Walther PPS pistol (Germany)

Walther PPS pistol in 9x19 caliber, with 6-round magazine

Walther PPS pistol, limited production "First edition" in 9x19 caliber, with 7-round magazine

Type	pre-cocked Double Action Only, semiautomatic
Caliber(s)	9x19 Luger / Parabellum, .40SW proposed
Weight unloaded	549 g less magazine
Length	160 mm
Barrel length	81 mm
Magazine capacity	6, 7 or 8 rounds

Walther PPS (PolizeiPistole Schmal - Police Pistole Slim) is a most recent offering from the famous German gunmaking company Carl Walther GmbH. It was first shown publicly during IWA 2007 exhibition in Germany, and it is proposed as a more powerful replacement for a venerable Walther PPK pistol, which was designed more than 75 years ago. PPS pistol is based on the proven Walther P99 design, specially adapted for concealed carry. Thanks to its single-stack magazines, PPS is only 23mm (~0,9 inch) wide.

Walther PPS is short recoil operated, locked breech pistol that uses modified Browning-type locking with tilting barrel. Frame of the gun is made from impact-resistant polymer. Trigger is of Double Action Only type, striker-fired, with pre-cocked striker system, similar to QA system used in Walther P99 pistols. This system requires a manual re-cocking (by partial slide retraction) in the case of misfire. Gun is fitted with automated trigger safety and firing pin block; additional "storage-type" safety is provided by removable backstrap of the grip; once backstrap is removed, the firing pin is automatically decocked and gun is blocked until the backstrap is reinstalled. This patented system is called QuickSafe by Walther. Magazines for PPS pistol are single-stack, and will be available in three sizes - 6-round (flush-fit), 7-round and 8-round (extended). Sights are low-profile, with rear sight adjustable for windage.

AMSD OM 50 Nemesis sniper rifle (Switzerland)

OM 50 Nemesis rifle, prototype

OM 50 Nemesis Mk III rifle (production version) with replacement barrels and silencer (shown next to the rifle)

	OM 50 Nemesis Mk I	OM 50 Nemesis Mk II	OM 50 Nemesis Mk III
Caliber	.50 BMG (12,7x99)
Operation:	bolt action, single shot	bolt action, magazine-fed repeater
Overall length	from 1029 mm (with 381mm barrel) to 1562 mm (with 838mm barrel)	buttstock fully extended: from 1029 mm (with 381mm barrel) to 1562 mm (with 838mm barrel) buttstock folded: from 774 mm (with 381mm barrel) to 1232 mm (with 838mm barrel)
Barrel length	381 to 838 mm (15" to 33"), changeable
Weight, empty	10 to 15 kg, depending on installed barrel
Feed system	single shot	5-round detachable box magazine

The concept, for what later became the "Nemesis" large caliber sniper rifle, was devised in 2001 by two former military, the retired US Marine Corps officer, James Owens and the Swiss Chris Movigliatti. First prototype was tested only 3 months after the design inception. In 2003, first production batch of rifles was made by AMSD, a Swiss company, highly specialized in the design of precision military light armament. The new weapon was officially christened as the OM 50 Nemesis (OM standing for names of the designers, 50 for caliber and Nemesis for the ancient Greek goddess of justice and vengeance).
The prime niche for this new weapon is precision anti-material shooting for military and police applications. The weapon can be configured as well for urban warfare as for long range target operations. A civilian version exists also for long range precision shooting. For this reason, the OM 50 Nemesis rifle features a fully modular design with three basic versions, known as Mk I, MK II and Mk III respectively. Each of these versions can be fitted with a variety of quick-change barrels, of different profiles and lengths, as well as with different add-ons (high efficiency muzzle brakes or detachable silencers / sound moderators). Barrel lengths vary from 381 mm / 15 inches for short range (urban) shooting against hardened targets and up to 838 mm / 33 inches for accurate long-range shooting. Barrel change can be accomplished in the field in less than 2 minutes, using a DIN screwdriver.

All OM 50 Nemesis rifles are built around the same aviation grade aluminum-alloy receiver and (steel) bolt group with a manually operated, rotary bolt. Bolt heads lock directly into the barrel extension with three radial lugs, relieving receiver from most of the stress and providing constant headspace, needing no adjustment. Barrels are free-floated, and are held in the receiver by a set of cross-screws. Trigger is of two-stage type, fully adjustable. The forend is attached to the receiver. Top of receiver is provided with one or more Picatinny type rails which can accept a variety of telescope and other accessories (laser; Night Sight; light). The top rail can be delivered with a 20 MOA to 40 MOA angle.
The OM 50 Nemesis Mk I has a manual feeding block, and features an adjustable fixed buttstock. It can be upgraded to the OM 50 Mk II configuration by taking out the manual feeding block and replacing/adding (1) the 5-round detachable box magazine, (2) the side-folding adjustable buttstock, (3) the folding bipod (attached to forend) and (4) the rear folding monopod (attached to the buttstock). Further upgrade, which includes extended forend with additional Picatinny rails, constitutes the OM 50 Mk III configuration. Depending on the mission, a particular version of the OM 50 Nemesis can be easily converted by the operator to another (up and down), with installation or deinstallation of necessary parts and modules.

Accuracy of the OM 50 rifles in field (real-life) conditions is described as 0,5 MOA at 300 meters and sub 1 MOA at 1000 meters; in testing, while fired by an experienced USMC sniper, OM 50 rifle shot 6x5 cm (about 2 1/2 inch) groups at 1000 yards (911 meters), which accounts for sub 0,25 MOA accuracy. The gun has already been commissioned with various police and military special operation forces.

Rasheed / Rashid rifle (Egypt)

Rasheed rifle, right side, bayonet folded

Rasheed rifle, left side

Caliber: 7,62x39 mm
Action: Gas operated, tilting bolt
Overall length: 1035 mm / 40,7"
Barrel length: 520 mm / 20,5"
Weight: 4,2 kg / 9,25 lbs
Magazine capacity: 10 rounds

Rasheed rifle (or, more properly, a carbine; also sometimes spelled as Rashid) is a further development of Egyptian Hakim rifle, scaled down to accept significantly less powerful 7,62x39 Soviet ammunition, and slightly modified with introduction of the separate cocking handle and integral folding bayonet. Only about 8 000 of Rasheed carbines were apparently produced in Egypt during sixties. It seems that most of these guns were later sold for export as surplus.

Rasheed carbine is gas operated, semi-automatic only, magazine fed rifle. It uses direct-impingement gas system developed in Sweden by Erik Eklund. Locking is achieved by tipping the rear of the bolt down and into the recess in receiver. Cocking of the bolt is provided by separate bolt handle which is installed on the right side of receiver and does not move when gun is fired. Manual safety is located at the rear of receiver, above the stock. Feed is from detachable box magazine that holds 10 rounds, although the rifle is fitted with bolt hold-open device and can be reloaded using stripper clips with magazine in place. Sights are of open type, with range-adjustable u-notch rear (optimistically marked up to 1000 meters) and protected front. A non-detachable, folding-down bayonet is patterned after Soviet SKS carbine.

Hakim rifle (Egypt)

Hakim rifle, right side

Close-up view on receiver area of Hakim rifle, showing cocking serrations and brass deflector on sliding top cover, as well as detachable magazine

Caliber: 7,92x57 mm
Action: Gas operated, tilting bolt
Overall length: 1216 mm / 47,9"
Barrel length: 638 mm / 25,1"
Weight: 4,4 kg / 9,7 lbs
Magazine capacity: 10 rounds

Hakim rifle was adopted by Egyptian army during early fifties, after initial purchase of some Swedish-made Ljungman AG-42 rifles chambered for 7,92mm Mauser ammunition. Hakim rifle, in fact, was a minor alteration ow the Swedish design, with most visible change being addition of the prominent muzzle brake, necessary because of use of more powerful 7,92mm ammunition (as opposed to original 6,5mm Swedish ammunition, which has relatively smooth recoil). There also were minor changes in external appearance, but basic design remained the same. Production of Hakim rifles continued through 1950s and 1960s on machinery purchased from Sweden, with some 70 thousands rifles being made. Later on, Egyptians developed a scaled-down version of the Hakim rifle, designated Rasheed, and produced it in minor numbers.

Hakim rifle is gas operated, semi-automatic only, magazine fed rifle. It uses direct-impingement gas system developed in Sweden by Erik Eklund, with added manual gas valve that permitted adjustments for various types of ammunition. Locking is achieved by tipping the rear of the bolt down and into the recess in receiver. Cocking of the bolt is provided by sliding top cover which has gripping serrations on either side. To cock the action, one must push the sliding cover all the way forward, then pull it back. Manual safety is located at the rear of receiver, above the stock. Feed is from detachable box magazine that holds 10 rounds, although the rifle is fitted with bolt hold-open device and can be reloaded using stripper clips with magazine in place. Sights are of open type, with range-adjustable u-notch rear and protected front. Hakim rifle can be fitted with carrying sling and a detachable knife-type bayonet.

KS-23 riot shotgun / carbine (Russia)

KS-23 riot shotgun / carbine, left side, with 'less-lethal' rubber slug ammunition

KS-23 weapon, right side close up with bolt partially retracted to show its rotary locking head

KS-23M weapon with removed steel butt

KS-23 rifled bore of 23mm caliber

Type: pump-action
Gauge: 4 / 23 mm (rifled barrel)
Length: 904 mm / 35,6"
Barrel length: n/a
Weight: 3,8 kg / 8,4 lbs
Capacity: 3 rounds in underbarrel tube magazine

The story of this unusual weapon began in 1970s, when Soviet Ministry of Internal Affairs began the search for an effective anti-riot weapon, to be used during disturbances in prisons. After much research, it was decided to use shotgun-type ammunition of about 4th gauge caliber, which will launch tear-gas grenades to ranges of up to 100-150 meters with significant accuracy. To achieve desired accuracy, it was further decided to use weapon with rifled barrel, and the solution was eventually found in using rejected 23mm aircraft cannon barrels, turned down to slimmer profile to save weight. Basic weapon was designed by TSNII TochMash (central Scientific Research Institute for Precision Machine Machine building, a key Soviet / Russian developer of special-purpose small arms) and produced in small batches at Tula Arms factory. It was adopted by Soviet Militia (Police) and other MVD troops by mid-1980s, along with a wide range of specialized ammunition. At the present time KS-23 is used by Russian law enforcement forces as anti-riot weapon. It also saw some use in certain ex-Soviet republics which are now independent states.

During 1990s attempts were made to produce more compact and maneuverable weapon in the same caliber, for operations in cramped areas (inside buildings). Of two prototypes, KS-23M (with detachable buttstock) and KS-23K (with bullpup layout and box magazine) only the former saw some use.

It is interesting to note that all KS-23 ammunition is of "shotgun" type, with paper shells with brass bases, although, because of rifled barrel, it is type-classified as a "carbine" in Russia. KS-23 stands for "Karabin Spetsialnyj, 23mm - Special Carbine). Later on, to achieve bigger effect with tear-gas grenades, designers produced two types of add-on muzzle mortars of 36mm and 28mm caliber, called "Nasadka-6" and "Nasadka-12" respectively. These mortars are loaded from muzzle with single tear-gas grenade which is launched using special blank cartridge.

The standard range of ammunition for KS-23 includes following rounds:

• 23mm blank "grenade launching" cartridge
• 23mm "Barrikada" (Barricade) car-stopping cartridge with solid steel projectile which can easily destroy engine block at ranges of up to 100 meters
• 23mm "Volna-R" (Wave-R) less-lethal cartridge with rubber ball bullet. Minimum "safe" range is ~40 meters (at closer ranges it can cause serious body damage and death), maximum effective range is about 70 meters
• 23mm "Cheremukha-7M" (Bird cherry) tear-gas grenade loaded with CN agent. Maximum effective range is about 100-150 meters, tear gas cloud volume is about 50 cubic meters
• 23mm "Siren-7" (Lilac) tear-gas grenade loaded with CS agent. Maximum effective range is about 100-150 meters, tear gas cloud volume is about 50 cubic meters
• 23mm "Zvezda" (Star) flash-bang grenade round
• "Shrapnel-10" and "Shrapnel-25" "lethal" buckshot rounds (max. effective range 10 and 25 meters respectively)
• 36mm "Cheremukha-6" tear-gas grenade loaded with CN agent; launched using 36mm muzzle mortar and blank cartridge. Grenade weight is ~70g, maximum effective range is 200 meters, tear gas cloud volume is about 60 cubic meters
• 82mm "Cheremukha-12" "high efficiency" tear-gas grenade loaded with CN agent, for using on open areas; launched using 82mm muzzle mortar and blank cartridge. Maximum effective range is 120 meters

KS-23 is manually operated weapon with rifled barrel and underbarrel tubular magazine. Barrel is locked using rotary bolt with four locking lugs. Bolt carrier is operated by sliding handguard, made of polymer. Trigger is of single action type; manual safety is cross-bolt button located at the front of the trigger guard. Sights are of rifle type, with fixed V-notch rear and drift-adjustable front. Buttstock on KS-23 carbine is made from wood, with rubber buttplate; on KS-23M carbine, there is a separate polymer pistol grip and a detachable metallic butt. Standard accessories include carrying sling and cleaning kit. Optional accessories include removable muzzle-loading mortars of 36mm and 82mm caliber.

QLB-06 / QLZ-87B semi-automatic grenade launcher (PR China)

QLB-06 / QLZ-87B grenade launcher, left side

QLB-06 / QLZ-87B grenade launcher, right side

Caliber: 35x32mm SR
Type: gas operated, magazine fed semi-automatic grenade launcher
Overall length: 1046 mm
Weight: 9,1 kg unloaded
Effective range: up to 600 m (point targets), 1000 m (area targets)
Feed and capacity: drum magazine, 4 or 6 rounds

The QLB-06 / QLZ-87B grenade launcher is a further evolution of Chinese QLZ-87 automatic grenade launcher. It was first unveiled to general public in 2006. The double designation (QLB-06 or QLZ-87B) stems from the fact that internal Chinese sources (press) call this weapon as QLB-06, while Poly Technologies Inc, an export corporation of PLA, calls it QLZ-87B in its advertising literature. Either way, this weapon is a further step in direction of a lightweight, one-man portable infantry support weapon which can be used on squad or platoon level. Because this weapon is even lighter than its predecessor, the QLZ-87, an automatic fire mode was abandoned, and the design was changed to better suit "rifle-type" shooting positions using integral bipod. Magazine capacity also was decreased. Nevertheless, it appears that basic action of the gun remained more or less the same. It is yet to be seen if this weapon will prove itself any good, but on paper it seems as a formidable squad- or platoon-support weapon against both enemy personnel or light armor.

The QLB-06 / QLZ-87B grenade launcher is gas operated weapon that uses direct gas impingement system. Barrel is locking by rotary bolt. Unlike its precursor, QLB-06 / QLZ-87B grenade launcher uses separate cocking handle on the right side of a newly designed aluminum alloy receiver. Cocking handle is of folding type. Barrel is fitted with prominent muzzle brake, and action employs an additional recoil buffer for moving parts in attempt to decrease the felt recoil. Gun is fitted with standard pistol grip with trigger and manual safety. Folding bipod is attached to the barrel. Adjustable open sights are installed on the top of the integral carrying handle, and a Picatinny rail is provided on the left side of receiver for installation of the telescope or night sight. 3X fixed magnification telescope sight appears to be a standard issue accessory for this weapon.

Ammunition range (DF 35mm) includes HE, HE-DP, HE-I and practice (marking) rounds, with maximum range of about 1750 meters. Muzzle velocity is about 190 m/s, complete round weights about 250 gram. For HE ammunition, lethal radius of fragments against infantry is listed as 10-11 meters. For HE-DP ammunition, armor penetration is listed as 80mm RHA (probably at 90^o).

Bul Cherokee pistol (Israel)

Bul "Impact" pistol, which was a predecessor to Bul "Cherokee"

Bul Cherokee full-size pistol, pre-2005 production

Bul Cherokee full-size pistol, current production

Bul G. Cherokee "Tactical" full-size pistol, with optional shoulder stock and fore-grip

Bul G. Cherokee "Spec-Ops" full-size pistol, with optional shoulder stock, silencer, red-dot sight and tactical light

Bul Cherokee Compact pistol

	Bul Cherokee	Bul Cherokee Compact
Type	Double Action semiautomatic
Caliber(s)	9x19 Luger / Parabellum
Weight unloaded	705 g	705 g
Length	205 mm (215 mm G. Cherokee)	190 mm (205 mm G. Cherokee)
Barrel length	108 mm	93 mm
Magazine capacity	17 rounds

In around 1999 private Israeli company Bul Ltd developed a new polymer-framed pistol, intended for security, civilian self-defense and sport markets. Designated as Bul Impact, this pistol was based on Italian Tanfoglio line of pistols, itself being a modification over popular Cz-75 pistols. During early 2000s Bul replaced the Impact pistol with more modern Cherokee pistol, which retains same basic Cz-75 type action but has a polymer frame of improved shape, and is also available in several modifications, and in 2005 Bul company further improved Cherokee line with introduction of the new frame design. These pistols are widely used by Israeli security agencies, as well as by several foreign police and military special operation services.

Bul Cherokee pistols are short-recoil operated, locked breech pistols that use modified Browning-type locking. Barrel is cammed in and out its locking recesses in slide by a cam track, cut in the barrel extension located below the breech. Frame is made from polymer, with slide rails being on inner side of the frame / outer side of the slide. Recent production Cherokee pistols have two types of frames - standard and G. type, the latter having wider grip, which better suites shooters with large hands. Additional benefit of G. Cherokee pistols is that these can accept optional detachable shoulder stocks which are installed using a hollow cavity in the bottom back of the (wider) grip. Frames of all current production Cherokee pistols are provided with integral Picatinny type rail. Triggers are of double action type, with exposed hammers and frame-mounted safeties. Safety mechanism permits for "cocked and locked" carry. Magazines are of double stack design.

Bul Cherokee pistols produced in two sizes - standard (full-size) and compact, which feature same frame but shorter barrels and slides and thus are better suited for concealed carry.

Bul M5 pistol (Israel)

Bul M5 "Government" model pistol

Bul M5 "Commander" model pistol, with optional "V-jet" ported barrel

Bul M5 "Ultra-X" model pistol

Bul M5 "Ultimate Racer" model pistol for sport shooting

	M5 Government	M5 Commander	M5 Carry / Ultra-X
Type	Single Action semi-automatic
Caliber(s)	9x19mm Para, 9x21mm IMI, .38Super, .40SW, .45ACP
Weight unloaded	864 g	858 g	730 g
Length	220 mm	200 mm	175 mm
Barrel length	128 mm	107 mm	80 mm
Magazine capacity	18 (9mm/.38), 17 (.40) or 13 (.45) rounds		12 (9mm/.38) or 10 (.45) rounds

The M5 pistol was developed in 1991-92 timeframe by a private Israeli company called Bul Ltd. Manufacturing of this gun commenced in 1994 and ever since it became quite popular as sporting (IPSC and IDPA), self-defense and service weapon, used by numerous police and special military forces around the world, to include Latin America, Asia and Europe. Produced in a wide spectrum of modifications, Bul M5 pistols combine time-proven design and ergonomics of legendary US M1911A1 pistol with most modern materials and production techniques.

Bul M5 is short recoil operated, locked breech pistol that uses Browning-type tilting barrel locking with single swinging link that connects breech of the barrel with the frame. Wide-body frame is produced from impact-resistant polymer and can accommodate any caliber available in M5 product line without any changes (obviously, caliber change requires swapping barrels, magazines, springs and possibly slides). The single-action trigger system is same as in M1911A1 pistol, providing high accuracy potential and efficient safety measures, combining manual frame-mounted safety and automated grip safety. Pistols utilize double-stack high capacity magazines. Bul M5 pistols are produced with two frame sizes - standard and carry / Ultra-X. Additional configurations are permitted by installation of either a standard lenght (5" / 128mm) barrel or "Commander"-style shorter barrel (4,25" / 107mm) on standard frame; Ultra-X frame is fitted only with short (3,25"/80mm) barrel. Ultra-X frames also use shorter magazines, but also can use longer magazines from full-size models.
For sport purposes Bul manufactures a wide spectrum of specially tuned pistols which may or may not have various additions such as magazine wells, compensated barrels, red-dot sight mounts etc.
These include the Ultimate-Racer, the Modified and the IPSC models. The Ultimate Racer usually comes in 0.38 Super Cal, while the Modified and IPSC in 0.40 S&W

M99B / M06 anti-materiel / sniper rifle (PR China)

M99B anti-materiel / sniper rifle with daylight telescope sight

M06 anti-materiel / sniper rifle with electronic night sight

Caliber(s): 12,7x108 (M99B-I and M06) or 12,7x99 / .50BMG (M99B-II)
Operation: gas operated semi-automatic
Barrel: mm
Weight: ~12 kg (unloaded, less telescope sight)
Length: 1250 mm (M99B) or 1360 mm (M06)
Feed Mechanism: 5-round detachable drum magazine

This rifle first appeared in Chinese press as 12,7mm M99B, but it also was recently publicized as M06. It must be noted, however, that in official advertising literature, distributed by Poly Technologies Ltd, an export sales organization of the PLA, this rifle is designated as M99B. It appears that M06 rifle, which is slightly longer than M99B and is listed only with one caliber (12,7x108) is a "domestic use" version for PLA or PAP, while shorter and bi-caliber M99B is an export proposition.

This rifle is offered as anti-materiel / anti-sniper weapon, and is available for export in two calibers - 12,7x108 (M99B-I) and 12,7x99 / .50BMG (M99B-II). No firm facts are available on accuracy of this weapon, but it is believed that it shoots about 2 MOA with Chinese standard issue ammunition (available information suggests R₅₀ accuracy as less than 200mm at 600m). This is way below Western "sniping" standards but more or less enough for anti-materiel work or short-range enemy snipers suppression.

The basic design of this rifle appears to be a bull-pup variation of the M99 rifle. Not much information is available on internals of this rifle, although it is believed that it uses gas operated action with tipping bolt locking. Feed is from detachable drum magazines (which is rather unusual for this class of weapons), holding five rounds of ammunition. Ejection is to the right side. Rifle is fitted with adjustable bipod, adjustable rear monopod, and buffered buttstock. Left side of receiver is fitted with Picatinny style rail which will accept a variety of sighting equipment on appropriate mounts. Typical sighting set-up includes 10X fixed power telescope or 4X electronic night sights.

M99 anti-materiel / sniper rifle (PR China)

M99 anti-materiel / sniper rifle

Caliber(s): 12,7x108 (M99-I) or 12,7x99 / .50BMG (M99-II)
Operation: gas operated semi-automatic
Barrel: mm
Weight: ~12 kg (unloaded, less telescope sight)
Length: 1500 mm
Feed Mechanism: 5-round detachable box magazine

The M99 rifle is offered as anti-materiel / anti-sniper weapon, and is available in two calibers - 12,7x108 (M99-I) and 12,7x99 / .50BMG (M99-II). No firm facts are available on accuracy of this weapon, but it is believed that it shoots about 2 MOA with Chinese standard issue ammunition. This is way below Western "sniping" standards but more or less enough for anti-materiel work or short-range enemy snipers suppression.

Not much information is available on internals of this rifle, although it is believed that it uses gas operated action with tipping bolt locking. Feed is from detachable box magazines holding five rounds of ammunition. Rifle is fitted with adjustable bipod, adjustable rear monopod, and buffered buttstock. Top of receiver is fitted with Picatinny style rail which will accept a variety of sighting equipment on appropriate mounts. Typical sighting set-up includes either a 10X fixed power telescope or 4-12X or 7-22X variable power telescope sights.

Vepr 12 tactical / practical shotgun (Russia)

Vepr 12 tactical / practical shotgun, right side, with butt opened

Vepr 12 tactical / practical shotgun, left side, with butt opened

Vepr 12 tactical / practical shotgun, left side, with butt folded

Vepr 12 mod.01 (modification 01) with longer barrel and optional removable forward grip

	Vepr 12	Vepr 12 mod.01	Vepr 12 mod.02
Type	Semi-automatic shotgun, gas-operated
Gauge / Caliber	12 Ga, 76 mm (3") chamber
Length	1057 / 725 mm	1147 / 815 mm	1307 / 975 mm
Barrel length	430 mm	520 mm	680 mm
Weight	3,9 kg	4,0 kg	4,2 kg
Magazine capacity	8 rounds

The Vepr 12 shotgun has been developed as a direct competitor to "tactical" versions of the Saiga 12 shotgun. The key niches for Vepr 12 are sport shooting under IPSC rules, as well as use for civilian home defense and for security purposes. Vepr 12 is produced by "Molot" factory, which also makes RPK-74 machine guns and Vepr brand semi-automatic hunting rifles. All "Vepr" brand rifles and shotguns are broadly based on the RPK-74 light machine gun designs, adapted for civilian purpose and appropriate ammunition.

The Vepr 12 shotgun is gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun which uses long-stroke gas piston located above the barrel, and a rotary locking bolt. Gas system is self-regulating and does not need manual adjustments. Gun is fitted with modified AK-style safety that has additional lever that permits faster "safety on" operation (mostly useful for IPSC shooters). Safety lever is also duplicated on the left side of the receiver. Other useful addition that is not found in AK or Saiga 12 is bolt hold-open device which holds the bolt open when magazine is exhausted. Magazine housing is provided with extended magazine tunnel, which permits for faster magazine insertion (without typical AK-style rocking movement, necessary to lock the standard AK-type magazine). Furniture includes a detachable or fixed flash hider on the barrel, a side-folding skeletonized butt with polymer coating, and plastic pistol grip and forend. Bottom handguard and bottom of gas block are fitted with Picatinny-type accessory rails, additional rail is provided on the receiver top cover, which is hinged to the receiver at the front. Standard sights are of AK pattern as well, with front sight installed on the gas block and adjustable rear sight on the receiver. It is worth to note that Vepr 12 shotguns can use both proprietary 8-round magazines and Saiga 12 magazines, but Vepr magazines will not work in Saiga 12.
Vepr shotguns are produced in three basic versions, standard (with 430 mm / 16,9" barrel with removable flash hider), Vepr 12 mod.01 (with 520 mm / 20,5" barrel with fixed flash hider) and Vepr 12 mod.02 (with 680 mm / 26,8" barrel with interchangeable chokes)

Saiga .410 shogun (Russia)

Saiga 410S shotgun with folding butt

Saiga 410K shotgun with folding butt and short barrel

Saiga 410K-01 shotgun with 10-round magazine, AK-74M-styled furniture and side-folding polymer butt

Saiga 410K-02 shotgun with 10-round magazine, AKS-74-styled furniture and side-folding metallic butt

Saiga 410K-04 shotgun with 10-round magazine, AKS-74-styled furniture, short barrel and side-folding metallic butt

	Saiga .410	Saiga .410S	Saiga .410K
Type	Semi-automatic shotgun, gas-operated
Gauge / Caliber	.410, 76 mm (3") chamber
Length	1170 mm	1080 / 840 mm	840 / 595 mm
Barrel length	570 mm	570 mm	330 mm
Weight:	3,4 kg	3,4 kg	3,2 kg
Magazine capacity	2, 4 or 10

Saiga 410 shotguns are developed along with similar 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotguns, all based on the time-proven Kalashnikov AK assault rifle design. These shotguns are manufactured in several configurations, oiptimized either for hunting or for home defence and security use. Hunting versions feature long barrels with optional interchangeable chokes and fixed stock with semi-pistol grip (stock can be made either from wood or polymer). Defensive / Tactical versions are produced with AK-74M style pistol grips and side-folding polymer buttstocks. There are several versions of the Saiga 410K, designated by additional digital suffix, i.e. Saiga 410K-01 etc. Those shotguns were initially known as "Cossak" models, that is, intended for defensive use by Cossacs in southern / Caucasian parts of the Russia. Those shotguns were re-designed to mimic genuine Kalashnikov AK-74 assault rifle. Today, several "K" versions are manufactured with polymer or wooden furniture, polymer or metallic side-folding butt, and 330 mm or 403 mm barrels. Those models also are fitted with AK-type sights, with adjustable rear sight having 2 settings marked for 25 and 50 meters.

Saiga 410 shotguns are gas-operated, semi-automatic weapons that use long-stroke gas piston located above the barrel. Gas system is fitted with two-position manual gas regulator, to provide reliable functioning with standard (70mm) or magnum (76mm) ammunition. Barrel is locked by rotary bolt. Barrel bore and action are chromed to provide better corrosion resistance. Barrels can be fitted with optional interchangeable chokes. Feed is from detachable box magazines, holding 2, 5 or 8 rounds. Standard furniture includes a long forend and either a butt with integral semi-pistol grip or separate pistol grip and side-folding polymer butt. Standard sighting equipment includes a rifle-type rear sight at the front of receiver and a front sight above the gas block. Some version can be fitted with side rail on receiver which can accept mounts for red-dot or other sights.

Saiga 20 shotgun (Russia)

Saiga 20 shotgun in hunting configuration

Saiga 20S shotgun with folding butt and long barrel

Saiga 20K shotgun with 8-round magazine

	Saiga 20	Saiga 20S	Saiga 20K
Type	Semi-automatic shotgun, gas-operated
Gauge / Caliber	20 Ga, 76 mm (3") chamber
Length	1135 mm	1050 / 720 mm	910 / 670 mm
Barrel length	570 mm	570 mm	430 mm
Weight:	3,5 kg	3,5 kg	3,2 kg
Magazine capacity	2, 5 or 8

Saiga 20 shotguns are developed along with similar 12 gauge and 410 gauge shotguns, all based on the time-proven Kalashnikov AK assault rifle design. These shotguns are manufactured in several configurations, oiptimized either for hunting or for home defence and security use. Hunting versions feature long barrels with optional interchangeable chokes and fixed stock with semi-pistol grip (stock can be made either from wood or polymer). Defensive / Tactical versions are produced with AK-74M style pistol grips and side-folding polymer buttstocks.

Saiga 20 shotguns are gas-operated, semi-automatic weapons that use long-stroke gas piston located above the barrel. Gas system is fitted with two-position manual gas regulator, to provide reliable functioning with standard (70mm) or magnum (76mm) ammunition. Barrel is locked by rotary bolt. Barrel bore and action are chromed to provide better corrosion resistance. Barrels can be fitted with optional interchangeable chokes. Feed is from detachable box magazines, holding 2, 5 or 8 rounds. Standard furniture includes a long forent and either a butt with integral semi-pistol grip or separate pistol grip and side-folding polymer butt. Standard sighting equipment includes a rifle-type rear sight at the front of receiver and a front sight above the gas block. Some version can be fitted with side rail on receiver which can accept mounts for red-dot or other sights.

Saiga 12 shotgun (Russia)

Saiga 12 shotgun in hunting configuration

Saiga 12S shotgun with long barrel and side-folding butt

Saiga 12K shotgun with short barrel and side-folding butt

Saiga 12K disassembled

Saiga 12 shotgun heavily modified by Tromix in USA to their 8" Swat configuration, with aftermarket US-made 10-round magazine

	Saiga 12	Saiga 12S	Saiga 12K
Type	Semi-automatic shotgun, gas-operated
Gauge / Caliber	12 Ga, 76 mm (3") chamber
Length	1145 mm	1060 / 820 mm	910 / 670 mm
Barrel length	580 mm	580 mm	430 mm
Weight:	3,6 kg	3,6 kg	3,5 kg
Magazine capacity	2, 5 or 8

This shotgun had been developed by the IZHMASH Russian State Arms company in the early 1990s as a member of the whole family of semi-automatic shotguns and rifles, based on the famous and time-proven Kalashnikov AK assault rifle design. All weapons in the Saiga family inherited the basic design of the AK, with long piston stroke gas system, rotating bolt with two massive lugs, and box magazine feeding. The shotgun part of this large family includes guns chambered for .410, 20 and 12 gauge magnum ammunition. In each chambering, there's at least three versions, with long barrel and fixed stock, long barrel and side-folding AK-74M type polymer stock and with same folding stock and shorter barrel. The latter versions intended as a security, police and self-defense weapons, and are widely used by numerous Russian law enforcement and private security services. .

As said above, the Saiga 12 is basically similar to the AK assault rifle, but with obvious exceptions. First, it is restricted to the semi-automatic fire only. Second, the receiver and the bolt group were redesigned to accommodate large, rimmed shotshells. Third, magazine capacity was limited to 5 or 8 rounds in the single stack plastic box magazines. Gas system is fitted with gas regulator with "standard" and "magnum" settings, and this shotgun can fire either 3 inch magnum or 2 3/4 inch standard loads interchangeably. Standard open sights were replaced by the short shotgun rib on the top of the gas tube. Optional side mounts for red dot sights are available. Barrel is equipped with screw-on choke system. The black plastic furniture features a long forearm and ether a fixed butt with semi-pistol grip or an AK-74M-type side-folding solid polymer buttstock combined with pistol grip. Saiga 12K shotguns, made for domestic market, featured a special safety block that locks the trigger when butt is closed, so the gun is compliant to the local gun laws, which prohibit the firearms with barrels shorter than 500 mm (20 ") and with overall length less than 800 mm. As you can see from the specifications above, with the open stock the Saiga 12K is legal in Russia, and with folded stock it is illegal, so the block makes this gun totally legal on the domestic market. It is offered for export, but with such a short barrel it is illegal in many states. The longer barreled version, Saiga 12S, is similar to 12K in every respect except that it has a barrel 520 mm long (20 2/5"), so it has no block and can be fired with butt folded.

In general, Saiga 12 shotguns are reliable and effective close hunting or close combat weapon, being much cheaper than its famous western counterparts from Beretta, Franchi and other brands.

Dragunov SVDK sniper rifle (Russia)

SVDK rifle with night sight

Caliber(s): 9,3x64
Operation: gas operated, semi-automatic
Length: 1250 mm
Barrel: 620 mm
Weight: 6,5 kg less telescope sight
Feed Mechanism: 10 rounds detachable box magazine

The Dragunov SVDK large caliber sniper rifle (any rifle in caliber above 9mm is considered a "large caliber" in Russia) is a somewhat controversial weapon, recently adopted by Russian army. It was developed through "Vzlomshik" (Breaker) research and development program, along with 7,62mm SV-98 sniper and 12,7mm ASVK anti-materiel rifles. The purpose of SVDK is to deal with targets which are too "hard" for standard 7,62x54R sniper rifles like SV-98 or SVD, such as assault troops in heavy body armor or enemy snipers behind covers. There also were rumors that SVDK will serve as a long-range anti-personnel weapon, but the real-life long range ballistics of 9,3x64 7N33 ammunition is well behind the world's famous .338 Lapua Magnum, usually used for such applications. The effective range of SVDK is cited as "about 600 meters"; the 16,5-gram bullet has a hardened steel core and is launched at about 770 m/s, generating about 4900 Joules of muzzle energy. At 200 meters the 7N33 bullet has 80% chances to penetrate 10 mm (0,4") armor plate. It is interesting to note that 9,3x64 7N33 sniping cartridge is actually based on 9,3x64 Brenneke hunting round, designed in early 20th century for large game hunting, and the SVDK started its life as a 9,3x64 "Tigr-9" hunting rifle, based on SVD design.

Basic mechanisms of SVDK are similar to that of Dragunov SVD rifle, although receiver and other working parts were redesigned to accept larger and more powerful cartridge. It has same short-stroke gas piston action with 2-position gas regulator and a rotary bolt with three radial lugs. Receiver is also a machined part. The rear part of the barrel is enclosed into tubular steel jacket, which in turn is concealed within polymer handguards. This relieves the barrel from the stress, imposed by handguards and bipod, making it "almost free-floating". The trigger and safety are similar to that of SVD, and pistol grip and folding butt are copies of SVDS parts, although SVDK has a larger rubber buttplate to provide better dissipation of recoil forces. Unlike original SVD, the SVDK rifle has no provisions for a bayonet mounting. Like SVD, SVDK is fitted with afjustable open sights; telescope or night sights are installed using SVD_style side rail on the left side of receiver, using quick-detachable mounts. Standard optical sight is 3-10X variable power 1P70 "Giperion" telescope.

Dragunov SVD Sniper Rifle (USSR/Russia)

Original SVD rifle with wooden furniture, right side

Original SVD rifle with wooden furniture, left side

SVD rifle, major parts and assemblies

SVD-S rifle with folding butt and polymer furniture

Russian-made hunting version of the SVD, the 7,62x54R Tigr (Tiger) rifle with new-style plastic SVD furniture. Note that there's no bayonet lug on the barrel

Foreign SVD clones and look-alikes: top to bottom Al Kadesih rifle (Iraq), Type 85 rifle (China) and FPK rifle (Romania). Note that only two former rifles are true clones of SVD; the latter one, FPK in fact is a modified Kalashnikov AK rifle restyled to look like SVD and chambered for 7,62x54R.

Caliber: 7.62x54R
Operation: gas operated, short stroke, rotating bolt; semi-automatic
Weight: 4.31kg empty with telescope
Length: 1225 mm
Barrel Length: 620 mm
Capacity: 10 round detachable box magazine

Dragunov SVD was designed not as a "standard" sniper rifle in its Western meaning of the term. In fact, main role of the SVD in Soviet / Russian Army is to extend effective range of fire of every infantry squad up to about 600 meters and to provide special fire support. SVD is a lightweight and quite accurate (for it's class) rifle, cabable of semi-auto fire. First request for new sniper rifle was issued in 1958. In 1963 SVD (Snaiperskaya Vintovka Dragunova, or Dragunov Sniper Rifle) was accepted by Soviet Military. SVD can use any kind of standard 7.62x54R ammo, but primary round is specially developed for SVD sniper-grade cartridge with steel-core bullet. Every infantry squad in the Russian (Soviet) army had one man with SVD.
SVD rifle is extremely reliable in all conditions, and designed for heavy use. It has backup adjustable iron sights as a standard option, as well as a bayonet mount (standard AK-47 bayonet type).
Latest modernization incorporate rugged polymer stock. Also, for mounted and airborne troops a special variant was developed with folding buttsock and shortened barrel (590 mm). New flash hider/muzzle brake also installed.

It must be noted that several countries produced SVD copies or look-alikes. Of those, the "true" clones (rifles that have similar internal design) are Iraqui Al Kadesih rifle and Chinese Type 85 (in 7,62x54R) and NDM-86 (in 7,62x51 NATO). Others, such as Romanian Romak FPK or Yugoslavian Zastava M76, are only look-alikes as their internal design is different and usually based on Kalsshnikov AK assault rifle. Russia also produces a civilan version of the SVD, known as "Tigr" (Tiger), in 7,62x54R and 7,62x51 (.308 Win). This usually has shorter barrel, although it is available in several different versions. Older hunting version of the SVD, the "Medved" (Bear) is no longer produced and is quite scarce.

Dragunov SVD is gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle. It uses short-stroke gas piston, and gas chamber has a two-position manual gas regulator. Barrel is locked by rotating bolt with three lugs. Receiver is machined from steel block. The safety is somewhat reminiscent in its appearance to that of Kalashnikov AK assault rifle, although internal design of the trigger unit is different, and there's no provisions for full automatic fire. Trigger unit is assembled on a separate removable base that also incorporates a trigger guard. The second, smaller lever, located on the right side of receiver behind the safety, is a receiver cover catch, and is sued to disassemble the gun. Standard furniture includes a skeletonized wooden butt and a removable wooden handguard. Late production models may feature polymer handguards and, sometimes, polymer skeletonized butt. The short SVD-S rifle is fitted with separate pistol grip, made of plastic, and a side-folding metallic butt. All SVD rifles are fitted with adjustable open sights, as well as proprietary side rail mount, which will accept telescopic or IR sights on quick-detachable mounts. Standard telescope sight is the 4X fixed magnification PSO-1 with range-finding reticle. SVD rifles also are issued with carrying sling, cleaning kit and other accessories. A standard AK-type bayonet can be installed on the barrel.