Over its long history, Russian engineers have released more than a dozen types of firearms. To describe all the models, not to mention the modifications present, it will take many pages. But we have the opportunity to describe the domestic small arms, which is in service in the Russian army. It is represented by pistols, machine guns, sniper rifles and machine guns.
Russian Army Pistols
The most common pistol that everyone has probably heard of is the Makarov pistol. PM was developed back in 1948, and adopted by the mid-twentieth century. But despite the limitations, weapons continue to be one of the most reliable and powerful means of firing. Now used as a personal weapon in the army and law enforcement agencies.
The pistol has a magazine for 8 rounds, the aiming range is 50 meters, and the lethal force of the fired projectile retains power even at a distance of 350 m. Weapons are reloaded on the principle of recoil with a free bolt. Presented domestic small arms when fired, a spring is compressed, which, unclenching, pulls the bolt back under the action of inertia and sends the cartridge to the chamber.
A slightly different principle is based on the action of the self-loading silent pistol PSS. In it, the piston itself pushes the bullet out of the barrel, while simultaneously locking the powder gases in the sleeve. Because of this, a shot does not create a difference in pressure, and the projectile flies out almost silently.
The Yarygin pistol is a very young representative of protective equipment, but has already managed to establish itself on the positive side. At the moment, there is a rearmament of prosecutors and police on this type of weapon.
Assault rifles of the Russian army
The most common assault rifle in the Russian army is the AK 74 Kalashnikov assault rifle. This handgun was developed in 1970 under the new 5.45x39 low-pulse cartridge. In service since 1974. Its main feature was the reduced ammunition mass compared to the previous model - it was reduced by almost 1.5 kilograms.
This domestic small arms increased and accuracy of fire - by more than 50%. Now the aiming range is about 1 km during the day and 300 meters at night, while the penetration ability is maintained for 3000 meters. Based on this machine, several modifications were developed, including the AKS74U - a shortened version that is intended for landing, crews, artillery, pilots.
The “Val” machine gun, developed by engineers P. Serdyukov and V. Krasnikov, is another fairly common military weapon that is mainly used by intelligence agencies. Its feature is almost silent shooting while maintaining a damaging effect at distances of up to 400 meters, as well as low weight (2.5 kg) and ample opportunities for equipping with additional equipment. This type of weapon has become in demand due to its unification and relatively simple device.
Sniper rifles
The first rifle that I want to name is the SVD, or the Dragunov sniper rifle . It was developed in the 60s of the last century, but to this day has retained its relevance. The principle of its operation is based on powder gases, which, when fired, enter the gas outlet and push the piston in the opposite direction, thereby providing recharge. Sighting range is maintained over 1200 m, and lethal force - up to 3.8 km.
The second Russian small arms worthy of mention is the Vintorez developed under the leadership of P. I. Serdyukov in the 1980s. The recharge principle is based on the same gas outlet, the maximum firing range is only 600 meters. But he also has its own characteristics - the absolute noiselessness of the shot and a large degree of unification with the “Val” machine gun. Both types of weapons were developed for special forces and proved their effectiveness.
Modern sniper weapon
Since 2013, the Russian army adopted the large-caliber army sniper rifle, or ASVK. Designed for just five shots, it can hit targets at a distance of up to 1.5 kilometers. Its feature is the bullpup system: the trigger is located after the store (if you go from the butt), which allowed to increase the length of the barrel. At the same time, Russian small arms retained their length. At the moment, is one of the best sniper rifles in the world.
Machine guns
Domestic small-arms type "machine gun" is represented by two main options:
- A single machine gun that combines portable and stationary weapons, designed primarily to defeat enemy personnel.
- A heavy machine gun, which is a fully stationary gun and is a real thunderstorm of equipment, aircraft and even fortified positions.
The first version of the weapon is the Kalashnikov machine gun and the Pecheneg, the second is the Kord and Utes guns. All types of small arms have proven themselves in the field, including during military operations.