TASS - about the possibilities of new pistols developed by Kalashnikov for Russian law enforcement agencies
In May 2022, the Federal Service of the National Guard Troops (FSVNG) of the Russian Federation, for the first time in several years, adopted a new pistol - the Lebedev modular pistol (MPL) and its special version MPL1, developed by the group (part of the Rostec state corporation).
New models will complement the existing arsenal of pistols, as well as replace outdated weapons. The development of the MPL and MPL1 clearly shows that the Russian defense industry has significantly strengthened its competencies in the development and production of modern pistols, and was also able to establish their mass production.
New pistol for law enforcement agencies
The development of the MPL began in 2022 in accordance with the tactical and technical specifications of the FSVNG and was carried out during development work, which involved the creation of a promising pistol chambered for 9x19 mm (Parabellum type) with expanded tactical capabilities. A few years later, in February 2022, the MPL successfully completed the state testing program, which opened the way for the new pistol to be put into service.
Despite the fact that the MPL was developed according to the technical specifications of the Russian Guard, it could potentially be of interest to other law enforcement agencies: improved ergonomics, great modernization potential, as well as the ability to install various add-ons (including attachments, high-capacity magazines, a trigger mechanism with automatic firing mode) allow you to modify the new pistol to perform almost any tactical task.
It is worth noting that the Lebedev family of pistols also includes a compact model, designated PLC (Lebedev compact pistol). State tests of the PLC were successfully completed in August 2022, and the pistol was recommended for adoption by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) of the Russian Federation. At the same time, the pistol underwent trial operation at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Kalashnikov began preparations for the development of its mass production.
History of creation
The inventor of the new Russian weapon was a young design engineer of TsNIItochmash, Ivan Kozlov. Despite his age, he has already managed to work on serious projects. For example, during his internship, Ivan, as part of the group of the famous designer, creator of 14 weapons, Pyotr Serdyukov, successfully adapted the Vintorez sniper rifle to the Ratnik combat equipment.
“Boa Constrictor” can be called the first independent work and the first huge success of the young designer, who is not yet thirty. By the way, Mikhail Kalashnikov was the same age when his AK was adopted.
As the creator of the Boa constrictor said, the technical assignment of the Russian Ministry of Defense to the designers of TsNIITochmash was extremely short. “As for the requirements of the Russian Ministry of Defense for the Boa Constrictor, they can be characterized very simply - they demanded a miracle. So that it is a reliable, lightweight and convenient self-loading pistol. Some demands (I can’t say yet what) were put forward that were completely unprecedented. But we did it!” the young designer said in an interview with MK.
Designer Ivan Kozlov during the presentation of the new pistol “Boa Constrictor”
The task that by default faces all Russian small arms developers was also successfully solved. The new pistol should be easy to use, not afraid of dirt, dust, water, and work without problems in Russian frost conditions. “The Ministry of Defense really wanted our gun to work flawlessly without lengthy cleaning and lubrication. And I think we succeeded,” noted Ivan Kozlov.
In total, the work to create a new model took almost five years. For the first time, the development of a pistol, which received the code designation “Boa Constrictor,” became known in October 2015 at the exhibition “Innovation Day of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.” There is a version that the name itself was due to the leisurely construction and final development of the pistol. The “snake” name is also explained by the completely unique sound of the shot, similar to the hiss of a snake.
Ergonomics and powerful ammunition
General Director of Kalashnikov Dmitry Tarasov told TASS that the Russian Guard has adopted both basic and special modifications of the pistol, which are designated MPL and MPL1, respectively.
Among the main differences of the new model is a low-mounted barrel, which contributes to less toss when fired. According to Tarasov, the shape of the handle of the MPL and MPL1 pistols provides a comfortable position for the hand, reduces aiming time and ensures less toss of the pistol when firing, as well as faster transfer of fire to other targets. It is worth noting that both pistols are equipped with interchangeable grip pads for different sizes of the shooter’s hands, and the location and shape of the control mechanisms of both pistols allow them to be used with equal convenience by both right and left hands.
MPL1 in packing
Image source: © Kalashnikov.Media
According to the general director of Kalashnikov, one of the distinctive features of the MPL is the ability to use high-power ammunition, including 9-mm cartridges of the 7N21 type, which according to the international classification belong to the “+P+” category. Shooting with other 9x19 mm Parabellum caliber cartridges is also allowed.
The MPL and MPL1 pistols have expanded tactical capabilities - thanks to a universal Picatinny rail mounted in the lower part of the frame, the pistol can be equipped with under-barrel devices, including tactical flashlights and laser designators.
Another distinctive feature of the new pistols is the 16-round magazine with holes in the rear, which provides visual control of the number of rounds (when not attached to the pistol). This innovation allows you to quickly determine whether the magazine is fully loaded, as well as monitor ammunition consumption.
Possibilities of "Boa"
The latest development of TsNIITochmash is designed to replace the famous Makarov pistol (PM), which was put into service almost seventy years ago. “Makarov” coped well with the role of the service weapon of the police, but meeting the requirements of the military became more and more difficult every year.
All the disadvantages of the PM - a relatively weak cartridge, low shooting accuracy at a distance of more than 50 meters, small magazine capacity, lack of additional accessories - smoothly flow into the key advantages of the Boa Constrictor.
The designers who worked on the “Boa Constrictor” took into account all the unfortunate moments in the ergonomics of the PM. The new pistol fits well in the hand, is suitable for right-handers and left-handers, and also has a universal Picatinny rail. A laser pointer or flashlight is attached to it. With a length of 206 mm and a thickness of 36 mm, the pistol weighs only 780 grams without cartridges.
Another advantage of the new weapon, as experts note, is the large magazine capacity. The PM magazine holds 9 rounds, while the Boa constrictor holds 18, which can be considered one of the best indicators in the world.
The new pistol uses a full range of 9x21 mm ammunition: tracer, armor-piercing, expansive. In addition, two new cartridges have been developed specifically for the Boa constrictor pistol - subsonic and increased penetration. The powerful Boa Constrictor ammunition can penetrate second-class body armor at a distance of several dozen steps. The increased power cartridge, along with a long barrel, increased the firing range and accuracy. The target range with which the “Boa Constrictor” confidently hits the target reaches 100 meters. For comparison, the Makarov pistol has an effective firing range of 40-50 meters.
Tactical and technical characteristics of MPL and MPL1
The length of the MPL is 205 mm, which ensures high speed and ease of use, including in confined spaces. The MPL1 pistol, equipped with a threaded barrel for attaching a device to reduce the sound of fire (PSZS), is slightly longer - 220 mm (400 mm with PSZS). The height of the base MPL is 140 mm; in MPL1 this figure is increased to 145 mm due to higher sighting devices necessary for accurate fire with PSZS.
The mass of MPL and MPL1 with an empty magazine is 0.8 kg and 0.815 kg, respectively; when connecting PSZS, the mass indicator of MPL1 increases to 1.15 kg. The pistols are equipped with barrels 112 and 127 mm long, respectively.
TASS tested
A TASS correspondent was able to test the MPL pistol during practical shooting. Compared to similar models, in particular the fourth generation Glock 17 and P226 pistols, it has a smaller recoil shoulder and greater control when firing a shot.
The included pads allow you to “adjust” the shape of the grip to the structure of your hand right before shooting, which also increases the ease of handling the pistol. Two-way controls (bolt stop, safety, magazine release button) are located at an optimal distance from each other - as a result, magazine release and loading of the pistol can be completed in a minimum period of time.
MPL
Image source: © Kalashnikov.Media
An important advantage of the pistol is the smooth contours of the MPL bolt - it is quite convenient to carry in a holster. It is worth emphasizing that the pistol’s mechanisms show reliability when using various types of cartridges - both regular and reinforced.
MPL on the international market
The MPL pistol is also being promoted on the international arms market. In particular, it was first presented at the international arms exhibition IDEX 2022 in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), where it became one of the most popular small arms.
It also developed a sports version of the Lebedev pistol, designated SP1 and shown at IDEX 2022. Just like the MPL, it is chambered for 9x19 mm and features improved ergonomics. The SP1 is intended for both competitive shooters and IPSC members.
“The modification for sports has retained all the positive qualities of Lebedev’s pistol, including ergonomics. The pistol can be equipped with laser designators, under-barrel flashlights and collimator sights. The weapon has great export potential,” the Kalashnikov press service told TASS.
Dmitry Fedyushko
TASS thanks the Kalashnikov press service for their assistance in preparing the material.
A promising future: for troops, special forces and athletes
Preliminary tests of the Boa constrictor pistol took place in 2016. After fine-tuning, from August to December 2022, state tests of weapons were carried out at the TsNIITochmash training ground and in the army units of the Western and Central military districts of the Russian Ministry of Defense. The operation of the pistol's mechanisms was tested, as well as its ballistic qualities under various conditions. The pistol’s stable operation has been confirmed in the temperature range from +50 to –70 degrees Celsius.
Most recently, in early February, a presentation of the new pistol took place for media representatives. The weapon was demonstrated by its creator Ivan Kozlov. It easily penetrated a 4 mm thick steel plate from a distance of 50 meters. The Makarov pistol could not cope with such a task.
Video: RIA Novosti
The decision to launch the Boa Constrictor into series will be considered very soon. The last word belongs to the special commission, which will meet in March 2022. Thus, the new pistol may go into mass production this spring. “Boa Constrictor” will be produced in three modifications: for troops, special units and the civilian market.
The civilian version of the newest Russian pistol will be produced for professional shooting athletes participating in international competitions. It is expected that the power and accuracy, ergonomic design and light weight of the civilian “Boa” will allow it to compete with such well-known brands of small arms as Colt, Walther, Heckler & Koch, Glock, Browning, CZ and others. According to experts and developers, the civilian version may eventually gain good export prospects.
