KMP AEK-919

History of the KMP AEK-919

The Russian KMP AEK-919 is a highly compact submachine gun with design elements reminiscent of the Israeli UZI. It features a pistol-style magazine and a balanced grip, making it comparable in size to some semi-automatic pistols while delivering submachine gun capabilities. This weapon, chambered for the 9x18mm Makarov pistol cartridge, was developed by the Kovrov Machine Plant and saw action during the First Chechen War in 1995. It finds extensive use among Russian special forces, regular armed forces, and special police units requiring a compact, high-capacity firearm.

The AEK-919 offers versatility, allowing for concealed operations with a silencer due to its threaded barrel. Internally, it employs a reliable backflush operating system with an open bolt arrangement and features a three-position selector for single-shot or three-shot firing. The magazine is inserted into the pistol grip to maintain a low-profile design, and the gun's foldable shoulder rest aids in handling while preserving its compact nature. With a barrel length of just 6.5 inches, the AEK-919 is well-suited for close-quarters combat.

Furthermore, the weapon can be equipped with optics for enhanced accuracy and includes provisions for shoulder straps. It underwent rigorous combat testing before widespread adoption, and there are variants like the AEK-918 and AEK-918V that accommodate different ammunition types. The modernized AEK-919K "Kashtan" represents an updated iteration of the original AEK-919, further enhancing its capabilities for specialized applications.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 1995

Origins: Russia

Categories

Manufacturer: Kovrov Machine Works (KMP) Russia

Operator: Russia

Roles

Mute

This weapon is either inherently silent/suppressed or can be made with special muzzle mounts, special subsonic ammo, or a combination of the two.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length: 325mm (12.80 inches)

Run Length: 167mm (6.57 inches)

Cured weight: 3. 75 lbs (1.70 kg)

Attractions: Front and rear irons; optional optics

Action

Backflush operation

The air pressure created by the rearward movement of the fired case provides the necessary bolt movement, case ejection and stripping of the new case from the magazine.

Open the latch

The system uses an internal mechanism, in which the bolt and associated working parts are located in the rear of the receiver, without a cartridge chamber. Pulling the trigger moves the bolt forward, chambering the cartridge and firing the bullet in one motion - and eventually resets throughout the cycle by the energy generated.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*: 9x18mm Makarov; 9x19mm (7N21/7N31); 9x19mm Parabellum

Circle/Feed: 20 or 30 rounds detachable magazine

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived: 330 ft (101 m | 110 yd)

Rate-of-Fire: 900 rds/min

Muzzle Velocity: 1,033 ft/sec (315 m/sec)

VARIANTS

AEK-918 - Chambered for the specific 9x19mm (7N21/7N31) cartridge.

AEK-918V - Chambered for the 9x19mm Parabellum pistol cartridge; 30-round magazine.

AEK-919K - Modernized model of the original AEK-919.