KBP GM-94

History

The KBP GM-94 is a modern multi-shot tactical grenade launcher of Russian origin, developed for special forces like SPETZNAZ. The weapon provides substantial class firepower, enabling it to engage both direct and indirect targets at short to medium distances.

The system is manufactured by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau in Tula, Russia.

The GM-94 is arranged as a traditional firearm with a separate pistol grip with trigger assembly, stock, receiver, barrel and magazine. The trigger ring is large enough to be used by a gloved hand. The overall layout of the weapon follows that of a traditional pump-action shotgun, as the barrel is attached to a tubular magazine that contains the grenade.

On the AN-94, however, the magazine is located above the barrel (not below), and weapon loading is done through a hinged door located on top of the receiver (again, as opposed to below). Up to three 43mm projectiles can be stored in the magazine, with a fourth "loaded" in the magazine below. The GM-94 comes with a simple steel skeleton shoulder rest that folds easily over the receiver for a more compact form when traveling or in tight spaces. Folding shoulder rests double as special carry handles on the go.

Surrounding the barrel is a distinctly ribbed casing that provides a forward horizontal grip position while also serving as the necessary pump slide. Aiming is carried out with a standard fitting on top of the receiver and a flip-up stock. The weapon weighs 4.8kg, or 5.8kg when fully loaded with four rounds.

It's finished with an overall non-reflective black finish.

In practice, the GM-94 is a very portable, lightweight system that provides the operator with an effective range of 300 meters and a maximum range of up to 500 meters. Basic grenades project a lethal kill radius of 3 meters, protecting the operator, especially in tight areas where the GM-94 allows attacking a target or area from a range of 10 meters. To date, the weapon has proven to be very robust and can be fired in both wet and dry conditions. In addition, the availability of different types of grenades allows the launcher to be used by military and law enforcement personnel, the latter being used by tear gas, bean bags and other "non-lethal" projectiles. Various types of shells can be used in military service, providing tactical flexibility for all types of targets - melee personnel, burrowing enemies, and even lightly armored vehicles.

However, the system has some drawbacks, including its rather bulky size, which makes it impossible for operators to simultaneously train their primary weapon (compared to underwater launchers). Additionally, considerable recoil will be noticed when firing, especially compared to the smaller 40mm launcher type favored by the West.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes