Interdynamic KG-9

Interdynamic AB · Pistol · Discontinued · 1980

Also known as: KG9, KG-9

Overview

The Interdynamic KG-9 is a blowback-operated, open-bolt semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. Developed by Interdynamic AB of Stockholm and marketed through its US subsidiary, it derived from the earlier MP-9 military machine pistol prototype and was built from inexpensive molded polymer and stamped steel parts. Its distinctive paramilitary styling, tube receiver and high-capacity magazines made it a low-cost civilian firearm, but its open-bolt design led the BATF to reclassify open-bolt examples as machine guns in 1982, ending production after roughly 2,500 units.

Specifications

Weight (empty)1397 g (49.3 oz)
Overall Length318 mm (12.52")
Barrel Length127 mm (5.00")
Action TypeBlowback
Firing MechanismStriker Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity32 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity360 m/s (1181 fps)
Muzzle Energy481 J (355 ft·lbf)
Effective Range50 m (55 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialPolymer
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
FinishParkerized

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Estimated total produced: 2,500 · Production years: 1980-1982

Approximately 2,500 open-bolt KG-9 pistols were produced before the 1982 BATF reclassification halted the design.

Origin

Country of origin: Sweden

Designer: George Kellgren, Carlos Garcia

Discontinued: 1982

Notes

The open-bolt KG-9 was superseded by the closed-bolt KG-99 after the 1982 BATF ruling; when Interdynamic AB became Intratec, the design evolved into the notorious TEC-9 family.

Background

The KG in KG-9 comes from designers George Kellgren and Carlos Garcia. Kellgren later left Interdynamic and founded Kel-Tec, while the lineage from the KG-9 through the KG-99 to the Intratec TEC-9 became one of the most controversial firearm families in American gun-control debates.