PP-19 Bizon
Izhmash (Kalashnikov Concern) · Submachine Gun · In Production · 1996
Also known as: Bizon, PP-19, Bison
Overview
The PP-19 Bizon is a Russian submachine gun developed in the early 1990s at the Izhmash factory in Izhevsk, designed by Viktor Kalashnikov (son of Mikhail Kalashnikov) in collaboration with Alexei Dragunov (son of Evgeny Dragunov). The weapon's most distinctive feature is its cylindrical helical-feed magazine mounted beneath the barrel, which holds 64 rounds of 9x18mm Makarov or 53 rounds of 9x19mm Parabellum, giving the Bizon an exceptionally high ammunition capacity for a submachine gun. The receiver and operating controls are derived from the AKS-74U compact assault rifle, providing familiarity for Russian military personnel already trained on Kalashnikov-pattern weapons. Firing from a closed bolt via a simple blowback action, the Bizon achieves a cyclic rate of approximately 675 rounds per minute and an effective range of 100-200 meters depending on ammunition type. The weapon features a side-folding metal buttstock that reduces the overall length from 660mm to 425mm for transport and vehicle operations. Adopted by the Russian Interior Ministry in 2005, the Bizon has been used primarily by Russian internal security forces, Spetsnaz units, and several post-Soviet allied nations.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2100 g (74.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 2900 g (102.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| Folded Length | 425 mm (16.73") |
| Barrel Length | 195 mm (7.68") |
| Height | 133 mm (5.24") |
| Width | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Select Fire |
| Magazine Capacity | 64 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Helical |
| Muzzle Velocity | 320 m/s (1050 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 382 J (282 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 675 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Stamped Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
- 9x18mm Makarov — also known as 9mm Makarov, 9x18mm PM
- 7.62x25mm Tokarev — also known as 7.62mm Tokarev, 7.62x25mm TT
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Helical Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Closed Bolt Firing, Select Fire, Folding Stock, Helical Magazine, Ak Pattern Controls, Iron Sights, High Capacity Magazine
Variants
- Bizon-1 — Original
- Bizon-2 — Improved Sights
- Bizon-2-01 — 9x18mm Select Fire
- Bizon-2-02 — 9x19mm Select Fire
- Bizon-2-03 — 7.62x25mm Select Fire
- Bizon-2-07 — 380 Acp Select Fire
- Bizon-3 — Top Folding Stock
- PP-19-01 Vityaz-SN — Conventional Magazine
Service history
Operators
- Russian Interior Ministry (MVD) · adopted 2005 · as PP-19
- Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) · as PP-19
- Russian Federal Guard Service (FSO) · as PP-19
- Russian Spetsnaz (MVD) · as PP-19
- Armenian Armed Forces
- Kazakhstan Armed Forces
- Namibian Marine Corps
- Vietnam People's Army
Conflicts
- Second Chechen War (1999-2009)
- Beslan School Siege (2004-2004)
Production
Production years: 1996-present
Production numbers not publicly disclosed; primarily manufactured for Russian internal security forces
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Viktor Kalashnikov
Notes
The Bizon's helical magazine design was inspired by the American Calico M960 and serves double duty as the weapon's foregrip, an elegant solution that keeps the overall profile compact despite the high ammunition capacity. The weapon is available in four caliber variants: 9x18mm Makarov (original), 9x19mm Parabellum, 7.62x25mm Tokarev, and 9x17mm Short (.380 ACP), with magazine capacity varying by caliber -- 64 rounds for 9x18mm, 53 rounds for 9x19mm, and 45 rounds for 7.62x25mm. The AK-pattern safety selector on the right side of the receiver operates identically to the standard Kalashnikov, making transition training minimal for Russian forces. The PP-19-01 Vityaz-SN is a further evolution that abandons the helical magazine in favor of conventional box magazines and has largely replaced the Bizon in frontline Russian service since entering production in 2005. Vietnam manufactured a 9x19mm clone through the Z111 Factory of the Vietnam General Department of Defense Industry.
Background
The PP-19 Bizon was a rare father-son collaboration in firearms history: designed by Viktor Kalashnikov (son of Mikhail) together with Alexei Dragunov (son of Evgeny, creator of the SVD sniper rifle). Its helical magazine doubles as a foregrip, an elegant design that keeps the weapon compact despite holding 64 rounds.