Kbs wz.96 (Mini-Beryl)

Kilobytes wz. 96 (Mini-Beryl) History

The Beryl wz. 1996 is a Polish assault rifle designed to replace older rifles in the Polish Armed Forces. It was developed based on the wz. 88 Tantal rifle and was officially adopted as the standard Polish rifle in 1997. The rifle is chambered in 5.56mm NATO and features several design modifications compared to its predecessor.

The Beryl's design closely resembles that of the Tantal, with differences primarily arising from the use of the 5.56mm cartridge. It has a 457mm barrel with a flash suppressor, a reinforced receiver housing with a Picatinny rail for optical sights, and a side-folding stock coated with thermal polymer film. The standard handguard is equipped with an angled rib pattern and can mount a grenade launcher. The Beryl also features a unique plastic magazine and fires 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition.

Several variants of the Beryl exist, with modifications related to rail attachments, foregrips, and other features. It has found use not only in Poland but also in countries like Lithuania, Nigeria, and Afghanistan. The Beryl wz. 1996 is recognized for its performance and versatility, making it a significant firearm in various military contexts.

Specification

BASICS

Years: 1997

Origins: Poland

Categories: Compact Assault Carbine

Manufacturer: Lucznik Arms Factory - Poland

Carrier: Afghanistan; Lithuania; Nigeria; Poland; Ukraine.

Roles

Auto function

Has mechanical features to automate the firing process.

Special Forces

The quality of this weapon has proven its value to Special Forces who need a versatile and reliable solution to the rigors of special operations.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length: 730mm (28.74 inches)

Run Length: 235mm (9.25 inches)

Cured weight: 6.61 lbs (3.00 kg)

Action

Pivot

This system uses an internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.

Gas Power

Proposes a pneumatic system that typically consists of a cylinder and a rear drive piston that directs power to the bolt assembly.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber: 5x56x45mm NATO

Circle/Feed: 20 or 30 rounds detachable magazine.

POWER

Maximum efficiency: 3,280 feet (1,000m | 1,093m)

Rate of fire: 700 Number of revolutions

Mile speed: 2,525 ft/s (770m/s)

Variants

• kbs wz. 96A Beryl (1996): standard version of Beryl, the most produced version for Polish Forces, some examples were equipped with POPC I rail, where Polish sights (CWL-1, CK-3, LKA-4, PCS-6) could be mounted, but most mounted rail is POPC III. In Iraq, some Beryls were modified in the field and received wooden foregrip from PM md. 63

• kbs wz. 96B Beryl (2004): same as standard version, but with fixed foregrip and rails on it. Also, "B" version get new rail, POPC II (short) and POPC III (long) which subtended the Picatinny standard (however, some "B" Beryls get POPC I rail).

• kbs wz. 96C Beryl (2009): version with new buttstock (which is fixed and telescopic), new rails (POPC IV), new handguard, magazines and new foregrip.

• kbs wz. 96D Beryl: an option available by the manufacturer, which allows to freely complete the rifle from elements of versions A, B and C

• Beryl M545 (2011): proposed 5.45×39mm export variant

• Beryl M762 (2013): "C" export variant chambered to fire 7.62×39mm ammunition. Bought by Nigeria.