KBP GSh-18

History

In the world of modern semi-automatic pistols, the GHs-18 stands out as a highly advanced Russian pistol designed by V.P. Gryazev and A.G. Shipunov in the late 1990s. It has been in production since 2001 and is primarily used by the Russian military, law enforcement, and security forces. This pistol follows a traditional design with a reliable short recoil mechanism, featuring a rotating barrel and firing pin ignition. Notably, its design accommodates gloved hands and includes safety mechanisms in the triggers.

The GHs-18 has an overall length of 7.2 inches and a 4.1-inch barrel, constructed with a combination of polymer and steel, weighing 590 grams. It utilizes 9x19mm Parabellum, 9x19mm 7N21 +P+, and 9x19mm 7N31 +P+ cartridges, achieving a muzzle velocity of 1,755 feet per second. It boasts user-friendly features like a reversible magazine release for left-handed operation, a simple and reliable design with only 17 individual parts, and an integrated front blade for aiming.

The pistol comes in various variants, including the base GSh-18 model, Tactical with a Picatinny rail for accessories, Sport configurations for civilian target shooting, and the GSh-18T, designed for riot control with rubber bullets. Overall, the GHs-18 offers a versatile and reliable option for those in need of a modern semi-automatic pistol.

Specification

Foundation

Year of Service: 2000

Origins: Russia

Categories: Military/safety semi-automatic pistols

Manufacturer: KBP Instrument Design Bureau Russia

Operator: Russia; Syria

Muzzle Velocity: 1,755 ft/sec (535 m/sec)

Roles

Pistol/Pistol

Compact design for close work or general self-defense.

Fire Support

Ability to suppress enemy elements at a distance using direct or indirect fire.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length: 184mm (7.24 inches)

Barrel length: 103 mm (4.06 inches)

Cured weight: 1.30 lbs (0.59 kg)

Attractions: back notch; front blade

Action

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*: 9 x 19 mm parabellum; 9x19mm 7N21 +P+; 9x19mm 7N31 +P+

Circle/Feed: 18-round detachable magazine.

VARIANTS

GSh-18 Tactical - Model of 2012; silencer/suppressor capable; Picatinny rail for accessories mounting.

GSh-18 Sport - Civilian market sport shooting; modified trigger; 10-round magazine capacity.

GSh-18 Sport 2 - Civilian market sport shooting; modified trigger; 18-round magazine capacity.

GSh-18T - Rubber bullet-capable for riot/crowd control.