Modern small arms and ammunition. Pistols of the world

To defeat the enemy, various fire weapons, but the most widespread remains weapon. It is in service with all branches of the armed forces and branches of the armed forces. It is no coincidence that the Kalashnikov assault rifle is considered the “most important” weapon of the last 50 years. The importance of “light” weapons and portable fire support equipment is especially great in local wars, counter-guerrilla and anti-terrorist operations, which have become the main type of military conflicts modern era. In such conflicts, the destruction of dispersed enemy personnel is much more important than the capture or destruction of infrastructure, and here small arms are indispensable. And in a large-scale war, it becomes the main means of destruction in battles in the city, in the forest, in the mountains, when the capabilities of other means are limited. Such conditions are usually referred to in combat manuals as “ special conditions battle,” but this does not mean they are rare or exclusive. On the contrary, battles in such conditions are becoming more and more common. The variety and rapid change in combat situations, the nature of goals and missions require units to have weapons with different combat properties.

The totality of combat assets (weapons and military equipment) with which the armed forces are equipped form a weapons system. In modern military conflicts, not only the army, but also armed units of law enforcement agencies actively participate, units and units play a large role special purpose various power structures of the state. Small arms, which are in their arsenal and intended to solve combat and operational tasks, are classified as “combat”. Samples of Russian military small arms will be discussed further.

All the variety of modern small arms can be summarized into certain groups. For this purpose, there are different approaches to its classification. One of them is considered to be classification by combat capabilities.

Grenade launchers and MANPADS Hand grenades Machine guns

The long history of small arms dates back to the Middle Ages, when there was a division 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.

The world is distinguished by a variety of models. Each country equips its security forces with weapons that best suit its needs. There is a constant struggle in the world for markets for small arms. Work to improve it continues. Reliable, convenient small arms for close combat are in constant demand both as weapons for government and security agencies, and in terms of personal defense for the civilian population.

Story

The very first samples were made back in the fifteenth century. A matchlock with a short barrel was mounted on a wooden block. (started with a key) for a pistol was invented by Leonardo da Vinci.

After a couple of centuries, it was supplanted. Although it misfired, it was easier to load weapons, was not afraid of dirt, and was much cheaper than the wheeled one. In the first half of the nineteenth century, the capsule (piston) lock appeared.

This made it possible to abandon single-shot pistols. At the end of the nineteenth century they were completely replaced by revolvers. But a multi-charged automatic weapon was required. Pistols of the Roth-Krnka M.7 brand (Austria) were the first to be adopted by the state forces. It was used by the Austrian cavalry on the fronts of the First World War.

Until the 40s of the twentieth century, it completely replaced revolvers in the armament of law enforcement agencies in almost all countries of the world. Revolvers remain in civilian use (where permitted by law) for personal self-defense.

Almost all modern pistols in the world are self-loading. They can fire automatically or fire bursts of constant length. In practice, they rarely shoot this way, since the low mass of the weapon leads to a wide dispersion of bullets. Models of pistols with increased weight and size are classified as submachine guns.

Austria: Glock 17 and Glock 19

A distinctive feature of this weapon is that it fires underwater. Another important indicator- low weight of the weapon (620 grams). Specialists from the Austrian company Glock were able to develop and use parts from polymer material. a brief description of Glock 17:

The model was created in 1980 and replaced the then outdated Walther P38. The popularity of the Glock 17 is confirmed by the fact that it is used by the military, intelligence agencies, security agencies, and police in almost 60 countries around the world.

The model is even lighter - only 595 grams. Its characteristics:

• total length - 177 mm;
• barrel - 102 mm;
• cartridges - 9 x 19 mm Parabellum;
• magazine for 15 (can be 17, 19 or 33 rounds).

The reliability of the pistol is ensured by the simplicity of the design: all types of Glock pistols consist of only 34 parts.

It is used in the French gendarmerie, in Israel for general security, in the Hong Kong police, and in New Zealand.

America: Colt M1911

It is impossible to describe the pistols of the world without mentioning the legendary American Colts. Their history began back in the nineteenth century. Countless Westerns made and books written about the conquest of America made Colt famous throughout the world.

The automatic Colt M-1911 model - it was called the Colt Browning (John Browning's design findings were used in the development of the model) - was adopted by the army and was used for more than 80 years.

Colt M191 Specifications:

• weight - 1075 grams;
• total length - 216 mm;
• barrel - 127 mm;
• the magazine holds 7 rounds;
• caliber - 45;
• range - 50 meters.

Reliability, destructive power, convenience and ease of maintenance still attract connoisseurs to the legend of weapons. For Americans, the Colt remains a cult weapon.

Belgium: Five-seveN USG

To provide military personnel not directly participating in combat operations, a light, reliable and powerful pistol. In 1996, the Belgian company FN offered the FN Five-seveN IOM (personal officer model) to the market, and a little later a model appeared specifically for the United States with the designation USG (United States Government).

Characteristics of Five-seveN USG:

• weight - 590 grams;
• total length - 208 mm;
• barrel - 123 mm;
• width - 31 mm;
• height - 144 mm;
• caliber - 5.7 x 28 FN;
• magazine for 20 rounds;
• combat range - up to 200 meters.

Adopted into service in special forces of Poland, France, and the USA.

Germany: USP (P8)

German gunsmiths have always been famous for the quality of their products. At the beginning of the 2000s, Heckler & Koch became a supplier of weapons of the Universal Selbstlade Pistole (USP) brand - a universal self-loading pistol.

Its distinctive feature is the magazine, made of translucent plastic. This makes it easier to control ammunition consumption. The USP (P8) was originally chambered for the .40 S&W cartridge. Therefore, the USP (P8) with 9 gauge adopted into service proved to be very reliable pistols. USP Features (P8):

• weight - 770 grams;
• the weight of the infected pistol is 985 grams;
• total length - 194 mm;
• barrel - 108 mm;
• width 32 mm;
• height - 136 mm;
• the magazine holds 15 rounds of transparent polyamide with a steel frame;
• range - 50 meters.

The company hoped to enter the American market. At this time, new problems arose with the Beretta 92S pistol, and there was a question about replacing it. But the American military limited itself to switching to a more advanced model. USP (P8) is in service only in Germany. The army modification received the marking “P8”.

Israel: UZI

The Israeli company Israel Military Industries developed powerful and inexpensive weapons for security forces at the end of the twentieth century. They needed a small melee weapon with a fairly capacious magazine.

Israeli law prohibits the use of submachine guns. The UZI model has the following characteristics:

• weight - 1700 grams;
• caliber - 9 x 19 mm;
• total length - 240 mm;
• barrel - 115 mm;
• magazine for 20, 25 or 32 rounds.

In addition to Israel, the list of countries that have purchased UZI includes Haiti, Guatemala, Germany, Estonia, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Honduras.

Italy: Beretta 92S

When the US military decided to abandon the 45-caliber Colt M1911, which had been in service for more than 80 years, a competition was announced among weapons manufacturers for the supply. The reason was the introduction of a single standard in all armies of the NATO bloc. The 9x19 mm Parabellum cartridge was recognized as the main one. It was on the basis of these parameters that the pistol was selected.

The Italians won the competition by offering their weapons. Pistols of the Beretta 92S model determined the Swiss-German company in fierce competition.

Beretta 92S Specifications:

• weight - 950 grams;
• cartridge - 9 x 19 mm Parabellum;
• total length - 217 mm;
• barrel - 125 mm;
• sighting range - 50 meters.

IN army units The United States supplies weapons manufactured in America and marked “M9”. Over the past years, despite some problems with the weapon (reliability failed), the Americans did not change the Beretta brand, but switched to modernized versions.

Today, these weapons are in service with the USA, Spain, Italy, South Africa, France, Algeria, and Peru.

China: QSZ-92-9

We will continue our review of pistols with the brand of Chinese weapons QSZ-92-9. Norinco Corporation produces two types of this pistol. One is chambered for 9 x 19 mm Parabellum, the second - 5.8 x 21 mm. It was developed at the end of the last century specifically for arming the Chinese army.

The frame is made of impact-resistant plastic. The two-shot magazine fires 15 rounds. On the frame under the barrel there is a guide for attaching a laser sight or flashlight. It is possible to equip the pistol with equipment for silent and flameless shooting.

The weapon is convenient to shoot with both left and right hand, as well as from both hands. The small size is designed for the small, by European standards, average hand of a Chinese soldier.

Characteristics of QSZ-92-9:

• weight - 760 grams;
• caliber 9 x 19 mm Parabellum;
• total length - 190 mm;
• barrel - 111 mm;
• width 35 mm;
• height - 135 mm;
• The magazine holds 15 rounds.

Adopted in service in the PRC for police units.

Russia: Makarov pistol

Perhaps the most famous Russian model small personal weapons - this is this pistol. Makarov developed a combat self-loading pistol in 1948. It replaced the one in service Soviet army TT.

Over the years of production, several modifications of the PM have been created. Reliability of the design and excellent price-quality ratio ensure the demand for the lineup Makarova.

It is popular not only in countries post-Soviet space, but also all over the world. High reliability, simplicity of design and the ability to choose the appropriate model allow the PM to compete with more modern and powerful weapons.

Tactical, technical, weight and linear characteristics of the Makarov pistol:

With magazine without cartridges - 730 grams;

With eight 9 mm cartridges - 810 grams;

• total length - 161 mm;
• barrel - 93 mm;
• height - 127 mm;
• width -30.5 mm;
• caliber - 9 x 18 mm;
• rate of fire - 30 rounds per minute;
• initial bullet speed - 315 m/s;
• effective at a distance of 50 meters, but lethal force remains up to 350 meters;
• 8-round magazine;
• the pistol can only fire single shots.

Today, PM production has been established not only in Russia, but also in Bulgaria and Germany. Weapons manufactured before 1990 Izhevsk plant, considered collectible.

Ukraine: "Fort-17"

One of the latest developments of Ukrainian specialists - the Fort-17 model - was created on the basis of the Fort-12 design. Its main advantages are light weight, power, ease of maintenance, shooting accuracy, and safety in handling.

Characteristics of "Fort-17":

• weight - 680 mm;
• caliber - 9 x 18 PM (suitable for 9 mm Short);
• total length - 180 mm;
• barrel - 95 mm;
• height - 130 mm;
• width - 32 mm;
• magazine for 13 rounds.

Used by the security agencies of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

All pistols in the world, no matter how perfect they are, eventually become obsolete. The constant struggle (forced) between manufacturers of small arms and developers of means of protection against the same weapons does not stop. More and more advanced and unified types of pistols are being created that meet the requirements of the time.

Progress does not stand still, and in the development of modern small arms for close combat they use Newest technologies. This applies to both the pistols themselves and their ammunition.

SCAR from Belgium, FN Herstal, has been replenished with new models. One of the samples is a 5.56 mm automatic rifle, which received the IAR index.

This rifle is very similar in appearance to the SCAR L/Mk 16 rifle, but has a very original automatic system. It makes it possible to fire at very high intensity. For this purpose, a system is used that changes the operating modes of the weapon. When low level When the barrel is heated, fire is fired from the “front sear” (the bolt is in the forward position before firing), when the heating level is high - from the “rear sear” (the bolt is in the rear position before firing, the barrel breech is open). The massive barrel facilitates and makes it possible to conduct intense, long-lasting fire with high accuracy of fire. When conducting single shooting, the developers declared an accuracy of one arc minute, which is typical for sniper weapons. The weight of the rifle is 5.08 kg without ammunition, the rate of fire is about 650 rounds/min.

Even despite the systematically declared thesis that the current sniper rifle with high shooting accuracy does not have to have automatic operation, because ideally only one shot is required to destroy a target, various companies are trying to create automatic or semi-automatic sniper rifles.

Another similar attempt was made by specialists from Belgium.

Based on the SCAR H/Mk 17 rifle, they developed a 7.62 mm SSR (Sniper Support Rifle) sniper rifle. The same 7.62 x 51 mm ammunition is used for firing. The weight of the weapon is 5.04 kg, the magazines hold 10-20 rounds, the barrel length is 508 mm.

New companies that produce small arms appear on the market quite systematically, and most of the new ones have to work hard to achieve brand recognition. Against this background, a German company named after one of the most famous gunsmith designers of the last century, Hugo Schmeisser, is very noticeable.

It is interesting that the main type of products of the Schmeisser GmbH company are various modifications automatic rifles AR-15/M16, developed by American Eugene Stoner.

The MSR sniper rifle, manufactured by the US company Remington, has a modular design.

Replaceable barrels, magazines and bolt cylinders allow the use of 7.62 x 51 cartridges; .300 WM and .338LM (which provides an effective firing range of up to 1500 m). The “skeletal” type stock is made of light alloy, the butt of the rifle is folding. There is a barrel casing. There is no mechanical sight. The barrel length can be from 508 to 686 mm, the magazine capacity is five, seven or ten rounds.

Very interesting is the fact of the “return to service” of fully-fledged automatic rifles using a rifle cartridge, which seemed to be completely replaced by weapons developed for “intermediate” ammunition. Totally agree last years a whole line of new models of similar weapons has been created. An example would be the Belgian SCAR-H/Mk 17 rifle, the German NK417 rifle and the Swiss SIG SAPR751.

The latter is based on the Swiss rifle SIG SG 50, but chambered for 7.62 x 51 mm ammunition. The USM provides the ability to fire in semi-automatic and automatic modes, including bursts with a cutoff of 3 shots. The fuse-translator flag is double-sided. The butt of this weapon is plastic folding. The magazine holds 20 rounds, the rate of fire is 700 rounds/min. The SIG SARP 751 barrel length is 417 mm, total length is 962 mm, weight without magazine is 3.725 kg.

Separately, it is necessary to say about the so-called rifle-grenade launcher systems (SGK).

The experience of using individual automatic weapons during recent armed conflicts (primarily in Afghanistan and Iraq) has once again shown that the models of automatic rifles that are in service with the Western coalition forces do not fully meet the requirements for them. This concerns the level of safety, ergonomics, ease of maintenance and operation, effective firing range, lethal effect. Modernization of the models that are in service and equipping them with the latest sighting systems did not allow us to fully solve the above problems. Based on this, recently leading foreign weapons manufacturing companies have significantly stepped up the development of the latest weapons of this class.

Many of these developments have now either been completed or are in their final stages and are being vigorously marketed. Their common features are modular layout, widespread use of light alloys and plastics for the manufacture of main parts, the use of optical sighting devices as the main ones, the possibility of attaching an under-barrel grenade launcher, incorporated at the design stage, reducing the total weight of the complex.

For example, the 5.56/40 mm Beretta ARX160/GLX160 rifle-grenade launcher system consists of a 5.56 mm automatic rifle and a 40 x 46 mm grenade launcher, which can be used as a hand-held grenade launcher.

The modular principle of constructing the complex allows, after replacing a number of parts, to use cartridges of 5.56 x 45 mm, 5.45 x 39 mm, 7.62 x 39 mm, 6.8 x 43 mm. The ARX160 weapon has quick-change barrels with a length of 406 or 305 mm, and a reinstallable cocking handle. On it you can also change the direction of reflection of the fired cartridges. The buttstock is folding, with adjustable length (four positions, adjustment range 65 mm). There are four universal fastening bars and six belt attachment points. Double-sided controls. The rear sight and front sight are folding. The color of the weapon's coating is black and olive.

The widespread use of polymers, including in the design of the receiver, magazine well and trigger housing, has made it possible to reduce the weight of the weapon. A rifle without a magazine with a 305 mm barrel weighs no more than 3 kg, a grenade launcher in an under-barrel version - 1 kg, in a hand-held version - 2.2 kg.

The ARX160/GLX160 complex is the main one for the promising Italian combat complex infantryman Soldato Futuro.

The 5.56-mm automatic rifle ACR (Adaptive Combat Rifle) from Remington attracts considerable attention from specialists.

The Americans offer a completely modern example of individual weapons. Like the previous Beretta model, the ACR has a modular design and, after replacing a number of parts, allows the use of 5.56 x 45 mm and 6.8 x 43 mm ammunition. The weapon set includes quick-change barrels (3 options - 267 mm, 368 mm or 419 mm long). The stock can be either fixed or folding, of adjustable length (6 positions, adjustment range 76 mm). It is possible to install a forend with 3 or 5 universal picattini mounting rails. The weapon controls are double-sided. In order to reduce reloading time there is a shutter stop. The weight of the machine gun with a barrel length of 419 mm is 3.72 kg.

In addition to the above-mentioned new weapons, Czech gunsmiths presented another one - a 5.56-mm automatic rifle (automatic) CZ 805 BREN.

The model can be equipped with 360 or 277 mm long barrels and has a reinstallable cocking handle. It is possible to produce modifications for 7.62 x 39 and 6.8 x 43 mm ammunition. In addition to traditional semi-automatic and automatic firing modes, it is possible to fire in fixed bursts (2 shots each). The buttstock is removable, with adjustable length (four positions) or folding. The magazine body is made of transparent plastic. It is possible to use magazines from rifles and M16/M4 cartridges.

The controls are bilateral, there is a shutter stop. A new TCZ 805 G1 underbarrel grenade launcher has also been developed for the weapon. The weight of the rifle without a magazine is 3.58 kg, the magazine holds 30 rounds, the rate of fire is 760 rounds/min.

The CZ 805 BREN automatic rifle was selected by the Czech Ministry of Defense for the partial rearmament of its ground forces. Weapon deliveries are scheduled for early 2011.

The HK416 automatic rifle chambered for 5.56 x 45 mm from the German company Heckler & Koch also has a lot in common with its predecessors - quick-change barrels (four options are available), a folding buttstock with adjustable length, four universal Picattini mounting straps. The controls are bilateral, there is also a shutter stop. Interesting feature development is a set of parts HK416, which can be used to upgrade weapons of the M16, V14 series. In this case, the barrel with gas engine, handguard, bolt group and receiver. It is also recommended to replace the buffer and return spring.

The weapon kit may include a GLM underbarrel grenade launcher.

It is impossible not to mention the SCAR complex from the Belgian company FN Herstal. This complex includes a 5.56 mm SCAR-L/Mk 16 rifle or a 7.62 mm automatic SCAR-H/Mk 17 and a 40 x 46 mm FN40GL/Mk 13 under-barrel grenade launcher, which can also be used as a hand-held grenade launcher. In 2010, these models were adopted by the forces special operations US Army.

The design features of the SCAR-L/Mk 16 weapon are quick-change barrels (3 options are available) and a reinstallable cocking handle. The buttstock of the weapon is folding, with adjustable length (6 positions, adjustment range 63 mm), there are four universal Picattini mounting straps. The controls are bilateral, there is a shutter stop. The rear sight and front sight are folding. The receiver is made of aluminum alloy. The magazine is interchangeable with weapon magazines of the M16/M4 series. Coating colors are black or olive.

This line of new products can be extended by adding automatic rifles FN F2000 (Belgium), Sreyr AUG A3 (Austria), NK G36 (Germany) and, with some stretch, the Israeli IWI X95. It is interesting that developers of new models use the bullpup layout much less often than before.

Identity technical solutions, implemented in the designs of these samples, indicates that the appearance of the 3rd generation machine gun can be assumed to be fully formed.

In all machines and SGK of the 3rd generation, the main ones are optical sights various types, and mechanical ones are only auxiliary. These are single-shot collimator or holographic sights or low-magnification telescopic sights (x1.5-x4). Steyr AUG A3 SF and G36 automatic rifles provide the ability to install an additional compact single-shot red dot sight onto the body of the basic telescopic sight. An alternative approach to this solution is the Specter DR sight manufactured by Eisan (Canada), which has a fixed magnification of x1.5 and x6; switching between them is carried out using a lever on the sight body. The weight of the sight is 0.7 kg.

Almost all sights used are sealed, and they also have a mode for matching with the night vision module. The operating time of sights before replacing the power source can reach up to tens of hours.

Many developers also use optical sights for shooting from underbarrel grenade launchers, for which a number of companies have developed automated sighting optoelectronic systems. For shooting from automatic rifles, in most cases it is quite possible to only have an optical sight.

As an example of such an automated complex, it is possible to cite the FCU 850-N manufactured by FN Herstal.

Designed for under-barrel and hand-held 40-mm grenade launchers, the complex makes it possible to measure the elevation angle and range of a target, and automatically calculate the trajectory (data from the firing table of 50 types of ammunition can be entered into memory). The maximum possible firing range using the FCU 850-N is 380 m, weight without batteries is 0.53 kg.

For a long period, foreign 40-mm grenade launcher ammunition was divided into 2 large categories - low-velocity 40 x 46 mm and high-velocity with a case length of 53 mm. The first, which were intended for under-barrel and hand grenade launchers, provide maximum range firing up to 400 m. The second, used in automatic grenade launchers, up to 2,100-2,200 m. Not so long ago, the Rippel Effect company from South Africa proposed intermediate, medium-speed shots with a case length of 51 mm, which could only be used in grenade launchers specially designed for these shots. The firing range of these ammunition reached 800 m.

The Singaporean company ST Kinetics proposed its version of medium-speed 40 x 46 mm rounds for hand grenade launchers. The difference between Asian ammunition is that it can be used to fire grenade launchers, which were originally developed for low-velocity ammunition and which are widely used. The firing range of fragmentation and cumulative fragmentation grenades is about 600 m, but this is one and a half times greater than that of standard 40 x 60 mm rounds. In addition, the dispersion characteristics have been significantly improved.

The same manufacturer introduced new modification HV ABMS fire control systems for 40 mm automatic grenade launchers(Mk 19, NK GMG, etc.), which provides remote detonation of grenades. The complex includes: a 40-mm shot with a programmable fuse, sighting system with a laser rangefinder and a fuse programmer, which is installed on the muzzle of the barrel. The weight of the system with batteries is 6 kg, dimensions are 350 x 230 x 160 mm.

The LV ABMS complex, similar in purpose, is also offered for 40-mm under-barrel and hand-held grenade launchers. Its features are low weight (0.35 kg) and small dimensions of the fire control unit.

The best new items in Russian weapons literature

Books on small arms by the most competent authors

Classic publications and debut works of weapons writers

History of the Russian assault rifle - S.B. Monetchikov

This publication represents one of the first successful attempts to give an objective picture of the development in our country of this type of individual automatic weapons, such as machine guns. Until now, most of the significant facts and events of interest to historical analysis, were classified. The book “The History of the Russian Automatic Machine” was prepared on the basis of the author’s work with a significant number of domestic and foreign sources, including previously inaccessible documentary and archival materials from the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Defense Industry. Therefore, it will be useful as an objective historical study not only to specialists in the field of close combat weapons, but also to a wide range of readers interested in the history of small arms, their present and future.

Infantry weapons of the Third Reich (3 volumes) - S.B. Monetchikov

This book is full review systems of small arms and ammunition used in the armed forces of the Third Reich. The book presents not only specifications of the described samples, but also the history of the development of these weapons in the context of the history of the Second World War. Along with standard samples, the publication includes a description of experimental German samples of small arms, as well as the main samples of captured weapons used in the Wehrmacht. The book consists of three volumes. The first volume contains an overview of the development of short-barreled individual weapons (pistols and submachine guns). The second volume examines the history of the development of long-barreled individual weapons (magazine, self-loading, automatic and assault rifles). The third volume presents samples of long-barreled group weapons (machine guns, anti-tank rifles and anti-tank grenade launchers). The appendices provide information on the ammunition used, provide documents of that time, and also provide a list of codes of the main German manufacturers of small arms during the Second World War.

Encyclopedia of Small Arms - A.B. Bug

This work is the first posthumous publication famous book A.B. Zhuk "Encyclopedia of Small Arms", first published by Military Publishing House in 1997. While fully reproducing the text and drawings of weapons and ammunition included in previous editions of the same name, this book has some differences. It is supplemented by a biography of the author, compiled by his son Yu.A. Zhuk, as well as an autobiographical article by A.B. Zhuk “The interest in weapons really did not leave me all my life,” which will undoubtedly attract the attention of readers. The encyclopedia presents small arms from around the world (except machine guns), produced from the advent of unitary cartridges to the present day (September 1997). More than half of the publication is occupied by illustrations made by the author, an artist by profession and a weapons lover by spirit. Designed for readers interested in the development of weapons and military affairs. It will be useful to gunsmiths, criminologists, workers of museums, film studios, and theaters.

Small arms of the world - V.E. Markevich

The book by V.E. Markevich is a unique encyclopedic publication in which the author for the first time showed the evolution of domestic and foreign firearms from the time of their inception to the mid-twentieth century. The value and peculiarity of this work lies not only in the breadth of coverage of the history of the development of handguns, but also in the fact that it is presented comprehensively. Provides data on domestic and foreign combat army weapons, sports shooting, hunting firearms, their relationship and mutual influence. The second edition is supplemented with information about weapons of the 18th century. the period of Peter the Great's era and Suvorov's battles, other periods. The final part of the book contains articles by the author on various weapons topics.

Pistol - S.L. Fedoseev

The book comprehensively talks about the most common type of small arms - the pistol. The main stages are covered in a popular form historical development personal weapons, requirements for pistols depending on their purpose, the design of various types of pistols and cartridges for them, the basics of shooting and operating personal weapons. The book is intended for a wide range of readers interested in small arms.

Pistols of the World - Ian W. Hogg, John Walter

The most complete publication, telling about more than three thousand models of pistols and revolvers in the world! The book contains more than a thousand illustrations, which makes it a unique and unparalleled encyclopedia of small arms in the world. The book is addressed to a wide range of readers interested in the history of the development of small arms.

World War II: the war of gunsmiths - Marin Milchev, Maxim Popenker

Second world war It’s not for nothing that it’s been dubbed the “gunsmiths’ war.” It caused a colossal revolution in military production, a real weapons revolution. In 1939, Europe entered the battle with light tanks, outdated biplanes and antique repeating rifles, and ended the Second World War with the clanging of the tracks of Tigers and Ises and the roar of the first jet fighters. The same processes occurred in the field of small arms. In less than five years, a tremendous technological breakthrough was made, which led to the emergence of completely new classes of technology, such as assault rifles and single machine guns. It was during the Second World War that the firearms designs used to this day were born, and such legendary models as the Sturmgever-44, the MG-42/MG-3 machine gun and, finally, the famous Kalashnikov assault rifle. Throughout the war there was a rapid race small arms, a correspondence competition between the best designers of the warring powers. This book is dedicated to this great battle of gunsmiths.

Combat pistols of the world - M.R. Popenker

A systematic review of combat pistols used in the Armed Forces and police forces of most countries of the world from 1945 to the present. The publication provides not only reference and technical information about the main types of combat pistols, but also a historical overview of the events that accompanied the adoption of certain models and systems. In addition, the review includes some experimental and low-volume samples of pistols developed during the period under review. The appendices provide information on the design of modern pistols, the ammunition used and their comparative effectiveness.

Assault rifles of the world - M.R. Popenker

The book will provide an overview of the development assault rifles and ammunition for them, and also analyzes the prospects for the development of this class of weapons. Descriptions and characteristics of more than 80 samples of assault rifles and machine guns created in different countries world over the past 60 years.

Russian machine guns. Heavy fire - Semyon Fedoseev

It is difficult to overestimate the role of machine guns in the development of military affairs - having cut short millions of lives, they forever changed the face of war. But even experts did not immediately appreciate them, initially viewing them as special weapon with a very narrow range of combat missions - for example, at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries, machine guns were considered just one of the types of fortress artillery. However, already during the Russo-Japanese War, automatic fire proved its highest efficiency, and during the First World War, machine guns became one of essential means fire destruction of the enemy in close combat, were installed on tanks, combat aircraft and ships. Automatic weapons made a real revolution in military affairs: heavy machine-gun fire literally swept away the advancing troops, becoming one of the main causes of the “positional crisis”, radically changing not only the tactical methods of combat, but also the entire military strategy. This book is the most complete and detailed encyclopedia of Russian, Soviet and Soviet machine gun weapons to date. Russian army With late XIX and up to beginning of the XXI century, both domestic models and foreign ones - purchased and captured. The author, a leading expert on the history of small arms, not only cites detailed descriptions the design and operation of easel, hand-held, single, large-caliber, tank and aircraft machine guns, but also talks about their combat use in all the wars that our country waged throughout the turbulent 20th century.

This publication for the first time most fully covers the history of creation, development and combat use ALL samples of Soviet small arms adopted for service in the period from 1917 to 1995. For the first time, special-purpose weapons are presented, including weapons for divers, cosmonauts, pilots and special forces, as well as the most significant samples of small arms and cartridges. Considerable attention is paid to the activities of designers, heroic deeds Soviet people at the front and in captivity during the Great Patriotic War 1941 - 1945 The book is richly illustrated with photographs from the author’s personal archive, state archives and museums. For the first time, you can get acquainted with previously prohibited photographs and biographies of modern Soviet gunsmith designers. Designed for specialists and a wide range of readers.