KS-23

History

Russians call their KS-23 a "special carbine" (KS = "Karabin Spetsialniy"), although it looks more like a shotgun, because of its large-caliber rifled barrel arrangement (different from traditional shotguns) , the latter uses a smoothbore). The KS-23 uses a large 23mm cartridge, which has more in common with Soviet anti-aircraft shells than standard shotguns. Considering that the KS-23 was developed from discarded anti-aircraft gun barrels that never passed quality control testing, this is not surprising, as the KS-23 was developed as a specialized anti-riot by using those "defective" 23mm barrels Weapons have been rebuilt. The size and construction of these barrels proved perfect for the use of special low-power projectiles, so these barrels began to appear in shorter, leaner forms to produce the new "KS-23". The Soviet-focused Tulsky Oruzheiny Zavod was commissioned, while the design was credited to the TsNIITochMash, with development taking place in the 1970s.

TsNIITochMash is the "Central Institute of Precision Engineering" known as the leading manufacturer of Soviet-Russian military and internal security firearms. The KS-23 entered service with the Russian Police Force in 1985.

At the heart of the KS-23 is a hand pump-action sled weapon system that falls in every way into the standard Western "shotgun" classification, although it is larger in every way. The system weighs 3.85 kg and has a barrel length of 1,040 mm and a barrel length of 510 mm (basic form). Its official caliber is listed as 23mm, which becomes 6.27 gauge in American nomenclature, and the feeding system consists of a tubular magazine located under the barrel. The magazine can only hold 3 x 23mm rounds, although a fourth round can be loaded "ready to fire", bringing the total ammo capacity to four. Iron sights are integrated as standard, and the 23mm internal ignition system requires the use of a multi-lug locking bolt assembly.

A variety of shells have been developed for the KS-23 due to its unique design, including regular shot, solid steel, non-lethal rubber, tear gas and lightning. The militarized version can add optional muzzle attachments for firing various types of barrel grenades (mostly tear gas for riot control), as well as grappling hooks for special forces, etc.

The KS-23 designation identifies the original production model and the basic safety-conscious KS-23 form. This type features a 510mm barrel, which sets it apart from other KS-23 production brands. The militarized version is the production KS-23M "thrush" model, which does away with the base product's solid wood stock and features a more convenient and shorter 410mm long barrel. Some examples of this model have been identified with or without wire. In any case, the KS-23M is lighter and therefore easier to handle.

The KS-23K is a complete redesign of the KS-23 into a "bull-fight" configuration (action now behind the pistol grip and trigger assembly) to take advantage of the inherent interior space created by the larger shoulder rest required. The new arrangement allows for a maximum of seven rounds in an internal magazine instead of the three-round limit of the original production model. The KS-23K appeared in the late 1990s.

The KS-23 was known as the TOZ-123 "Drake" in its civilian market form, but was only available in tree shell form and was banned in some countries.

The KS-23 series has had limited service since its inception - no doubt due to the special nature of the weapons and ammunition. Still, it's one of the most powerful shotgun-style systems in the world, if not the most powerful.

Specification

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PERFORMANCE

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