WITU WIST-94 (Pyrit / Pyrite)

History

WIST-94 was a conventional striker fired, double action only (DOA), 9mm, short recoil, semi-automatic 1990s Polish service pistol. Its design was directed by the Institute of Military Equipment Technology (WITU) under the project code "Piryt" (which translates to "pyrite"), and two different trial dies - the MA01 rotating breech and B01 Broken barrel breech.

Following the budget delay, Form B01 was selected for official acceptance and subsequent production under the designation WIST-94. It officially entered service with the Polish Army in 1999.

The WIST-94 accommodates the ubiquitous German 9x19mm Parabellum pistol cartridge. Uses short recoil and feeds from a 16-round detachable magazine at the bottom of the grip. Overall, the pistol has a traditional design layout and functionality, borrowing proven elements from John Browning's earlier designs (such as the broken barrel locking mechanism).

Internally, the barrel is octagonal, mounted above the recoil spring, and uses a single automatic firing pin safety system with the hammer nearly cocked to make it easier to pull the trigger on subsequent shots. Hybrid construction is used to maintain rigidity but maintain a lightweight form - the rails are steel, the frame is polymer.

The magazine can be released from its socket via a protruding button near the trigger assembly - which can be reversed for left-handed shooters.

All other qualities of the weapon are as expected - breech ribbed at rear end for easy grip, pistol grip ergonomically designed, iron sights (front and rear) mounted on breech, curved trigger assembly located in the thick trigger ring.

The WIST-94L is a variant that provides an integrated laser sight for light low-altitude operations by dedicated infantry units.

The pistol has been used in combat in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Specification

BASICS

Years of Service

1999

Origins

Poland

Categories

Semi-Auto Service Pistol

Manufacturer

Military Institute of Defense Technology (WITU) Poland

Operator

Poland

Roll

Pistol/Pistol

Compact design for close work or general self-defense.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

190 mm

7.48 inches

Barrel length

114mm

4.49 inches

Cured weight

1. 61 lbs

0.73 kg

Attractions

Before and after ironing.

Action

semi-auto; short recoil

Semi-automatic

One shot per trigger; self-loading or self-loading action supported by internal mechanisms; stroke management (and initial cocking) typically required by operators; subsequent shots assisted by unlocking/moving bolts.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

9x19mm Parabellum

Circle/Feed

16-round detachable magazine.

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived

82 feet

(25 m | 27 yards)

Rate of fire

34

Number of revolutions

Mile speed

1,170 ft/s

(357m/s)

VARIANTS

WIST-94 - The name of the base series. WIST-94L - Integrated Laser Sight.