“Groza” assault rifle – a unique assault complex or a dummy

Before describing the OTs-14 Groza assault rifle itself, it’s worth telling a little about the bullpup system. It was invented quite a long time ago and attempts were made to implement it constantly, but due to its special specifics, few samples of firearms made using this system were successful. Why is this so?

The “bullpup” system is a design of a machine gun in which the bolt with chamber, magazine and trigger mechanism are located behind the weapon’s handle. This system was originally conceived to reduce the size of large weapons, thereby increasing their compactness. But it creates certain difficulties during operation, since it is impossible to simply remove the butt by swapping the magazine and pistol grip.

History of the creation of the OTs-14 assault rifle

How did such a non-standard weapon for Russia appear? The concept of "Groza" was to create an assault rifle for special services and the army, which by default uses an under-barrel grenade launcher. With standard machine guns, when installing the latter, a problem arose - the center of gravity shifted, and accordingly, shooting accuracy and balancing deteriorated.

To solve this problem, a new machine began to be developed in 1990. This work was carried out by the Tula TsKIB SOO. The project was headed by designers Yu. V. Lebedev and V. N. Telesh. By 1994, all stages of production of the prototype were completed, and the OTs-14 “Groza” was presented to the public. At the same time, a small batch of prototypes entered the army for testing.

Initially, the assault rifle was intended only for special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and was chambered for previously specially developed SP-5 and SP-6 subsonic cartridges of 9x39 mm caliber. They had a high stopping and penetrating effect. By firing them, it was possible to hit the enemy wearing body armor, as well as those in cars and lightly armored vehicles. Subsequently, another option appeared - for army units. It fired standard 7.62x39 mm cartridges and used AKM magazines for power. There were also options for other common cartridges. But after all the tests were passed, it did not gain much popularity, and mass production was not launched. Now the weapon is in service only with the special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as the personal security of the President of the Russian Federation.

AK or Groza?

The design of this weapon was based on the small-sized Kalashnikov AKS-74U assault rifle. This is a compact version designed for airborne troops. The use of a bullpup layout made it possible to further reduce its size. This system eliminates the need to fold the stock.

But the use of more powerful 9mm ammunition forced some changes. The 5.45x39 mm cartridges used in the AKS-74U produce a large percentage of ricochets. Their use in urban environments brings more negative consequences than benefits. Therefore, it was decided to equip the automatic grenade launcher complex with SP-5 and SP-6 (9x39 mm) ammunition.

The standard bolt and barrel have been enlarged. The “Grozy” trigger was mounted to switch from an assault rifle to a grenade launcher and back. The standard handle was removed from the GP-25 “Koster” and the AK design was attached. As a result, the OTs-14, called “Groza,” inherited the reliability of the AK. 70% of their parts are interchangeable.

Features of the machine

The Groza assault rifle is configured using the bullpup system - its basis is a modular base on which, depending on the required tasks, you can install a wide range of additional equipment (under-barrel grenade launcher, silencer, optical sights or a muzzle with an additional handle). In accordance with these improvements, 4 types of machine are distinguished:

- automatic grenade launcher system (muzzle and under-barrel grenade launcher GP-25 or GP-30 are installed); - assault rifle (mounted muzzle guard with handle); — sniper assault rifle (silencer and optical sight installed); — small-sized machine (without installing any modules).

The modules used are:

— PBS muffler, which provides a stable reduction in shot volume to a level of 118 dB, and the bullet speed also contributes to this. The rubber coating makes it possible to use the muffler as a handguard.

— GP-5 grenade launcher, the design of which was changed in accordance with the concept of the machine gun. For use in the SGK (small-grenade launcher complex), the design of the standard GP-25 was changed, redesigning it in such a way that it became possible to fire both from a machine gun and from a grenade launcher without removing your hand from the pistol grip. A special lever is provided to change the firing mode.

— Optical sights that are suitable for mounting on a socket mounted on a carrying handle.

In addition to the modules, the machine kit includes a special case designed for transporting weapons, as well as cleaning and maintenance accessories.

Combat use

OTs-14 "Groza" is a modular complex that allows you to effectively solve various combat missions. Removing the grenade launcher and installing the front tactical grip turns it into an assault weapon. It is used at short and long distances.

Equipping with a silencer and optical sight makes it possible to operate covertly and silently. This function makes it easier to remove security from the target and destroy disparate enemy groups. At the same time, fighters using “Thunderstorm” do not give away their location. And the optics allow you to be at a considerable distance from the target. PBS not only muffles the noise of a shot, but also eliminates muzzle flash. Therefore, combat operations can be carried out at night.

Various modifications of the OTs-14 assault rifle were used during the first and second Chechen campaigns. They were used to arm army special forces, special forces of the Internal Troops and the FSB.

Design of automation and main components

Since the AKS-74U was taken as the basis for the OTs-14 “Groza” assault rifle, in general its components do not differ from those of the Kalash. No special changes were made to the receiver, trigger mechanism or gas outlet. The bolt was slightly modified to match the diameter of the SP cartridge case. Since the barrel became shorter and the gas pressure in it decreased, the gas outlet was moved back, and the pistol grip was moved forward to the fore-end.

The buttstock was removed, and the rear of the receiver was changed to install a design with a butt plate, which prevents the receiver cover from falling out when firing a grenade launcher, securing it with a special clamp. In order to disassemble the machine gun, the butt plate can be folded to the right (for this it is mounted on a hinge). Placing the butt plate on the same channel as the barrel made it possible to increase the shooter's control over the weapon.

What can be concluded?

The OTs-14 Groza automatic grenade launcher system is produced in small series according to special orders from law enforcement agencies. In 1996, the Ministry of Internal Affairs adopted this machine gun. Operation under conditions of combat operations of varying complexity continues today. The basic configuration of the gun is presented in the form of modules that allow you to configure the OTs-14 to perform different tasks. The main advantages include:

• Small dimensions for its class;
• Good balance and low recoil (achieved due to the bullpup layout);
• High strength and service life, adopted from the Kalashnikov assault rifle;
• The ability to use weapons to silently eliminate opponents;
• High power and stopping effect of charges;
• High firing efficiency and rate of fire, allowing you to hit targets in shelters and body armor;
• Modular structure that allows you to quickly change the configuration of the complex.

Like any other thing, Thunderstorm has certain disadvantages:

• Aiming is complicated by the short aiming line. Achieving the optimal aiming point for hitting targets at long range will require some training;
• Complicated process of replacing a magazine;
• Low magazine capacity;
• Having one trigger forces the shooter to waste time switching between modes;
• To install the optics, additional installation of dovetail fasteners will be required;
• In the absence of an underbarrel grenade launcher, the rear part outweighs;
• You can fire only from the point of view of the right shoulder;
• Gas contamination occurs on the user's face if fire is fired in bursts.

Soldiers do not encounter many disadvantages, since they do not reveal themselves when using the OTs-14 in urban environments with numerous shelters and a short firing range. The weapon is highly valued by shooters due to its easy maintenance, high durability and long service life.

Advantages and disadvantages

Both the pros and cons of the machine gun were inherited mainly from the bullpup system. Among the advantages of weapons are the following:

— light weight, compact dimensions; — reduced toss and improved balancing when using a grenade launcher; — high reliability during operation, inherited from AK; — a special cartridge whose bullet is not prone to ricochets, which allows you to shoot in a confined space without danger to the shooter; — possibility of using a muffler; — almost complete compliance of the AK and OTs-14 units, which facilitates the repair and replacement of units; — the original design of the OTs-14 “Groza” assault rifle, the photo of which makes it easy to distinguish it from similar samples.

However, this machine also has disadvantages that cannot be avoided, because the bullpup system is technically complex and not entirely ideal, and also does not have a sufficient level of convenience. What are the disadvantages of OTs-14?

— short length of the aiming line, which reduces accuracy when shooting at long distances; — placement of the sight at a high altitude, which increases the profile of the shooter in a prone position; — the wide butt plate of the butt is less convenient for resting on the shoulder; — it is inconvenient to replace the magazine; its reduced capacity also plays a role; — the fire translator reduces the speed of switching to the grenade launcher and back; - low convenience of shooting due to the scattering of spent cartridges, as well as the impossibility of firing from the left hand.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the shift in the center of gravity. Since in the AK it is balanced, and in the Thunderstorm the receiver is moved back, it will be difficult to get used to the new machine gun. In addition, the OTs-14 “Groza” is much shorter than an AK, and in some cases, for example, when raising the butt to the shoulder, the machine gun can even fly out of your hands. All this needs to be taken into account.

Characteristics in comparison with AK and M16

A detailed description of the performance characteristics of the Thunderstorm is presented in the comparative table. The data of the legendary AK and the famous American M-16 rifle are also indicated here.

AK-47(ind.56-A-212)	Automatic "Thunderstorm"	M16 (rifle)
Cartridge	7.62x39 arr. 1943	9 x 39SP-5 and SP-6	5.56x45mm NATO
Barrel length, mm	415	240	508
Total length, mm	870	700	990
Magazine capacity, cartridges	30	20	30
Sighting range, m	800	200	450
Rate of fire, rds/min	600	700	650-750
Initial bullet speed, m/s	715	300	990
Weight without cartridges, g	4300	2700	2880
Cartridge weight, g	16,2	24.0 (SP-5) 23.8 (SP-6)	12,31
Case weight, g	6,8	6,7	11,20
Bullet weight, g	7,95	16.1 (SP-5) 16.2 (SP-6)	4,0
Charge mass, g	1,6	0.50 (SP-5) 0.60 (SP-6)	1,4
Chuck length, mm	55,9	55,6	57,4
Sleeve length, mm	38,7	38.76 (SP-5) 38.78 (SP-6)	44,7
Bullet length, mm	26	36 (SP-5) 41 (SP-6)	14,3

"Groza" is distinguished by its compact dimensions and low weight. The designers strived for such characteristics. Transporting the machine is not difficult. The use of a 9 mm cartridge makes it possible to achieve high penetration power of this weapon.

The combat use of the OTs-14 “Groza” made it possible to identify both the advantages and disadvantages of this model. Members of special forces noted the following advantages of this weapon:

1. Compact dimensions and relatively light weight.
2. High reliability, equal to a Kalashnikov assault rifle.
3. Slight barrel bounce and good balance, which is ensured by the use of a bullpup layout.
4. Reducing the volume of combat by attaching a silencer.
5. The bullets have excellent damaging characteristics.
6. Accurately defeat living targets wearing body armor and behind cover. This action ensures high accuracy of combat, high rate of fire and powerful penetrating effect of cartridges.
7. The weapon design combines a machine gun, a grenade launcher, an assault rifle and a sniper rifle.

The bullpup layout also introduced some design flaws that the legendary AK does not have:

1. Due to the short sighting line, it becomes difficult to select an aiming point, especially if the target is at a great distance.
2. The bracket for the dovetail sight must be installed additionally.
3. When firing from the Thunderstorm, cartridges are ejected to the right side, so the battle cannot be fought from the left shoulder. This creates certain inconveniences during operation.
4. Automatic grenade launcher modes cannot be quickly switched due to the single-trigger design;
5. The use of a bullpup layout causes difficulties when changing magazines.
6. For models without an underbarrel grenade launcher, the center of gravity is significantly shifted back.

Some of the listed disadvantages are quite simple to solve. The balance of the machine is significantly improved when the muffler is attached. Installing a collimator sight increases the aiming line. Many of them do not appear when used in urban environments for which this weapon is intended.

However, many special forces participants noted that with intensive use of weapons, a large amount of powder gases is released. They severely irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes.

Non-combat models

Airsoft variants can be mentioned as non-combat weapon models. At its core, this is a common weapon for this sport, only externally converted to look like a “Thunderstorm”.

This decision is understandable, because the machine looks quite attractive from the outside. And the airsoft OTs-14 “Groza” is much more convenient than the combat one. If only because it weighs much less.

Automatic "Groza" (OTs-14) - technical characteristics

The characteristics below apply to the OTs-14-4A assault rifle, that is, to the version with an under-barrel grenade launcher.

• Caliber - 9x39 mm, 7.62 mm.
• Cartridge type - 9x39 mm. SP-5, SP-6, PAB-9 or 7.62x39 mm. R.
• The caliber of the underbarrel grenade launcher is 40 mm.
• Barrel length - 240 mm.
• Total length - 610 mm.
• The height of the weapon is 294 mm.
• The width of the weapon is 75 mm.
• Weight (without sight and magazine) - 3.8 kg.
• Effective firing range - 400 m.
• The effective firing range of the grenade launcher is 400 m.
• Rate of fire - 700 rounds/min.
• The initial bullet speed is 300 m/sec.
• The initial speed of the grenade is 76 m/sec.
• Magazine capacity - 20 rounds.

Ammo used

The ammunition that powers the OTs-14 attracts as much attention as the weapon itself. 9x39 mm cartridges have high power and stopping power. Many models of guns are adapted for them, which are used by special forces of Russian security forces.

The main feature is the subsonic departure speed. This allows for silent combat when using a silencer. In complete silence, a quiet click from a shot can be heard at a distance of 20-30 meters. If the complex is used in an urban environment, the possibility of detecting the shooter after a shot is close to zero.

The long and heavy sleeve provides a high stopping effect. A special feature of the SP-6 version is the presence of a heat-strengthened steel core. Thanks to it, you can break through steel barriers (thickness no more than 8 millimeters) or neutralize opponents equipped with third-class body armor by the standards of our country. It is impossible to survive such a weapon in close combat.

Manufacturers have released a limited edition model adapted for AK 7.62 charges. The country's military leadership stopped the release of the version, since power from such cartridges reduced the tactical and technical characteristics. Because of this, Thunderstorm could not achieve its goals. The main disadvantage of these ammunition is the possibility of strong ricochet. This limited the use of the gun in confined spaces, where it was most often used by fighters. The stopping power of the AK 7.62 also left much to be desired.