Modern small arms and ammunition, the history of the emergence and development of small arms. Armament and weapons Machine guns, pistols, machine guns

Since Homo sapiens appeared on the planet, weapons also began to develop. This is easy to explain: defenseless people had to do something to defend themselves from wild animals, to hunt them in order to survive. Weapons have gone through a lot of different transformations, and, unfortunately, their destructive power has increasingly been directed toward humans.

History of appearance

From time immemorial, people have been surrounded by danger. They came from humans or animals, so the creation of weapons was a necessary necessity. As progress progressed, weapons developed and improved in parallel. At first it was wooden: spears and clubs helped primitive people get food and defend against their own kind. Further, with the advent of iron and bronze, spears and swords were made from new materials, more stable and strong. Edged weapons, the types of which are still undergoing changes, allowed people to cope with danger and not die of starvation.

The invention of gunpowder gave a powerful impetus to the development of in this direction: New types of weapons appeared much more often and were more varied. Subsequently, nothing innovative was invented in this area, only the possibilities of what was previously invented expanded: the appearance weapons, their properties were modernized. In particular, rifled weapons were invented, which significantly increased the power and range of destruction.

The second half of the 19th century made fundamental changes - rapid-fire and other modern views weapons.

Types of weapons

exist on the planet different kinds weapons. These include weapons for close combat, firearms, and mass destruction. The main types of weapons known in this moment, are divided into the following groups:

• Cold. It is designed for close combat and is powered by human muscular effort.
• Firearms. This type is designed for mechanical destruction of a target at a distance. This occurs due to the directed movement of the projectile, which is driven by a specific charge.
• Pneumatic. To this weapon was effective, the energy of compressed air is needed, which will induce the projectile to move.
• Throwing. Such weapons are capable of striking at a distance. It can be activated by either muscular force or special devices.
• Weapons of mass destruction. This species affects vast areas over long distances and causes significant human losses.
• Signal(starting) weapon.
• The latest type of weapons: microwave pulses.

Street fighter weapons: knives, brass knuckles, blades

Unlike Western countries, where firearms are widespread, in the territory post-Soviet space Melee weapons are popular. Its types cause controversy among those who try to classify this type. It is most often divided into the following subtypes:

• piercing: bayonets, stilettos;
• piercing-cutting includes daggers, hunting knives, including Finnish and bayonet knives;
• chopping is represented by checkers or sabers;
• piercing-cutting: broadswords, cutlasses;
• crushing: flail, brass knuckles;
• hitting: steel bats.

Sometimes scientists use other types of classifications, but the above is most often used by law enforcement officers who, by the nature of their work, have to deal with criminal elements. That is why some types of bladed weapons are considered dangerous to society, and their use is classified as an article of the Criminal Code.

Nevertheless, such an object as a knife has long been considered the main thing for men, an indicator of status and business card person. They cut the umbilical cord of a newborn, this was the first item that was put into weak hands baby, and then all his life he was considered a talisman of his owner. Without parting with the man throughout his life, the knife accompanied him on his last journey.

Of course, ordinary modern man most often encountered with dining and kitchen models, but not always. Knives can be used in different ways. Hunters, for example, appreciate the ease of use of special hunting knives. They are extremely wear-resistant and durable. Hiking knives will delight people who love hiking and traveling. They are light, practical, made of durable steel, and handle well. Survival knives are also useful and sometimes vital. These products contain everything you need to stay in extreme conditions: lighter, compass and other items. Special knives are made for divers, rescue workers or medical workers. But there are products that are impossible to buy - these are military edged weapons. It is intended for army weapons. This the most dangerous species destructive weapons for close combat, wielding which can cause serious damage to the enemy.

Throwing weapons

This weapon is a special subtype of cold weapon. It is not in vain that it is allocated to a separate subgroup. The fact is that it helps the owner, who knows how to handle it, to hit a target at a distance, using only muscular effort and accuracy skills. It is often used in hunting. Typically used throwing knives or darts. There are more exotic species, such as shurikens, spears, boomerangs, crossbows. The latter name, along with onion, pilum and sulitsa, was used by ancient Slavic and Roman warriors. Today this type of weapon has remained mainly in sporting use.

About shuriken as a cult weapon Japanese warriors, I need to say something special. Contrary to the ingrained stereotype, it was used not only by ninjas, but also by other warriors in the Land of the Rising Sun. There are an unimaginable variety of them, and the variety of forms is amazing. The samurai perfected the use of shurikens: they can be used to cut, toss unnoticed at a target, and to stab. It was because of the secret murder that shuriken gained the reputation of being so-called invisible.

Theoretically safe pneumatics

This is a variety small arms, which is characterized by a special method of feeding the projectile. This happens with the help of compressed air. The concept “pneumatic” is translated from Greek as “wind”. Actually, this fact prompted the weapon to be named that way. The range of a pneumatic shot and the nature of the damage are such that this species is not considered dangerous to humans, although there have been cases of murder due to negligence. These weapons are mainly used for sport shooting. But there is also hunting species, characterized by greater power, so they are used for hunting birds or small animals.

At the beginning of the last century, people seriously thought about replacing firearms with pneumatic weapons. The replacement was motivated by noiselessness, rapid-fire performance, greater accuracy and the absence of smoke, which is often unmasked by the shooter.

Machine guns, pistols, machine guns

When modern types of weapons appeared, pneumatics remained mainly for entertainment, and firearms confidently entered the combat arena. The history of their appearance began with the invention of gunpowder and its successful use. This most important event happened in the 14th century, thereby opening the era of artillery.

At the moment, there is a clear classification dividing this segment into the following types firearms:

• combat: carbines, machine guns, pistols, rifles;
• sports: small-caliber weapons, pistols;
• hunting: smoothbore guns.

This list applies to handguns. Firearms also include easel weapons, including anti-aircraft installations and machine guns.

According to the purpose of use, hand weapons are divided into the following groups:

• Civil. This type includes hunting, sports and self-defense weapons.
• Combat. With its help, combat and operational missions are solved.
• Employees use official government agencies who are allowed to wear it.

The most popular types of handguns are pistols. This is a personal automatic device. Used to hit a target at a relatively close range. There are many types of pistols. In addition to the usual ones, there are underwater, signal and self-loading models. Separately, it is worth mentioning submachine guns. This type of firearm has a blast radius of about 200 meters. High fighting qualities This pistol allowed it to occupy a worthy niche in the armament of many countries.

Sniper rifles, known to ordinary people from numerous action films, have a high range, power and accuracy, and an optical sight contributes to the shooter’s accuracy.

Automatic, otherwise called assault rifle, characterized by high maneuverability when firing and rate of fire. At the beginning of World War II, the famous Kalashnikov assault rifle was invented, which won the respect of the armies of many world powers.

Flash in the air

This type of weapon does not have lethal force, but you can’t do without it sports competitions, neither in remote, remote places, nor on a boat. It's about about signal weapons.

It is in the arsenal of rescuers and the military; it is equipped on airplanes and ships. It is used as a starting point in various relay races and Olympiads. Signal weapons, naturally, are designed to produce various signals: light, sound or smoke. With a shot from a rocket launcher, for example, you can call for help or locate your own location.

Weapons of mass destruction

Whatever types of weapons are discussed, this is the deadliest of all currently known. The title itself is a threat to humanity. The types of weapons of mass destruction known today are divided into three main groups:

• biological;
• nuclear;
• chemical.

No matter what types of weapons you encounter, they all bring destruction and death. But they pose a particular danger to people innovative technologies, capable of leading to total destruction, causing pandemics of incurable diseases, inevitable mutations and further unsuitability of the territory for habitation.

Biological and chemical weapons

Such types of weapons of mass destruction, such as biological ones, involve the release of pathogenic bacteria into the desired territory using aircraft or artillery shells. Biological warheads explode almost silently, leaving behind large fragments. The fact of using this lethal weapons It's quite difficult to prove. It infects everything around: both people and animals.

By inhaling viruses carried by the wind, the doomed masses of living beings instantly become infected with influenza, cholera, plague, malaria, smallpox and other deadly diseases. The disease hides in the infected body for some time, gradually developing. Foot-and-mouth disease or anthrax viruses are often used to kill animals. In this way, even plant crops become infected. You can protect yourself from such weapons in advance by vaccination, as well as by using sealed suits and gas masks. Disinsection and deratization of infected areas are mandatory.

The following types of weapons are no less dangerous. They are based on the chemical effects of such substances:

• V-gases;
• soman;
• mustard gas;
• sarin;
• phosgene.

These chemical components capable of infecting large areas. At the same time, water, soil, plants and structures are poisoned. For example, soman is dangerous because it is extremely difficult to detect due to the absence of color and odor. This nerve gas is highly resistant to climate change and has no effect on external signs infected. Sarin is in many ways similar to the previous gas, but V-gases are more persistent. The remaining toxic substances have an unpleasant odor and a blister effect.

Types of chemical weapons are divided according to the nature of their effect on the body:

• nerve agents;
• blisters;
• suffocating;
• psychochemical;
• generally poisonous.

The first type is used most often in order to disable as much enemy manpower as possible. The second type of substance penetrates the skin, affecting it. Generally toxic and asphyxiating substances have an effect mainly on respiratory system body. Psychochemical poison weapons - comparatively the new kind. It is used mainly for temporary incapacitation of human masses. Characterized by the appearance of symptoms such as blindness, deafness, a feeling of fear, disruption of the central nervous system. nervous system. Chemical species weapons of mass destruction are very effective and are used in military practice by many countries. The advantage of such weapons is that they are silent and unnoticeable.

Nuclear threat

The world first heard about a nuclear explosion after the tragedy in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Only after this did people fully realize the monstrous scale of the disasters caused by such weapons. Kinds nuclear weapons are grouped according to several criteria, but the main one is the type of charge:

• Atomic.
• Thermonuclear (otherwise known as a hydrogen bomb).
• Neutron.
• Clean.

The difference between the charges lies in the processes occurring with the nuclei (their synthesis and fission).

Explosions nuclear warheads also vary. It can be:

• airborne warheads;
• ground (an explosion made near the ground);
• surface;
• underground;
• underwater.

Classic information taught in civil defense classes, which existed during the existence of the USSR, was based primarily on stories about the affected area nuclear explosion and its deadly factors. Now this knowledge will not be superfluous. So, lethal effect nuclear explosion:

• Shock impulse. At supersonic speed, it rushes from the center of the explosion across the nearby territory, sweeping away everything in its path.
• Light radiation. It spreads with lightning speed and consists of visible infrared and ultraviolet rays. But in places with significant shade you can protect yourself from this deadly radiation.
• Penetrating radiation. Depending on the dose, a neutron flux in 10 seconds can, if not kill, then irreversibly disrupt the activity of all organs and systems of the body.
• Nuclear decay products. They form a poisonous cloud, from the thickness of which they poison everything around.
• Electromagnetic pulse. The gamma radiation generated by the explosion disrupts the operation of radio electronics.

There are four zones of destruction after a nuclear bomb explosion:

• Total destruction. All communications and buildings built by man are completely destroyed by the blast wave.
• Significant destruction. Local rubble and fires, destruction of shelters.
• Average degree of damage. Fires caused by light waves are mainly observed.
• Light damage. Damage to buildings is stable, there are almost no rubble.

The degree of radiation damage to an area depends on meteorological factors and explosion power.

Weapons of the future

The most serious threat to the planet is the latest microwave weapons. Its action is based on the movement of microwave pulses that can damage radio electronics and objects that pose a danger to environment and air defense systems. Invisible impulses can stop the activities of chemical plants and nuclear power plants, without leakage of hazardous components. Microwaves are able to penetrate everywhere, there are no obstacles for them, moreover, this type of weapon is still at the stage of development in order to increase the range of destruction. Therefore, microwave weapons have the chance to become the deadliest in the history of mankind.

People continue to build up their weapons, inventing new types and methods of destroying, infecting and incapacitating biological masses. Therefore, today the banal slogan about world peace sounds especially relevant.

Armament and weapons

Question

Which is correct: “Ukrainian weapons” or “Ukrainian weapons”?

Word weapons has the following meanings:

verb action arm / arm: supply of technical means, materials for any activity, mainly supply of weapons, military equipment for defensive or offensive purposes. Armament with modern technical equipment the most important industries industry. The arming of combat squads was carried out at night on the outskirts of the city. Arming the army and navy with the latest military equipment is the main concern of the military-industrial complex. // Peren. Providing ideas and propaganda materials. Ideological weapons(someone);

2) a set of means for waging war (weapons, equipment, means of delivery). New types of weapons. Stable combinations: Arms reduction. Military weapons. They are in service. Put into service;

3) equipment, accessories ( specialist.). Technical weapons conveyors. Sailing rig of the vessel.

Weapon - any means technically suitable for attack and defense, as well as a combination of such means. Firearms. Nuclear, chemical weapon. Master the weapon perfectly. A Farewell to Arms! Phraseological expression: Drop your weapon. Lay down your weapons. Rattling weapons. Call to arms. With weapons in hand. Sports weapons (specialist.). // Peren. Means of struggle. Prudence is the weapon of the strong. Phraseological expressions: Weapons of laughter, irony, criticism.

As we see, the noun weapons has more generalized semantics. Weapon as a designation " technical means, suitable for defense and attack and the totality of such means" is subordinate, species concept For weapons, which means total population weapons, equipment used in military affairs, and means of their delivery. So small arms, And artillery, And nuclear, And chemical, And bacteriological weapon - all these types of weapons are included in weapons, weapons a certain country.

1) phrases weapons of the Russian (Ukrainian, French...) army; weapons of Russia (Ukraine, France, China...), Russian (Ukrainian, American...) weapons mean the entire set of “means of warfare”, their material support and maintenance, the means of their delivery (in particular to targeting targets), belonging to the army, the armed forces of a certain country, a given country;

phrase Russian (Ukrainian, Japanese...) weapons a) in business contexts, in newspaper, news, descriptive contexts, it means that these “means of warfare” are of Russian (Russian), Ukrainian, Italian, American... origin, produced in a certain country; b) as part of a toast in Russian “ Glory to Russian weapons!» phrase Russian weapons, in which the word weapon used in a high, solemn tone, denotes the Russian army, Russian armed forces.

Distinguish

weapons And weapon

Dictionary of difficulties of the Russian language. Yu. A. Belchikov, O. I. Razheva. 2015 .

See what “weapons and weapons” are in other dictionaries:

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Weapons (military)- Weapons (military), common name devices and tools used in armed struggle to destroy enemy manpower, equipment and structures. O.'s development depends on the method of production and especially on the level of development productive forces.… … Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Aviation weapons- a set of placed on aircraft means of destruction of the enemy, devices for their transportation and use, as well as systems providing combat use means of destruction. Sometimes to V. a. also include military means, Not… … Encyclopedia of technology

Eldar weapons and equipment- Project Article about the fictional universe of Warhammer 40,000 Portal The Eldar use high-tech weapons so advanced that to younger races they seem like magic: Contents 1 Shuriken... Wikipedia

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Weapons of mass destruction of the Russian Federation- Weapons of mass destruction By type... Wikipedia

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Weapons of the Incas- Inca weapons Inca soldiers carried simple weapons of all types, specialization in weapons was carried out according to belonging to a particular ethnic group, for example, Chanka soldiers were specialists in the use of wooden hammers... ... Wikipedia

Books

• Weapons of the future. What will the wars of the new millennium be like? , Prokopenko Igor Stanislavovich. A new book famous TV presenter Dedicated to Igor Prokopenko the latest developments in the field of weapons. The famous saying “no matter what scientists come up with, the result is a weapon” in…

The long history of small arms dates back to the Middle Ages, when there was a division of firearms into two large independent “camps”. The first included large, heavy samples of impressive calibers, the movement of which required draft animals or special mechanisms - artillery. The second group included relatively light firearms that could be carried by one person, and he could operate them independently. Much water has passed under the bridge since then, and modern small arms differ significantly from the first, rather primitive, samples. On the other hand, the fundamental principles of its design and application remain the same. A kind of revolution in the history of small arms occurred at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, when ammunition using smokeless powder, which marked the advent of the era of automation. More and more types and types of small arms began to enter service with the armies.

It is generally accepted that the security and protection of citizens in the state is carried out by the police. But this does not mean that there is an armed law enforcement officer at every dark entrance, back alley, and private house. This is simply impossible.

And crime in our country can threaten the average citizen everywhere. In addition, criminal communities do not experience a shortage of firearms of criminal origin.

Against this background, the desire of law-abiding citizens to ensure their safety and the safety of their loved ones by any means (meaning only legal means) is quite understandable.

And there are not many of these ways. One of them is confronting a criminal armed with a firearm (usually a military weapon) with a legal firearm. The law prohibits ordinary citizens from owning a rifled “short-barreled” (pistol).

We will not discuss how right or wrong this is, or what projects are emerging to soften weapons legislation. This is a different story. Law is law.

While it is in effect, any person (subject to certain conditions) can acquire several units of legal firearms and their analogues, produced specifically for the civilian population.

Of course, for example, it cannot be compared in effectiveness to any “ Tula Tokarev“, but still, an ordinary person with an injury in his bosom in an emergency situation will not meet an armed attacker with his bare hands.

Kinds

Our legislation divides all firearms into:

• civilian samples;
• service samples;
• military hand weapon.

Combat pistols and machine guns are available only to such categories of citizens as military personnel, law enforcement officers, and representatives of other paramilitary government organizations (the weapons are in service with the special services). For this reason, we will not dwell on it in detail in this article, but will consider those types of firearms that are available to other broader categories of citizens.

Official

The Makarov pistol" - bright representative service weapon

Service “firearms” are legally available to those officials who, by the nature of their activities, are obliged to protect the life and health of people, important objects, engage in environmental protection, and engage in collection.

Basic list of requirements:

• should not fire in bursts;
• visually identifiable differences from samples of military small arms;
• the magazine can hold a maximum of 10 rounds;
• lead-filled bullets, hard metal cores are prohibited;
• compliance with state standards of the Russian Federation.

They are produced in smooth-bore and rifled versions, with long and short barrels. Muzzle energy – maximum 300J. Private security companies can arm themselves.

Civil

Used by hunters, athletes, as a means of self-defense. The types of weapons that are allowed for civilian circulation on the territory of the state can be seen in special decrees of the Government of the Russian Federation.

These are the samples of Russian and foreign gunsmiths who received a certificate from the Russian Gosstandart.

The assortment of “civilian women” today is simply huge, and accordingly, the price for it can be different. There are also rare samples on sale, produced back in the 80-90s of the 19th century (for example, in the photo Webley Mars - “Desert Eagle” late XIX century).

Helpful information: You can get comprehensive information about all types of modern and rare weapons on the Soldierweapons website. It can be called an encyclopedia, which presents the entire list of weapons.

Main types of civilian weapons:

1. For self-defense:
2. Sports in smooth-bore and rifled versions (small-caliber rifle, pistol or shotgun for clay pigeon shooting);

   

3. Hunting is produced in smooth-bore, rifled or combined versions; of the rifled version, the Russian “civilized” (a new invention) is in great demand Russian gunsmiths when in the trunk combat machine gun a pin is driven in, a bayonet lug is filed off, etc.), military weapons from the Second World War, inexpensive samples from foreign manufacturers that have been certified by government agencies of the Russian Federation;

   

4. (rocket launchers), its device is simple, its purpose is to send a signal.

   

Modern samples on store shelves hunting weapons Russian and foreign production with unpronounceable names coexist today with “fenced” military weapons.

For example, the first thing that comes to mind is the Kalashnikov assault rifle - real symbol of a bygone era! Any citizen with a purchase permit rifled weapons, can become its owner (though without a bayonet and with a smaller-capacity magazine).

Look interesting video TOP 10 about the most unusual species weapons in the world: