Arsenal Shipka
Arsenal JSCo. · Personal Defense Weapon · In Production · 1999
Also known as: Shipka SMG, Arsenal SMG
Overview
The Arsenal Shipka is a compact Bulgarian blowback submachine gun introduced in 1999 by Arsenal JSCo. of Kazanlak. Designed as a personal-defense weapon for vehicle crews, pilots, special forces, and rear-echelon personnel, it features a 150mm barrel, a collapsible steel-wire stock, a forward-mounted magazine ahead of the trigger group, and a protective trigger ring. It is offered primarily in 9x18mm Makarov with a 32-round magazine, and a 9x19mm Parabellum version with a 25-round magazine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2200 g (77.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 625 mm (24.61") |
| Folded Length | 328 mm (12.91") |
| Barrel Length | 150 mm (5.91") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 320 m/s (1050 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 312 J (230 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 9x18mm Makarov · primary — also known as 9mm Makarov, 9x18 PM, 9x18mm
- 9x19mm Parabellum · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Fire Selector
- Features: Collapsible Wire Stock, Polymer Pistol Grip, Compact Pdw Layout, Vehicle Crew Weapon
Variants
- Arsenal Shipka (9x19mm) — Caliber
Service history
Operators
- Bulgarian Armed Forces · adopted 1999
- Bulgarian Police
Production
Production years: 1999-present
Origin
Country of origin: Bulgaria
Designer: Arsenal JSCo.
Notes
The 9x19mm variant uses a 25-round magazine and fires at a slightly higher rate (~700 rpm). The Makarov-chambered model is the principal service version. Sources vary on whether the 9x19mm version reached full production.
Background
The Shipka takes its name from the Shipka Pass in the Balkan Mountains, where Bulgarian volunteers and Russian troops held off a far larger Ottoman army during the decisive 1877 battle of the Russo-Turkish War that led to Bulgarian liberation.