KBP 9A-91

History

The KBP 9A-91 introduced after 1993 is essentially a carbine-style assault rifle, a compact assault weapon system. Mainly used by Russian police forces, this type - like other upcoming "professional" Russian guns - uses the interesting 9x39mm subsonic cartridge. The cartridge is based on the 7.62x39mm rifle cartridge, although it has an elongated "neck" to accommodate the 9mm bullet - the type most commonly found in semi-automatic pistols and submachine guns.

The result is a melee weapon with the devastating firepower of a full-length automatic rifle - as the 9x39mm is designed to penetrate the latest body armor while providing a low audible signal. The design and manufacture of the 9A-91 is/is the responsibility of the KBP Instrument Design Bureau.

The design of the 9A-91 is very traditional for automatic weapons, with polymers used for "non-essential" parts of the weapon, such as the pistol grip and front handguard. This design move helps keep the weight of the weapon at a "manageable" level.

However, steel stampings are still used in the construction of the receiver, and key internal components are still metal. The receiver on the left side of the case is relatively featureless, while the right side houses the charging handle and ejection port. The 9A-91 features a metal stock that can be folded over the receiver to significantly reduce the overall length of the weapon. Optics or accessories can be attached to the top of the receiver for precise work up close. The pistol grip is traditional, slightly angled back for an ergonomic grip.

The grip is integrated into the ring-protected curved trigger element, while the trigger is located behind the magazine well. The weapon accepts a straight, detachable 20-round magazine, breaking with the curved magazine tradition of previous Soviet and Russian assault weapon designs. The firing process is a conventional gas operation with a rotating bolt unit.

The leading edge is ribbed for a firm grip, while the barrel only protrudes forward a small portion. Overall, the selected design features represent a fairly compact and robust assault weapon suitable for the most serious police use.

The rate of fire of the 9A-91 is between 700 and 900 rounds per minute - on par with many assault rifles. The lower velocity of the 9x39mm subsonic ammunition greatly reduces the weapon's effective range to below 100 meters.

While limited range is a disadvantage for most weapons, the type of policing required to use elements of a weapon like the 9A-91 is mostly close range, so the limitation is negligible.

The 9A-91 assault carbine forms the bulk of the Russian Special Forces VSK-94 suppression sniper rifle.

Specification

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