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long 9 mm cartridge weapons
( note: the specifications are in the data table ! )
The Russians developed a 9 x 39 mm calibre for families of “compact assault rifles” and silent short-range sniper rifles. The bullets of these cartridges are subsonic and silenced applications make therefore a lot of sense. The hitting power of these bullets is (despite most of them being optimized for armour penetration) necessarily impressive in comparison with machine pistol, small calibre pistol and PDW bullets. Below, I’ll make a cut at a barrel length of 300mm, assuming that weapons with longer barrels are not interesting in the context of PDW. There are several longer barrelled 9 x 39 mm weapons though.
Kalashnikov OTs-11 TISS in 9 x 39 mm
This experimental AKS-74U derivative carbine is chambered for 9 x 39 mm. Just an abandoned prototype as far as I know. But it is certainly interesting because the similarities with the AK-74 reduce the need for dedicated PDW training and the cartridge is very fine for silenced applications - for example at night or in CQB.
www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/2000/2094.htm
KBP 9A-91 in 9 x 39 mm
The 9A-91 in 9x39mm is the only one of a “9A-91” weapons family in 7.62x39, 5.45x39, 5.56x45 and 9x39 calibres. Originaly intended as a Russian Army PDW, it’s now rather in use with Russian paramilitary forces. For military PDW applications, the weight and bulk of the catridges/magazines would likely pose severe restrictions to the carried ammunition. the effective range is likely o teh order of about 100m due to subsonic bullets and short sight radius, but the subsonic muzzle velocity has also advantages. For example, silencers would be much more effective.
world.guns.ru/assault/as64-e.htm
www.shipunov.com/eng/str/strelk/9a91.htm
www.bellum.nu/armoury/wm/a91.html
TSNIITOCHMASH SR-3 “Vikhr” in 9 x 39 mm
Derived from the silenced AS Val assault rifle, the Vikhr (“Whirlwind”) is now in use for various security forces in Russia. Overall, it’s very similar to -but reportedly more expensive than- the KBP 9A-91.
world.guns.ru/assault/as65-e.htm
http://www.gun-world.net/russain/sp9mm/sr3/sr3.htm
The Russian 9 x 30 mm “Grom” (Thunder) and U.S. 9 x 30mm Colt MARS calibres are also well beyond normal pistol and submachinegun ammunition.
Colt MARS in 9 x 30 mm
The Colt MARS is described elsewhere, too. The 9 x 30 mm variant seems to have been only an experiment in an experiment, just like a 10 mm variant of the MARS about which I have even less info. It remains a mystery to my why they did not simply design a 5,56NATO-compatible cartridge for short barrels and a AR-15 subcarbine for both this cartridge and the NATO cartridge
The Colt MARS is described in more detail in the book “NEW BLACK RIFLE II - The M16 into the 21st Century” by Christopher R. Bartocci from Collector’s Grade Publications.
Rex Firearms Gepard / PP-SShS in 9 x 30 mm
The Gepard is an experimental weapon for several different 9mm calibres - one of them is the rather long 9x30mm cartridge. Partially consisting of AK-series parts, it features an untypical (for Russia) buttstock, a prominent muzzle compensator and a magazine in the handgrip. The latter feature is no good news for such a cartridge, ergonomy might be compromised. Furthermore, a fore grip seems very advisable.
www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/0200/264.htm
diversant.h1.ru/guns/pispul/gepard.html
www.greendevils.pl/technika_wojskowa/bron/gepard/gepard.html (I guess this is in Polish)
www.personaldefenceweapons.com
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