The A-91 is a bullpup assault rifle developed during the 1990s by KBP Instrument Design Bureau in Tula, Soviet Union as an offspring of the 9A-91 firearm family.

A-91
5.56×45mm NATO variant of the A-91
TypeBullpup Assault rifle
Place of originSoviet Union
Service history
In service1990–present
Used byRussian Police, Military Services[citation needed]
Production history
DesignerKBP Instrument Design Bureau
Designed1990
ManufacturerKBP Instrument Design Bureau
Produced1991
Variants5,56 A-91, A-91M
Specifications
Mass4.3 kg (9.48 lb) (A-91 without the grenade launcher)
4.4 kg (9.70 lb) (5,56A-91 with the grenade launcher)
Length660 mm (26.0 in)
670 mm (26.4 in) (5,56A-91)
Barrel length415 mm (16.3 in)
Width56 mm (2.2 in)
64 mm (2.5 in) (5,56А-91)
Height291 mm (11.5 in)
292 mm (11.5 in) (5,56A-91)

Cartridge7.62×39mm
5.45×39mm
5.56×45mm NATO (5,56A-91)
40 mm caseless (grenade launcher)
Caliber7.62×39mm, 5.45×39mm, 5.56×45mm NATO
ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire600–800 rounds/min
700 rounds/min (5,56A-91)
Muzzle velocity715 (А-91), 910 (5,56А-91)
Effective firing range300 m
300 m (5,56A-91)
400 m (grenade launcher)
Feed system30-round detachable box magazine
SightsDioptric sight, Grenade launcher sight
A-91
A-91
TypeBullpup assault rifle, grenade launcher
Place of origin Russia
Service history
In service1990s–present
Used by RussiaRussian Armed Forces
Production history
DesignerKBP Instrument Design Bureau
Designed1990s
ManufacturerKBP Instrument Design Bureau
Produced1990s–present
Specifications
Mass3.82 kg (8.42 lb)
Length660 mm (26 in)
Barrel length415 mm (16 in)

Cartridge5.45×39mm, 7.62×39mm, 5.56×45mm NATO
ActionGas-operated, short-stroke piston, rotating bolt
Rate of fire600 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity880 m/s (2,887 ft/s)
Effective firing range500 m (550 yd)
Feed system30-round detachable magazine
SightsAdjustable iron sights, compatible with various optics

The A-91 is a Russian bullpup assault rifle developed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau during the 1990s. It is an evolution of the earlier 9A-91 carbine, primarily designed to be compact, reliable, and versatile in urban combat scenarios. The rifle is notable for its integrated 40mm grenade launcher and the use of a bullpup configuration, which positions the magazine behind the trigger, allowing for a more compact design without sacrificing barrel length.

Design and Features

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The A-91 uses a gas-operated system with a rotating bolt, similar to the AK-47 and other Kalashnikov designs. However, unlike most Russian rifles, it adopts a bullpup layout, which reduces the overall length while maintaining a full-length barrel, improving handling in confined spaces.

The rifle can be chambered in multiple calibers, including the standard Russian 5.45×39mm and 7.62×39mm rounds, as well as the NATO- standard 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge. Its rate of fire is approximately 600 rounds per minute, with a muzzle velocity of 880 m/s.

 
A-91 displayed with its grenade launcher, below the front barrel.

One of the most notable features of the A-91 is its integrated under-barrel grenade launcher, designed to fire standard 40mm grenades such as the VOG-25. The launcher has a range of up to 400 meters. The rifle also has a spent-case ejection system that ejects casings forward, preventing interference with the user's face or arms when firing from the left shoulder.

Development

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The A-91 was designed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau as a successor to the 9A-91 carbine, with a focus on creating a weapon suited for both conventional and special operations forces. The bullpup design was chosen for its compact size and ease of handling in close-quarter combat (CQB). Initial production began in the 1990s, and the rifle has since been used in various roles within the Russian military.

Variants

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There are several variants of the A-91, including different configurations for different calibers and missions:

  • A-91M[1]: The most modern variant, featuring updated materials and improved ergonomic features. Chambered in both 5.45×39mm and 7.62×39mm.
  • OTs-14 Groza[2]': A related bullpup rifle also designed by KBP, focused on close-quarters combat and available in 7.62×39mm and 9×39mm.

Usage

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The A-91 is in limited service with the Russian Armed Forces and various special forces units. Its compact design and versatility make it suitable for urban combat and special operations, although it has not seen widespread adoption compared to more traditional Kalashnikov designs like the AK-74 and its variants.

See also

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References

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[3]

  1. ^ "A-91 Bullpup Assault Rifle". Modern Firearms. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  2. ^ "OTs-14 Rifle". imfdb. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  3. ^ Chivers, C.J. (2010). The Gun: The AK-47 and the Evolution of War. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-0743271738.
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