General Facts
- TYPE
Pistol - ORIGIN
Russia
- NICKNAMES
6P35 Pistolet Yarygina (Russian service designation)
MP-443 Grach (manufacturer designation) - DESIGNED
1993 - 2000 - DESIGNER
Vladimir Yarygin - PRODUCTION
2002 - present - PRODUCERS
Russia - Izhmash
- QUANTITY
Unknown - UNIT COST
Unknown - CHARACTERISTICS
Large magazine capacity
Fires high pressure ammunition
Rugged and reliable
Rather heavy due to steel frame
No accessory rails
Introduction
The Yaragin PYa is a modern pistol of Russian origin. It was developed in the 1990's as a replacement for the ubiquitous Makarov PM pistol. The PYa is named after is developer and is also known as the MP-443 Grach. In 2002 it was selected as the standard sidearm for all Russian forces.
Design
The PYa is a double action pistol that uses a simplified version of the Colt-Browning short recoil system. Unlike most modern pistols the PYa follows a classic sturdy design with a steel frame. Overpressure 9x19mm ammunition is fired from a double stack magazine. Ambidextrous safety and magazine release is fitted. The MP-446 Viking is a similar sized civilian alternative that does not fire overpressure ammunition and uses a single stack magazine.
Firepower
The PYa fires 9x19mm rounds from a 17 round magazine. Both standard and overpressure rounds can be fired. These include the powerful 7N21 and 7N31 armor piercing rounds. It is not available in other calibers. The PYa is reported having reasonable accuracy and good reliability. Maximum effective range is quoted as 50 meters.
Users
The PYa was selected as the new standard issue service pistol for Russian forces in 2002. The GSh-18 and Gyurza (SPS) have also been acquired in smaller quantities. Despite these purchases the venerable Makarov PM remains the most numerous pistol in Russian service. The PYa and its civilian models are available for export.
Yaragin PYa
The PYa is a modern pistol with metal slide and frame. The hammer is covered on both sides by the slide. Polymer grip plates are fitted. It has fixed sights and ambidextrous controls. There are no variants except for a civilian model.
PYa / MP-443 Grach: Baseline military service pistol. MP-443 Grach is the original name of the PYa. MP-443 Grach remains the export designation.
MP-446 Viking: Civilian model of the MP-443. Has a thinner barrel and cannot fire overpressure ammunition. The polymer frame and single stack magazine make it lighter than the PYa. The frame also has accessory rails.
- Specifications:
- PYa
- MP-443 Grach
- MP-446 Viking
Type | Pistol |
---|---|
Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum |
Magazine | 17 rounds |
Operation | Short recoil |
Fire selector | 0-1 |
Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
Barrel length | 113 mm |
---|---|
Rifling | ? |
Muzzle velocity | 465 m/s |
Stock | - |
Length | 196 mm |
Width | 38 mm |
Height | 140 mm |
---|---|
Weight | 0.95 kg empty |
Sights | Iron sights, blade front and adjustable notch rear |
Remarks | - |
Type | Pistol |
---|---|
Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum |
Magazine | 17 rounds |
Operation | Short recoil |
Fire selector | 0-1 |
Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
Barrel length | 113 mm |
---|---|
Rifling | ? |
Muzzle velocity | 465 m/s |
Stock | - |
Length | 198 mm |
Width | 33 mm |
Height | 140 mm |
---|---|
Weight | 1 kg empty |
Sights | Iron sights, blade front and adjustable notch rear |
Remarks | - |
Type | Pistol |
---|---|
Caliber | 9x19mm Parabellum |
Magazine | 17 rounds |
Operation | Short recoil |
Fire selector | 0-1 |
Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
Barrel length | 113 mm |
---|---|
Rifling | ? |
Muzzle velocity | 335 m/s |
Stock | - |
Length | 196 mm |
Width | ? |
Height | 140 mm |
---|---|
Weight | 0.85 kg empty |
Sights | Iron sights, blade front and adjustable notch rear |
Remarks | - |