MP-444 Bagira
Izhevsk Mechanical Plant (Baikal) · Pistol · Prototype · 2000
Also known as: MP-444 Baghira, Baikal MP-444, MR-444
Overview
The MP-444 Bagira is an experimental Russian semi-automatic pistol developed at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant (Baikal) in the late 1990s as a candidate replacement for the aging Makarov PM. It uses a short-recoil locked-breech action with a striker-fired, double-action-capable mechanism and a steel-reinforced thermoset polymer frame. Chambered primarily in 9x19mm Parabellum (with MP-444K variants in 9x18mm Makarov and 9x17mm Kurz), it feeds from a 15-round detachable box magazine and was presented for export at a Moscow arms exhibition in November 2000.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 760 g (26.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 186 mm (7.32") |
| Barrel Length | 101 mm (3.98") |
| Height | 126 mm (4.96") |
| Width | 35 mm (1.38") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 420 m/s (1378 fps) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Black |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety, Automatic Striker Block
- Features: Steel Reinforced Polymer Frame, Manual Striker Cocking Lever, Three Position Safety Lever, Fixed White Dot Sights
Variants
- MP-444K — Alternate Caliber
Production
Production years: 1990s-2000s (prototype)
Remained an experimental/prototype design and did not reach series production
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Notes
The Bagira never entered mass production; Izhevsk's competing MP-446 Viking design was adopted instead. Magazine capacity is variously cited as 10 or 15 rounds depending on source and configuration.
Background
The Bagira (named after Bagheera, the panther from Kipling's The Jungle Book) was Izhmekh's bid to modernise the Russian service pistol, but it was edged out by the company's own MP-446 Viking, which entered production for civilian and export markets.