GSh-18

KBP Instrument Design Bureau · Pistol · In Production · 2001

Also known as: GSh-18

Overview

The GSh-18 is a Russian 9x19mm striker-fired semi-automatic pistol designed by V.P. Gryazev and A.G. Shipunov at the KBP Instrument Design Bureau. It uses a short-recoil action with a rotating-barrel locking system and a polymer frame, feeds from an 18-round double-stack magazine, and is rated to fire high-pressure 7N21 and 7N31 armour-piercing cartridges.

Specifications

Weight (empty)	590 g (20.8 oz)
Overall Length	184 mm (7.24")
Barrel Length	103 mm (4.06")
Height	136 mm (5.35")
Width	34 mm (1.34")
Action Type	Short Recoil
Firing Mechanism	Striker Fired
Trigger Type	Double Action
Magazine Capacity	18 rounds
Magazine Type	Detachable Box
Muzzle Velocity	535 m/s (1755 fps)
Effective Range	50 m (55 yd)
Barrel Rifling	Right Hand
Frame Material	Polymer
Slide Material	Steel
Barrel Material	Steel

Calibers

9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm, 7N21, 7N31

Features

Firing modes: Semi Automatic
Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
Safety mechanisms: Trigger Safety, Striker Safety, Drop Safety
Features: Rotating Barrel Locking, High Capacity Magazine, Armor Piercing Capable, Low Bore Axis

Variants

GSh-18 Sport — Sporting

Service history

Operators

Russian Armed Forces
Russian law enforcement

Conflicts

Syrian Civil War (2011-present)

Production

Production years: 2001-present

In service with Russian military and law enforcement units

Origin

Country of origin: Russia

Designer: Vasily Gryazev

Notes

The name derives from its designers (Gryazev-Shipunov) and the 18-round magazine. Capable of firing high-pressure 7N31 +P+ armour-piercing ammunition.

Background

Designed by the same Gryazev-Shipunov bureau famous for Russian aircraft autocannons, the GSh-18 borrows aerospace engineering rigor, using a ten-lug rotating-barrel lock to handle the punishing pressures of Russian armour-piercing pistol ammunition.