FB Mini-Beryl wz. 96
Fabryka Broni Radom (Lucznik Arms Factory) · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1997
Also known as: kbk wz. 96, Mini-Beryl wz. 96C, karabinek krotki wzor 1996
Overview
The FB Mini-Beryl wz. 96 is a Polish compact assault carbine chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, developed by Fabryka Broni Radom as a shortened derivative of the full-size FB Beryl wz. 96 assault rifle. Adopted by the Polish Armed Forces in 1997, it pairs a 235mm barrel with a side-folding stock to give vehicle crews, paratroopers, and special-operations soldiers comparable firepower to the parent rifle in a far smaller package. Built on the same gas-operated, long-stroke piston AK-pattern action with a rotating bolt, the Mini-Beryl retains select-fire capability, a chrome-lined barrel, and a top Picatinny rail for optics. It accepts both proprietary and STANAG-compatible 20- and 30-round magazines, making it an agile NATO-standard personal weapon.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3000 g (105.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 730 mm (28.74") |
| Folded Length | 525 mm (20.67") |
| Barrel Length | 235 mm (9.25") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 770 m/s (2526 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1192 J (879 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 228 mm (8.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56 NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Folding Stock, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Picatinny Rail Top, Compact Carbine
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Polish Armed Forces · adopted 1997 · as kbk wz. 96
- Lithuanian Armed Forces
- Nigerian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 1997-present
In serial production at Fabryka Broni Radom since 1997 as a compact companion to the standard-issue Beryl rifle.
Origin
Country of origin: Poland
Notes
The Mini-Beryl trades barrel length for compactness: its 235mm barrel reduces muzzle velocity to roughly 770 m/s versus the full Beryl's ~920 m/s, lowering muzzle energy and practical effective range. The realistic combat effective range is on the order of 200-300m despite the 1000m figure sometimes quoted as a maximum. It is sometimes designated kbk wz. 96 (karabinek krotki) to distinguish it from the full-length kbs wz. 96 rifle. The weapon shares its magazines, controls, and most parts with the parent Beryl, simplifying training and logistics.
Background
Built for tank crews, drivers, and paratroopers who needed real assault-rifle firepower in a package that would not snag in a cramped hatch, the Mini-Beryl crams the Polish Beryl's full select-fire action behind a stubby 235mm barrel and a folding stock that collapses it to just 525mm.