FB Beryl wz. 96
Fabryka Broni Radom · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1997
Also known as: kbs wz. 96, karabinek szturmowy wzor 1996, FB Beryl
Overview
The FB Beryl wz. 96 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Fabryka Broni Radom since 1997. This Polish-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3350 g (118.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3700 g (130.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 943 mm (37.13") |
| Folded Length | 730 mm (28.74") |
| Barrel Length | 457 mm (17.99") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 m/s (3018 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1700 J (1254 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 700 m (766 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1100 m (1203 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56 NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Folding Stock, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Picatinny Rail Top, Grenade Launcher Compatible, Bayonet Lug, Nato Standard Ammunition
Variants
- Mini-Beryl wz. 96C — Compact
- Beryl M762 — Different Caliber
- Beryl wz. 2004 — Modernized
Service history
Operators
- Polish Armed Forces · adopted 1997 · as kbs wz. 96
- Lithuanian Armed Forces · adopted 2004 · as kbs wz. 96
- Nigerian Armed Forces · as Beryl
- Afghan National Army · adopted 2007 · as Beryl
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 1997-present
Standard service rifle of the Polish Armed Forces. Significant quantities donated to Ukraine starting in 2022.
Origin
Country of origin: Poland
Notes
The Beryl represents one of the most successful marriages of AK-platform reliability with NATO standardization. Unlike Russian AK-100 series NATO-caliber variants which are purely for export, the Beryl is a domestic service weapon developed specifically for Poland's NATO integration. The rifle evolved from the earlier FB Tantal (wz. 88) which was chambered in 5.45x39mm. STANAG magazine compatibility was a key design requirement, though the Beryl also accepts proprietary curved 30-round magazines. The Mini-Beryl (wz. 96C) is a compact carbine variant with a 235mm barrel for vehicle crews and special forces. The wz. 2004 modernized variant adds extensive Picatinny rail coverage and improved ergonomics. Poland donated significant quantities of Beryl rifles to Ukraine starting in 2022. The Beryl M762 variant chambered in 7.62x39mm has been exported to several nations. The rifle has been combat-tested by Polish forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Background
The Beryl represents Poland's successful marriage of AK-pattern reliability with NATO standardization. While Russia's AK-100 series NATO-caliber variants were made purely for export, Poland developed the Beryl as a genuine domestic service weapon to integrate with NATO after joining the alliance in 1999.