Lebedev PL-15
Kalashnikov Concern · Pistol · In Production · 2017
Also known as: PL-15, MPL, MPL1, Pistolet Lebedeva
Overview
The Lebedev PL-15 is a modern Russian striker-fired service pistol chambered in 9x19mm, developed by a team led by Dmitry Lebedev at the Kalashnikov Concern as the successor to the MP-443 Grach. Its hallmark is an extremely low bore axis combined with a thin (28 mm) frame for exceptional pointability and recoil control. The pistol is fully ambidextrous, uses an aluminum-alloy frame with a steel slide, and accepts a 14-round (or 18-round in the long-mag variant) double-stack magazine. The MPL and MPL1 service variants were officially adopted by the Russian National Guard in April 2024.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 800 g (28.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 990 g (34.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 207 mm (8.15") |
| Barrel Length | 120 mm (4.72") |
| Height | 138 mm (5.43") |
| Width | 28 mm (1.10") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action Only |
| Trigger Pull | 39 N (8.8 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 14 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 538 J (397 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm, 7N21, 7N31
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Ambidextrous Safety, Loaded Chamber Indicator, Trigger Safety
- Features: Low Bore Axis, Ambidextrous Controls, Ambidextrous Slide Release, Ambidextrous Magazine Release, Accessory Rail, Modular Design, Suppressor Compatible Sights
Variants
- Lebedev PL-15K — Compact
- Lebedev PLK — Compact Civilian
- MPL — Service Adopted
- MPL1 — Service Adopted
Service history
Operators
- National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardia) · adopted 2024 · as MPL / MPL1
- Russian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2014-present)
Production
Production years: 2017-present
Serial production at Kalashnikov Concern's Izhevsk facility; service adoption by Rosgvardia in 2024 expected to drive volume contracts
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Dmitry Lebedev
Notes
The PL-15 evolved from the PL-14 prototype shown in 2015. The compact PL-15K and civilian PLK variants share the action. Tactile loaded-chamber pin doubles as a case pusher to feed Russian-spec long cartridges reliably.
Background
Russian special operators reportedly nicknamed the PL-15 'the AK-47 of pistols' for its blend of austere ergonomics and brutal reliability - Kalashnikov claims its service life exceeds 10,000 rounds of the savage 7N21 armor-piercing load that destroys most Western 9mm pistols.