FB Beryl wz.96
Fabryka Broni Lucznik-Radom · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1997
Also known as: kbs wz.96 Beryl, Karabinek szturmowy wz.96
Overview
The FB Beryl wz.96 is a Polish gas-operated, selective-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. Designed by Fabryka Broni Radom in 1995-96 and adopted by the Polish Army in 1997, it is a modernised development of the Soviet AK-74-derived wz.88 Tantal, re-chambered from 5.45x39mm to the NATO standard cartridge. It retains the Kalashnikov long-stroke gas piston and rotating bolt action while adding a side-folding adjustable stock, Picatinny rails, and compatibility with an underbarrel 40mm grenade launcher.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3350 g (118.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3800 g (134.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 943 mm (37.13") |
| Folded Length | 742 mm (29.21") |
| 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) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 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 · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Fire Selector
- Features: Side Folding Stock, Picatinny Rail, Railed Handguard, Grenade Launcher Compatible, Ambidextrous Selector
Variants
- FB Mini-Beryl wz.96 — Carbine
- FB Beryl M762 — Caliber Conversion
Service history
Operators
- Polish Armed Forces · adopted 1997 · as kbs wz.96 Beryl
- Nigerian Army · as Beryl M762
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 1997-present
In continuous production at Fabryka Broni Lucznik-Radom; standard issue across the Polish Armed Forces.
Origin
Country of origin: Poland
Designer: Fabryka Broni Radom
Notes
Beryl is the standard service rifle of the Polish Armed Forces. The compact Mini-Beryl carbine variant serves with vehicle crews and special units. An export Beryl M762 chambered in 7.62x39mm was produced for the Nigerian Army.
Background
The name 'Beryl' (beryl, the mineral) continues Fabryka Broni Radom's tradition of naming its small arms after minerals and gemstones, following the wz.88 Tantal and the compact Onyks.