Lebedev PLK
Kalashnikov Concern · Pistol · In Production · 2021
Also known as: PLK, PL-15K, Lebedev Compact, Pistolet Lebedeva Kompaktny
Overview
The Lebedev PLK is a Russian compact semi-automatic pistol developed by Kalashnikov Concern as a concealed-carry and duty sidearm for law enforcement and security services. A shortened member of the Lebedev pistol family, it pairs a striker-fired, locked-breech short-recoil action with a polymer frame, a low-mounted barrel for reduced muzzle flip, and fully ambidextrous controls (safety lever, slide stop and magazine release on both sides). Chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and fed from a 14-round detachable box magazine, it measures 180 mm overall with a 92 mm barrel and weighs around 720 g. An under-barrel Picatinny rail accepts a light or laser, and the high-visibility iron sights aid rapid target acquisition.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 720 g (25.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 180 mm (7.09") |
| Barrel Length | 92 mm (3.62") |
| Width | 28 mm (1.10") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Striker |
| Magazine Capacity | 14 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 360 m/s (1181 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 481 J (355 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 | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm, 7N21
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Ambidextrous Safety, Striker Safety
- Features: Low Bore Axis, Ambidextrous Controls, Accessory Rail, High Visibility Sights, Compact Design, Modular Design
Service history
Operators
- Russian law enforcement · adopted 2021 · as PLK
Production
Production years: 2021-present
Adopted 2021 after state trials completed in 2020; serial production by Kalashnikov Concern
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Dmitry Lebedev
Notes
PLK stands for Pistolet Lebedeva Kompaktny (Lebedev Compact Pistol), the compact derivative of the PL-15 service pistol. State trials were completed in 2020 and the pistol was adopted in 2021 with serial production following. A civilian Baikal PLK sport/self-defense variant is also offered.
Background
The PLK is the production-ready compact spin-off of the PL-15 program, itself rooted in Dmitry Lebedev's PL-14 prototype - and it is among the first Russian-designed service pistols built natively around the Western 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge rather than the Soviet 9x18mm Makarov.