GP-34
Overview
GP-34
Left side view of GP-34 grenade launcher.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin -
© GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Nikolay Bezborodov
Description
Introduction
The GP-34 is a modern underbarrel grenade launcher of Russian origin. It was developed by Izhmash, the producer of the Kalashnikov series of assault rifles, and is the first grenade launcher developed by them. The GP-34 was developed as a competitor to the older GP-30.
Design
The GP-34 retains the overall appearance of the older Soviet GP-25 and GP-30. It is a muzzle loaded grenade launcher with short pistol grip. It is mounted on a Kalashnikov type rifle by clamping it on the barrel just in front of the handguard. The GP-34 differs from the GP-30 in how the sight works and its safety features. The GP-34 has a mechanism to retain the grenades in the barrel, has a trigger that can be reset upon misfire and allows for loaded grenades to be safely removed. Whereas the GP30 used a ladder sight, the GP-34 uses a mechanical sight with front sight post and rear notch sight. Before firing the sight unit is set at angle which corresponds to the desired range.
Firepower
The GP-34 uses the VOG-25 range of 40mm grenades which are also used in the GP-25 and GP-30. Ammunition types include the VOG-25 or 25M fragmentation grenades, VOG-25P and 25PM bounding fragmentation grenades and various other types such as smoke grenades. Maximum effective range is 400 meters. Practical rate of fire is 5 to 6 rpm.
Platforms
The GP-34 was developed to be fitted under a wide range of Kalashnikov rifles. These include the AK-74M, AN-94 Abakan and AK-100 series. Furthermore, it is backwards compatible with older AKM and AK-74 assault rifles.
Details
Media
GP-34
Right side view of GP-34 grenade launcher.
Source: Kalashnikov concern
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
GP-34
Left side view of GP-34 grenade launcher.
Source: Kalashnikov concern
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
AK-103 with GP-34
AK-103 assault rifle fitted with GP-34 grenade launcher and shoulder pad.
Source: KardeN
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
GP-34
Close-up of the sight unit used on the GP-34 grenade launcher.
Source: KardeN
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
40mm VOG-25
The GP-34 fires the VOG-25 series of 40mm muzzle loaded grenades.
GP-30 Obuvka
The GP-34 is a direct competitor to the GP-30M under barrel grenade launcher. At a glance both systems look rather similar, but they differ in various aspects.