RSh-12
TsKIB SOO · Pistol · Limited Production · 2014
Also known as: RSh-12 Assault Revolver, 12.7mm Assault Revolver
Overview
The RSh-12 is a Russian large-caliber double-action combat revolver chambered in the powerful 12.7x55mm STs-130 cartridge, the same round used by the VKS sniper rifle and ShAK-12 battle rifle. Developed by TsKIB SOO in Tula and first shown publicly in 2014, it fires from the bottom (6 o'clock) chamber of its pentagonal cylinder to lower the bore axis and reduce muzzle climb. The barrel is wrapped in a vented shroud, and the design accepts a Picatinny rail and a detachable folding shoulder stock for stabilising the heavy recoil.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2200 g (77.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 357 mm (14.06") |
| Folded Length | 462 mm (18.19") |
| Height | 159 mm (6.26") |
| Width | 53 mm (2.09") |
| Action Type | Double Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 310 m/s (1017 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 864 J (637 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 12.7x55mm · primary — also known as 12.7x55mm STs-130, 12.7x55mm ShAK-12
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Revolver Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Fires From Bottom Chamber, Top Break Cylinder, Swing Out Cylinder, Pentagonal Cylinder, Vented Barrel Shroud, Picatinny Rail, Folding Stock, Simultaneous Ejector
Variants
- RSh-9 — Caliber
Service history
Operators
- Federal Security Service (FSB)
Production
Production years: 2014-present
Limited production, believed restricted to FSB counter-terrorism units
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: TsKIB SOO
Notes
The cylinder functions as both a top-break and swing-out unit, with cases ejected simultaneously via the ejector rod. The lengthy overall dimensions reflect the optional folding stock and suppressor fittings used by counter-terrorism operators.
Background
The RSh-12 fires from the bottom chamber of its cylinder rather than the top, the same recoil-taming trick used by the Italian Chiappa Rhino and Mateba Autorevolver, but scaled up to a 12.7mm anti-personnel round capable of defeating body armour at close range.