A-91
KBP Instrument Design Bureau · Assault Rifle · Limited Production · 1998
Also known as: A-91M, KBP A-91
Overview
The A-91 is a Russian bullpup assault rifle with an integrated grenade launcher developed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau in Tula. It is an evolution of the earlier 9A-91 compact carbine, redesigned with a bullpup configuration that places the magazine and action behind the trigger group, resulting in a significantly shorter overall length while retaining a full 415mm barrel. The rifle employs a gas-operated long-stroke piston system with a rotating bolt and features forward ejection of spent casings, enabling true ambidextrous operation without the typical bullpup limitation of brass ejecting into a left-handed shooter's face. The standard A-91M variant is chambered in 7.62x39mm, with additional variants available in 5.45x39mm and 5.56x45mm NATO for export markets. One of the most distinctive features is the integrated 40mm grenade launcher capable of firing VOG-25 series grenades to a range of 400 meters. The polymer body construction keeps weight manageable despite the added grenade launcher.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3970 g (140.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Height | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Width | 45 mm (1.77") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 880 m/s (2887 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2010 J (1482 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62x39mm Soviet, M43, 7.62mm Kalashnikov
- 5.45x39mm — also known as 5.45 Soviet, 5.45x39
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Automated Safety
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Integrated Grenade Launcher, Forward Ejection, Carrying Handle, Ambidextrous Operation
Variants
- A-91M (7.62x39mm) — Standard
- A-91 (5.56x45mm NATO) — Export
- A-91 (5.45x39mm) — Prototype
- ADS — Amphibious Derivative
Service history
Operators
- Russian Armed Forces · adopted 2000
- Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) · adopted 2000
Production
Production years: 1998-present
Limited production by KBP Instrument Design Bureau. Exact numbers not publicly disclosed. The A-91 has seen limited adoption compared to mainstream Russian service rifles, being primarily used by specialized units.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Vasily Gryazev
Notes
Early prototypes of the A-91 featured an unusual configuration with the 40mm GP-95 grenade launcher mounted above the barrel, but this was later changed to a conventional underbarrel position due to sighting issues. The A-91 was entered into the Russian military's Ratnik program trials in 5.45x39mm configuration but was withdrawn before completion. The weapon's bullpup layout provides a favorable barrel-length-to-overall-length ratio, with 415mm of barrel in only 660mm of total length. The 7.62x39mm primary chambering is unusual for a bullpup design and provides greater stopping power than the more common 5.45mm, though at the cost of increased recoil. Weight of 3.97 kg is without magazine and without the grenade launcher attachment.
Background
The A-91's forward ejection system was an innovative solution to one of the key complaints about bullpup rifles. By routing spent casings forward through a tube above the barrel, KBP eliminated the left-hand/right-hand shooter problem that plagues most bullpup designs. The A-91 platform eventually served as the foundation for the ADS amphibious assault rifle, which adapted the bullpup layout for dual-medium underwater and surface operations.