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GSh-18



Overview


GSh-18

GSh-18 pistol without magazine. The polymer frame and metal slide are clearly visible.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin - © GNU Attribution - Share Alike license

Origin
Russia
Type
Pistol
Entered service
2001
Status
In limited service
Development
1995 - 2000
Developer
Russia - KBP Instrument Design Bureau
Gryazev and Shipunov as lead designers
Production
2000 - present
GSh-18
2012 - present
GSh-18T
Producer
Russia - TOZ
Designations
P-96
Prototype version
6P54
GRAU index

Description


Introduction

The GSh-18 is a modern pistol of Russian origin. It was designed in the 1990's as a replacement of the Makarov PM standard issue pistol in use with Russian military and law enforcement. The pistol is named after the initials of its designers and the magazine capacity. During military trails the PYa design was selected and it remains to be seen if the GSh-18 will receive significant orders.

Design

The GSh-18 is recoil operated pistol with a locked breech. Locking is achieved by a rotating barrel with the unique amount of 10 locking lugs that require only a very limited degree of rotation. The GSh-18 is striker fired and features a trigger safety. The frame is made of polymer and the barrel, slide and internal mechanism out of steel. A staggered row 18 round magazine is used.

Firepower

The GSh-18 fires the 7N31 armor piercing high pressure version of the 9x19mm NATO round from an 18 round magazine. Standard 9x19mm ammunition can also be used. The GSh-18 is a self-loading weapon and is only capable of semi-automatic fire. The 7N31 round has a much better armor piercing capability than standard 9x19mm ammunition and will pierce level III body armor at 20 meters. Military trails have shown that the GSh-18 is reliable.

Users

The GSh-18 lost out to the Yaragin PYa to become the next standard issue sidearm for the Russian forces. Therefore it remains to be seen if this good design has any future. The GSh-18 is reportedly in very limited use with various Russian law enforcement or military units.

Details


The GSh-18 is a modern Russian pistol that fires the powerful 7N31 armor piercing round. It may also use 7N21 and standard 9x19mm rounds. The GSh-18 only comes in a full size version and there are no variants. Trails models featured a ribbed pistol grip while the production version has a ragged pattern.

List of GSh-18 variants

GSh-18
Original production version as produced since the year 2000.
GSh-18T
Tactical variant as introduced in 2012. Features slightly longer polymer frame with Picatinny accessory rail.
Facts GSh-18
General
Origin
Russia
Type
Pistol
Caliber
Caliber
9x19mm 7N31 (also 7N21 or Parabellum)
Magazine capacity
18 rounds
Barrel length
103 mm
Muzzle velocity
535 - 570 m/s
Action
Operation
Short recoil operated, locked breech with rotating barrel, striker fired
Rate of fire
Semi-automatic
Dimensions
Length
183 mm
Width
34 mm
Height
136 mm
Weight
0.47 kg without magazine, 0.58 kg with empty magazine, 0.8 kg loaded
Sights

Related articles


Gyurza

The Gyurza is a direct competitor to the GSh-18 and proved to be more succesful.