PB
Izhevsk Mechanical Plant · Pistol · Limited Production · 1967
Also known as: 6P9, Pistolet Besshumnyy, PB Silenced Pistol
Overview
The PB (GRAU index 6P9) is a Soviet integrally suppressed semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x18mm Makarov. Developed in the mid-1960s and adopted in 1967, it adapts the mechanism of the Makarov PM to a blowback action fitted with a two-part integral silencer: a perforated barrel inside an expansion chamber over the slide, plus a detachable cylindrical baffle section screwed onto the muzzle. Built for clandestine work, it was issued to KGB operatives, GRU and Spetsnaz reconnaissance units, firing standard 9x18mm ammunition while suppressing the report for covert engagements at close range.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 970 g (34.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1020 g (36.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 310 mm (12.20") |
| Barrel Length | 105 mm (4.13") |
| Height | 134 mm (5.28") |
| Width | 35 mm (1.38") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 257 J (190 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Bakelite |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x18mm Makarov · primary — also known as 9mm Makarov, 9x18 PM, 9x18mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Decocker
- Features: Integral Suppressor, Ported Barrel, Two Part Silencer, Subsonic Optimized
Service history
Operators
- KGB · adopted 1967 · as 6P9
- Soviet Armed Forces (Spetsnaz / GRU) · adopted 1967 · as 6P9
- Russian Armed Forces · as 6P9
Conflicts
- Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)
Production
Production years: 1967-present
Produced in limited numbers at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant for special-purpose units; never a general-issue sidearm
Origin
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Designer: A. A. Deryagin
Notes
The forward suppressor tube can be detached and the pistol carried in a shortened configuration. Because the expansion chamber surrounds the slide, the recoil spring was relocated into the grip and linked to the slide by a connecting rod.
Background
The PB was a workhorse of Cold War covert operations, prized because it fired the ubiquitous 9x18mm Makarov cartridge rather than a specialized round, letting operatives resupply from standard Soviet stocks while keeping the weapon silent.