Gyurza pistol: history of creation, advantages and disadvantages

The development of the SPS pistol was started in the 90s at the Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering (Klimov) by designers Pyotr Serdyukov and Igor Belyaev chambered for the 9x21mm (SP-10) cartridge of Yuryev A.. This model was the main participant in the army competition on the theme “Rook”. The pistol, previously known as the index RG055, "Gyurza" and SR-1 "Vector" was adopted in 2003 by the Russian Army and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, under the designation SPS (Serdyukov Self-Loading Pistol). Until 2003, the SPS was adopted by Russian security forces under the designation SR-1 “Vector” in 1996.

The operating principle of the automation is based on the use of recoil energy during a short stroke of the barrel and rigid locking of the larva, swinging in a vertical plane, located under the barrel. Double-action trigger mechanism, with a semi-open hammer, accessible for cocking with the thumb of the holding hand.

The SPS has two automatic safeties, one is made in the form of a button located on the back of the handle, the other is located on the trigger.

Now the shooter did not need to waste time removing the pistol from the safety catch; this design solution ensures the constant combat readiness of the weapon and the safety of handling it.

The pistol frame is made of steel. The handle and trigger guard are one piece and are made of durable plastic with a slightly rough surface. The size of the trigger guard has been increased, which allows shooting with thick gloves.

The sighting device is located on the bolt casing. A permanent rear sight with a rectangular slot and a front sight that does not produce glare in the direction of the rear sight. White inserts are installed on the rear sight and front sight, making it easier to aim at twilight. It is possible to mount a flashlight and a laser laser.

For shooting, SP-10 and SP-11 cartridges, specially designed for SPS, are used. The pistol cartridge - 9x21 (Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering index - RG052) is a completely new development that meets modern requirements for penetration of various obstacles. The cartridge was developed by leading engineer Alexey Yuryev. The cartridge provides penetration of body armor containing one or two titanium plates 1.4 mm thick and 30 layers of Kevlar at ranges up to 100 m. At ranges of up to 50 m, a pistol bullet pierces a steel sheet 4 mm thick. It can also pierce the cylinder head block of a car engine.

In terms of stopping effect, the cartridge bullet is 1.3-1.8 times superior to similar pistol cartridges of domestic and foreign production. After being adopted for service, the RG-052 cartridge was given the official name SP-10. Feeding is carried out from a box magazine with 18 rounds, staggered and not protruding from the handle. The magazine body has rows of holes that make it lighter and allow you to determine the number of cartridges in it.

SPS is designed to engage living targets in body armor of I, II and III protection classes (type Zh-81, Zh-86-2), corresponding to foreign standards NILECJ-STD-0101.01 and MIL-C-44050, as well as various technical means (vehicles , cabins and antennas of radar systems, missile bodies, etc.) at ranges up to 100 m.

The gun operates reliably in various operating conditions, in the temperature range from -50 C to +50 C.

Disassembly and assembly of the Serdyukov SPS self-loading pistol:

To clean the gun and inspect it, the gun is partially disassembled. Partial disassembly is carried out without the use of special tools. To do this you need:

1. Set the shutter to stop. Holding the pistol with the unloaded magazine by the handle, move the bolt to the rear position. Check to see if there is a cartridge in the chamber. Release the bolt and control release the hammer.

2. Separate the store. Holding the pistol by the handle, press the magazine release button with your thumb and, holding the magazine with the other hand by the cover, remove it from the handle.

3. Separate the barrel delay. Turn it 90º counterclockwise and remove it from the frame.

4. Separate the shutter. Remove the bolt from the slide stop and, moving it forward, separate it from the frame.

5. Disconnect the barrel from the bolt. Holding the bolt with one hand, press the protruding part of the wedge with the thumb of the other hand and, moving the barrel a little forward, separate it from the bolt.

6. Remove the return spring with the stop from the barrel.

7. Separate the contactor from the barrel.

Note: if the magazines are equipped with cartridges, then for disassembly it is necessary:

1. Separate the store.

2. Pull the bolt back with your left hand and, holding it in the rear position, separate the barrel stop.

Reassembling the pistol after partial disassembly is done in the reverse order.

Caliber 9 mm Cartridge 9x21 mm SP-10, SP-11

Weight without cartridges 0.99 kg Weight loaded 1.18 kg Weapon length 200 mm Barrel length 120 mm Height 145 mm Width 30 mm Muzzle velocity 410 m/s (7N29) Combat rate of fire 36 v/m Magazine capacity 18 rounds Sighting range 100 m

History of creation

In the mid-80s of the last century, the army needed a modern pistol capable of replacing the outdated PM. A competition was announced with the poetic name “Rook”.

The requirements formulated two main requirements:

• Personal protection of the 2nd category (light anti-fragmentation vest);
• Acceptable accuracy at a distance of 100 meters.

Around these years, the technology for manufacturing Kevlar protective equipment became cheaper and the armed forces of all countries began to equip their soldiers with them. Although only 35% of the body was covered in this way, in conditions of spontaneous firefight they played a significant role.

Bandits and terrorist groups did not stand aside. They also have body armor capable of protecting against most pistol bullets. A pistol was required that would penetrate this defense.

The received technical specifications were sent to Pyotr Ivanovich Serdyukov for work. By 1991, the team of designers under his leadership managed to produce the first 2 samples (PS - Serdyukov Pistol):

1. 7.62 mm PS - was created for the old cartridge. The design was refined on it;
2. 9 mm PS - used a new cartridge (RG-052) developed by TsNIITOCHMASH designers Yuryev and Kasyanov. Technologist Kornilova also took part in the creation.

During the “Rook” competition, Yarygin’s pistol was chosen, not Serdyukov’s. The history of the PS could have ended there, but it attracted the attention of representatives of the security services (FSB, FSO). A revised technical specification was received from these departments. The pistol complex was temporarily given the name “Vector”.

After numerous modifications, in accordance with the instructions received, a test batch was received by the FSB combat units. About 50 samples. Several roughnesses were noted during inspections and field tests. To correct these shortcomings, the designers had to increase the thickness of the barrel walls, which resulted in an increase in weight.

A new question arose: what to do with excess weight? The solution was the introduction of polymer materials.

They not only had a beneficial effect on weight, but also increased reliability and convenience.

New models of pistols began to be called RG-055. At the same time, they released the RG-055S variant, which was called “Gyurza”. This was an export version, presented to the public during the VTTV (Military Exhibition of Ground Forces) - 1996. Both samples used the RG-054 cartridge.

It entered service with the special forces of the FSB and FSO at the end of 1996. The short barrel was called Special Development - 1 (SR - 1). Equipped with SP10 cartridges (special Patr.). Since 1999 he has been in the service of the prosecutor's office. Adopted by army special forces in 2003, where it was called the Serdyukov Self-loading Pistol (SPS).

Technical indicators

The Gyurza pistol has many positive qualities, the main ones being self-loading, precaution, and convenient design.

Serdyukov's self-loading pistol makes it possible to increase the speed of completing the task and avoids serious consequences, since when a loaded magazine is connected, there is no need to pull back the bolt, that is, shooting can begin immediately after the magazine release clicks.

The precaution of this pistol is the presence of two types of safety systems. The first system is a lever (handle) safety, and the second safety is an element that locks the trigger system until it is used.

The thoughtful design of the Gyurza pistol made it possible to increase such technical characteristics as shooting accuracy due to the barrel bore locking system, which is closed thanks to a swinging cylinder. The remaining technical components are made of reliable material that is shockproof and frost-resistant.

Features, materials, performance characteristics

“Gyurza” has the following technical characteristics:

• Weight without a loaded magazine is 900 g, with a magazine – 1200;
• Barrel length - 120 mm, and the entire product - 200 mm, width - 34, height - 145 millimeters;
• 9x21 mm cartridges are used. There are several types. About them below;
• Caliber – 9 mm;
• Rate of fire – 40 v/m;
• The magazine holds 18 warheads;
• Initial bullet speed 410 meters per second

The most modern materials are used in production. In particular, the handle is made of polymers, which reduce the weight of the entire device.

In the modifications commissioned by the special services, in addition to reducing weight and refining the handle, the sighting system was redone.

The addition of white enamel improved aiming ability in low light.

There are several types of ammunition for SPS:

• 7N28 (SP11) - weighs 7.5 grams, has a lead filling, dressed in a specific packaging that reduces the chance of ricochet. Used in urban combat conditions, with a large number of concrete and metal surfaces;
• 7N29 (SP10) - weighs almost 8 grams, a bullet with increased armor penetration. This is achieved thanks to a specific design - part of the hardened steel core protrudes beyond the casing, which allows you to avoid wasting energy on breaking through it;
• 7BT3 (SP13) - 7.3 grams, convenient for combat in low light conditions. Its design contains a tracer compound, a soft lead jacket and a steel core. This gives the ammunition impressive stopping power.

Automation uses recoil energy with a short stroke of the barrel itself. A similar system is used in the Beretta 92 and Walter P38. After the shot the barrel moves back. To return it, a spring has been added to the structure to wrap around it. This is the first time this scheme has been used in a short barrel with an unfixed barrel.

This arrangement of the return spring also made it possible to reduce the dimensions of the receiver. When fired, the return spring compresses and, when a new cartridge is fed into the barrel, returns it to its place.

The trigger is activated after pressing the trigger. In preparation for the first shot, it is necessary to cock the hammer, or this happens by automatic cocking when a new magazine is loaded.

To protect against an accidental shot, 2 fuses are provided, and there is no need to “remove” or “install” them.

Everything happens automatically. One is located on the back side of the handle and is turned off and “removed” when the shooter’s hand tightly grips it. The other is located directly on the trigger. The second one is made in the form of a button and is turned off by pressing it with your finger.

After shooting the loaded ammunition, the bolt moves back and remains in this position until the magazine is changed. You can also return it to its place manually. In the event of a misfire, the bolt simply jerks and the jammed ammunition flies out. The next one takes his place. Extraction of cartridges occurs using a special channel forward and slightly to the right.

The fate of the pistol today

Despite all the shortcomings, the “Serdyukov pistol” is produced and continues to be used by various law enforcement agencies and security agencies of the Russian Federation. The weapon is intended for:

• Federal Security Service;
• Federal Security Service;
• Units of the departments of the Special Rapid Reaction Squad (formerly OSMN Ministry of Internal Affairs);
• Presidential Security Service;
• Border Service.

In addition to Russia, it is used in a number of foreign countries.

The “Serdyukov Pistol” turned out to be powerful, managing to push the existing weapon, which the security forces were not satisfied with, into the background. It is suitable for use in both open and closed spaces. The model has good penetration properties; no ricochet effect was noticed during shots. Additionally, it has perfect accuracy and stopping power.

In addition, the sample has a long service life due to the high quality of the entire structure and individual mechanisms. Although experts noted some shortcomings, for example, complex automation and difficulties in repair, the SPS remains one of the most reliable and durable pistols developed in Russia.

Old and modern versions

During its difficult life, several types of SPS were designed. As stated above, the army and security forces regularly introduced wishes and requirements into the project, which led to the emergence of a number of prototypes.

1. RG-055 – pre-production model. The implemented technologies were tested there. Several batches were produced with a total quantity of 2000 pieces. It has rounded, smooth shapes and a gray plastic handle;
2. RG-055S (Gurza) – option for export. Features superior external design and an etched image of the eponymous reptile on one side of the slide;
3. SR-1 is a serial pistol system adopted by the FSB, FSO, Ministry of Internal Affairs and other structures. Produced until 2000. The main differences are in the shape of the trigger guard and the protrusion for the finger. The manufacturer's markings are located on the handle. In the version for sale abroad - RG060 (Gyurza);
4. Pistol SPS - Army. Used in special forces. Produced since 2000. The shape of the handle has been changed, the safety button has been moved to the right side, the rear sight has a different shape;
5. CP1M – further development of the model. On the assembly line since 2003. The main differences: the safety button has been enlarged, the sights have been slightly changed. This model was the first to use cartridge feeding into the chamber and self-cocking when replacing the magazine;
6. SR1MP is the latest model. The main innovation is the Picatinny rail mount. This allows you to attach red dot sights, laser sights, etc.
7. The design of a promising weapon with the working title “Boa Constrictor” is underway. In 2016, he passed state inspections and tests, and was supposed to enter service in 2022.

Distinctive features

There is nothing perfect in the world and not everything is perfect with Vector either. Although there are more positive traits than negative ones.

Positive sides:

• According to the data to which we have access, it has the most powerful damaging effect, which leaves no chance for a person wearing body armor of any class;
• The ergonomic form factor, thought out and refined, allows the handle to fit comfortably in the hand, which contributes to a high rate of fire, without loss of accuracy;
• The introduction of polymers increases reliability, life span, lightens the overall weight of the device, the plastic handle is subject to less heating;
• Convenient clip changing system. Employees who have used it claim that you can change it without looking;
• The store is designed for the fastest possible loading with fresh cartridges;

Negative properties:

• On prototypes, there was a problem with the shape of the handle, which was uncomfortable to hold;
• Problems with promptly changing the clip were also noticed. Sometimes it would jam and require extra effort.

Compared to the GSh-18 pistol, the Specter has increased hit accuracy at a distance of up to 100 meters, unprecedented impact power and amazing reliability.

Interesting Facts

In the late nineties, the export version of the Vectra was demonstrated at a military training ground in the United States. The test affected all types of body armor used by the FBI.

A trained shooter can safely fire in the Macedonian style (simultaneously with 2 hands). This effect is achieved due to the high stability of the weapon.

RG-055 has many unofficial names: Gyurza, Granite, Vector.

“Granite” can often be found in domestic video games, movies, television series and books.

The most powerful army pistol in the world.

Photos of the “Serdyukov pistol”

Anyone can see photographs of various models of “Serdyukov pistols”. On our website it is presented in the best possible light.