9A-91
KBP Instrument Design Bureau · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1994
Also known as: 9A91, KBP 9A-91
Overview
The 9A-91 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 9x39mm, produced by KBP Instrument Design Bureau since 1994.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2100 g (74.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 2800 g (98.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 604 mm (23.78") |
| Folded Length | 383 mm (15.08") |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 270 m/s (886 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 590 J (435 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 800 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 9x39mm · primary — also known as 9x39, SP-5, SP-6, PAB-9
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Folding Stock, Compact Design, Flip Up Rear Sight, Suppressor Compatible
Variants
- VSK-94 — Sniper
- 9A-91 with suppressor — Suppressed
Service history
Operators
- Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) · adopted 1994
- Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) · adopted 1996
- Syrian Armed Forces · adopted 2015
Conflicts
- Second Chechen War (1999-2009)
- Syrian Civil War (2011-present)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 1994-present
Produced by KBP Instrument Design Bureau in Tula and Kovrov Mechanical Plant. Exact production numbers are not publicly available. Primarily manufactured for Russian law enforcement agencies.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Vasily Gryazev
Notes
The 9A-91 uses proprietary 20-round magazines that are not compatible with AS Val or VSS Vintorez magazines despite sharing the same caliber. The weapon can be fitted with an optional detachable suppressor for reduced sound signature, though unlike the AS Val it is not integrally suppressed. A sniper variant designated VSK-94 adds a longer barrel, bipod, and PSO-1 type optical sight. Production was carried out by KBP in cooperation with the Kovrov Mechanical Plant. The cyclic rate of 700-900 RPM makes full-automatic fire difficult to control given the weapon's light weight, and short controlled bursts are recommended.
Background
The 9A-91 was designed as the 'budget' alternative to the expensive and complex SR-3 Vikhr compact assault rifle. While both fire the same 9x39mm subsonic ammunition, the 9A-91 uses a simpler and more robust gas-operated mechanism compared to the Vikhr's short-stroke system, making it easier and cheaper to manufacture. The weapon gained fame in the West primarily through its appearance in the Battlefield video game series.