Self-loading pistols MP-448 "Skif" and MP-448S "Skif-Mini"

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Pistol MP-448 Skif

Pistol MP-448S Skif-mini

The MP-448 Skif pistol was created in 1998 by D. Bogdanov based on the PM design, and the main difference between the MP-448 is a polymer frame instead of a steel one. The main objectives in the development of this pistol were compactness, light weight, reliable operation, low cost and ease of production. The first prototype was created in the shortest possible time, facilitated by the use of three-dimensional modeling and the long-established production process of Makarov pistols. The MP-448 pistol exists in two versions - chambered for 9x18, with a magazine capacity of 12 rounds, and 9x17, with a magazine capacity of 10 rounds. The 9x18 version is intended for law enforcement and export, while the 9x17 version is intended primarily for security agencies. The Skif pistol can also use 9×18 PBP cartridges. In parallel with the standard MP-448, a compact version for concealed carry has been developed - the MP-448S Skif-mini, which differs only in its smaller dimensions and weight.

The automatic operation of the pistol works according to the scheme of using recoil with a free shutter. The bolt-casing, copied from a conventional PM and without any significant changes, is held in the extreme forward position by a return spring located on the barrel. To reduce the overall weight, as well as cost and increase manufacturability, the designer decided to use a polymer frame, but with steel guides for the shutter-casing. The trigger guard is not a separate part from the frame, unlike the PM, and has a straight front surface for placing the index finger of the hand supporting the weapon. However, this method of holding, fashionable in the 1990s, is generally recognized as not effective in reducing recoil and throwing up the weapon when fired. The front part of the frame has grooves for attaching a tactical flashlight or laser designator.

The handle of the Skif is significantly superior in ergonomics to the handle of a Makarov pistol. The angle of inclination of the MP-448 handle is 7° greater than that of the PM. At the top of the back there is a fairly deep recess. The handle “sits” tightly and comfortably in the hand, and its grip remains stable both during leisurely aiming and during high-speed shooting, even taking into account the rather significant toss when firing. On the left surface of the bolt-casing there is a safety lever, which, when turned on, blocks the firing pin and safely releases the hammer. In the on position, the safety locks the sear and the bolt-casing, while the trigger does not touch the firing pin. The bolt stop lever is located on the left side of the frame in a special recess.

The magazine latch is located at the base of the trigger guard, which ensures quick magazine changes when reloading the weapon. This latch can also be installed on the left side of the frame. Above the trigger guard, on the left side of the frame, there is a lever that locks the bolt-casing. It was this lever that replaced the rotary trigger guard. Sights consist of a front sight, made as part of the bolt-casing, and a rear sight, fixed in a dovetail groove with the possibility of making lateral adjustments. The magazine with a double-row arrangement of cartridges, repeating the design of the PMM magazine, has a plastic cover with a front protrusion for placing the little finger of the shooter's hand holding the weapon on it. Factory tests were successful and demonstrated the high reliability of the pistol. The result is a simple, convenient, inexpensive and reliable pistol, however, due to a number of circumstances, the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant does not currently produce MP-448 and MP-448C.

Performance characteristics of the Skif-mini pistol

• Caliber: 9×18 / 9×17
• Weapon length: 150 mm
• Barrel length: 79 mm
• Weapon height: 107 mm
• Weapon width: 32 mm
• Weight without cartridges: 590 g.
• Magazine capacity: 8 / 8 rounds

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MP-448 "Skif" - a little-known pistol from the dashing 90s

It was modeled on the basis of the legendary Makarov pistol, which at that time was already considered obsolete

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In the 90s, Russian weapons designers began to work especially actively. At that time, it was already clear: the pistols of the Tokarev and Makarov systems in service with the army were morally outdated. In addition, the private security structures that appeared in the country were interested in the emergence of new, more modern weapons; in the “dashing” 90s, “civilians” were also actively interested in new developments. In total, during that period, Russian designers developed more than ten types of pistols and submachine guns. One of the most interesting was the experimental self-loading pistol MP-448 “Skif”, which was created as an alternative to pistols of the Tokarev and Makarov system

How did the MP-448 “Skif” appear?

The designer of the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, Dmitry Bogdanov, developed his model of a “pocket” weapon for special forces in 1998 using the latest computer technologies, which first made it possible to create a 3-D model of modern weapons for law enforcement officers. Afterwards, molds for its parts were made.

Thanks to the use of parts made from new composite materials, the developers managed to significantly reduce the weight of the MP-448 “Skif” pistol to 0.64 kg (with a magazine without cartridges) and at the same time increase the magazine capacity. The Skif's magazine, unlike the Makarov's, can hold 12 rounds. For comparison, a Makarov pistol with an empty magazine weighs 0.73 kilograms and can only hold eight standard 9x18 mm PM cartridges.

The Makarov pistol was put into service back in 1951. Photo: wikipedia.org

Thanks to its angular design, reminiscent of pistols from foreign arms companies, the MP-448 has a flat trigger guard surface on the front side, allowing it to be fired with either one or two hands. This feature made it popular among women law enforcement officers and security agencies.

The standard hammer-type firing mechanism allows firing by pre-cocking the hammer manually or by self-cocking, and the use of the recoil energy of the free shutter facilitates targeted shooting in semi-automatic mode.

The barrel length of the standard Skif model is 93.5 mm with a total weapon length of 165 mm, which ensures fairly high accuracy in hitting targets.

Thanks to the increased angle of the handle compared to the Makarov pistol, the weapon became more ergonomic, and the deep recess in the upper part and the presence of side notches on the handle made it possible to hold the MP-448 more securely in the hand. There are special grooves on the bolt frame that make it possible to attach a laser target designator or tactical flashlight to the pistol. And the presence of a fuse allows you to block the sear and bolt, which avoids inadvertent shots.

Pistol MP-448 "Skif". Photo: YouTube frame

Three modifications of "Skif"

The “combat” or standard model of the “Skif” has a large magazine that can hold 12 standard 9x18 mm PM or high-power 9x18 mm PMP cartridges, capable of penetrating almost any body armor. Such unification is especially appreciated by employees of Russian intelligence services and law enforcement agencies.

Conceived as the main weapon for employees of private security companies, the Skif version is designed to fire low-power 9x17 mm K cartridges, which are not capable of causing serious harm to detained offenders. The magazine holds 10 rounds, which makes the pistol convenient to carry, both in a belt holster and in the pockets of equipment or uniforms.

A shortened and lightweight model MP-448S was also released. It was assumed that the Skif Mini would be used as a civilian weapon for self-defense. However, later, due to its light weight and compact size, it turned out to be very popular among women working in private security companies.

The designer had high hopes for his brainchild; the pistol was being prepared for mass production; it was planned that it could turn out to be the main type of small arms for the police and employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. However, the MP-448 Skif never became a mass-produced weapon. Some experts believe that Bogdanov's development simply came at the wrong time.

"Skif" was produced in limited quantities according to special orders from security agencies. Now the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant has been repurposed to produce a simpler Baikal-442 pistol, which is an almost complete copy of the Makarov PM pistol, but is equipped with a laser designator and a magazine release button. Since 2003, the MP-448 “Skif” has been certified in Kazakhstan as a service weapon. It is used by law enforcement officers and private security guards. Information about the year in which official production ceased and in what volumes limited editions of Skif were produced is a trade secret.

Performance characteristics of modifications MP-448 "Skif"

Kondratiev Stepan
military correspondent Interesting history pistol Russian weapons

Review of the ANICS A-3000 LB SKIF air pistol

ANICS A-3000 LB SKIF is a rather interesting air pistol, which stands out for its unusual magazine design (fan-shaped bullet feed), as well as for the rather long barrel hidden under a dummy muffler. It provides high power, firing range, and good accuracy. Works best with lead bullets, as steel balls wear out the barrel quickly.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of the Anix Skif a 3000 lb pistol:

• Bolt stop and movable frame;
• Long barrel;
• The rail allows the use of additional accessories;
• Flag fuse;
• Ergonomic handle;
• Sealing of gaps;
• Customizable sighting device;
• Reliability;
• The manufacturer tried to bring the pistol’s operation as close as possible to a combat pistol.

Many consider the disadvantage of the Anix 3000 lb pistol to be the plastic body, but it is made of polyamide, which, by the way, is also used for military weapons, which ensures low weight and low cost.

Purpose

The Skif air pistol is equally suitable for beginners who want to learn how to handle weapons, as well as for experienced shooters who regularly train in sports shooting. At the same time, excellent accuracy and high range will help to show decent results.

It is worth noting that this air pistol is not suitable for self-defense. This also applies to any other models. The energy of the shot, as well as the stopping effect of the bullet, is not enough to prevent an attack. In most cases, a ball with a diameter of 4.5 mm will not even penetrate clothing, and shooting at the most vulnerable place, namely the eyes, can entail criminal liability.

For this reason, remember that this weapon is intended for sport shooting only and cannot be used as a means of self-defense.

Photo of the Anix A-3000 LB Skif air pistol

Device

The Skif's body is made of plastic, which is quite fragile. Therefore, you should not drop it. The clips are also made of it, so with constant use they have to be changed frequently. Fortunately, they are quite cheap, ranging from 300-600 rubles. For comparison, for a similar clip from Drozd you will have to pay at least three and a half thousand rubles.

The following fact speaks in favor of the manufacturer - he tried to bring the operation of his device as close as possible to the operation of a combat pistol. For example, the trigger has a double action type, which makes it possible to fire self-cocking as quickly as possible. You can pre-torque the shutter, which will affect shooting accuracy in a positive direction.

The gas canister is inserted into the handle separately from the clip. The membrane of the can is pierced using a locking mechanism.

The rifled barrel and the use of rifle cartridges allow you to shoot much more accurately than competitors. By the way, you need to pay special attention to the barrel. Here you need to digress a little and remember how a shot is fired on most pistols - the trigger is pulled, the firing pin hits the valve in the body or magazine.

With Skif, everything happens a little differently, because his barrel moves. This happens as follows: the hammer is cocked, the barrel moves away from the magazine, and when firing begins, under the action of a spring it hits the magazine roller (it contains a bullet). Next, the force from the roller is transferred to the valve.

The interesting thing here is that during the shot, these parts are combined into one design. The advantage of this combination is that the entire portion of the gas is spent to fire the shot. For comparison, with most competitors, approximately 50% of the gas portion goes into the store, reducing power. It turns out that with the same characteristics, Skif's shot is much stronger.

The A-3000 is quite demanding when it comes to cleanliness, so it is recommended to clean it after each shooting.

Disassembly and upgrade

For partial disassembly, you need to remove the clip, gas cartridge, and unload the gun. Then the bolt carrier must be pulled back as far as it will go and the rear section raised. For greater convenience, the return spring can be removed along with the rod. This concludes the analysis. Assembly is in reverse order, and to make it easier, it is recommended to pre-cock the trigger.

Complete disassembly differs only in that in addition to all of the above, you also need to squeeze out all the pins. You may also need a wide flathead screwdriver to remove the valve block.

The redesign of the store has already been mentioned above, and that’s all, there’s nothing more to upgrade. Unless you install a laser center and TF, for which there is a special bracket.

Possible tuning

Quite often, users encounter the problem of a cartridge falling out of the magazine of the Anix A 3000 LB pistol. The reason can be found in improper installation of the rollers. What do you need to do? It's quite simple. It is necessary to disassemble the magazine and turn each roller 180 degrees. As a result, the speed of the bullet's departure may increase slightly. However, be careful, because you may come across an already modified version, or the manufacturer may have changed this flaw.

It is not recommended to carry out other modifications, since the pistol is already well tuned, and its maximum power is very limited.