 Government Model. The Gurza is double action on
the first shot and single action thereafter. A negative factor is
the absence of a hammer drop safety. If the shooter wishes to
return the Gurza to "hammer down" after firing several rounds, he
must hold the hammer and physically "ride" it down to a rest
position, a dangerous practice. In theory, the pistol may be
safely carried with the hammer cocked, as the grip and trigger
safeties will preclude accidental/negligent discharge.
Given the power and dimensions of the 9X2lmm Russian cartridge,
the Gurza could probably be chambered with minor modification for
any number of Western cartridges such as the 9Xl9mm, l0mm, .40
S&W or .357 SIG. It could also probably be chambered for the .45
ACP. Given the state of the Russian economy and their joint
ventures with Western manufacturers of major weapons systems, it
is curious that the Russians have yet to enter
into a joint venture to manufacture this modern pistol.
5.45mm Pistols:
The Russians manufacture two 5.45Xl8mm pistols. One, the PSM, is
fairly well-known. It is manufactured by Izhevsk Ordnance
factory. It has an extremely flat profile for unobtrusive
concealed carry. The overall design concept is fairly
conventional, however. The pistol is derived from the Makarov
(PM) pistol and as such it is a double-action, external hammer
design. The pistol fires single-action subsequent to the first
shot. Grips are unusual also in that they are normally of very
flat light alloy construction.
The Drel is the second 5.45Xl8mm pistol, which has recently been
shown in Russian sales brochures. It is derived from the .22 Long
Rifle caliber Margo/ Margolin MTSM-K pistol and is intended for
use by police. The Drel is somewhat larger than the PSM and so is
not as concealable. The Drel does, however, have a magazine
capacity of ten rounds, giving it somewhat of an advantage over
the PSM in this respect. Both the Drel and PSM are blowback
operated.
Why the Russians would design a cartridge of such obviously low
power for military and police use was questioned until recently
when the Russians revealed that the 5.45Xl8mm bullet will
penetrate some 30 layers of Kevlar at normal pistol combat
ranges, far better ballistic performance than the 9Xl8mm
cartridge from which it is derived. The improved terminal
performance of the 5.45Xl8mm cartridge results from bullet
design. The pointed ogive of the bullet enhances penetration, as
does the hardened steel core.
We should note that virtually every new Russian cartridge
observed in the last five years has been designed to penetrate
body armor. Moreover, the Russians have developed
high-penetration versions of every rifle and pistol round
currently fielded by their military and police. This is a
reflection of the increasingly widespread use of body armor
throughout the world.
end