The A-91 is a Russian bullpup
assault rifle
An assault rifle is a select fire rifle that uses an intermediate cartridge, intermediate-rifle cartridge and a Magazine (firearms), detachable magazine.C. Taylor, ''The Fighting Rifle: A Complete Study of the Rifle in Combat'', F.A. Moyer '' ...
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
The A-91 uses a
gas-operated system with a rotating bolt, similar to the
AK-47
The AK-47, officially known as the Avtomat Kalashnikova (; also known as the Kalashnikov or just AK), is an assault rifle that is chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge. Developed in the Soviet Union by Russian small-arms designer Mikhail Kala ...
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.
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
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
There are several variants of the A-91, including different configurations for different calibers and missions:
* A-91M: The most modern variant, featuring updated materials and improved ergonomic features. Chambered in both
5.45×39mm and
7.62×39mm.
* OTs-14 Groza: A related bullpup rifle also designed by KBP, focused on close-quarters combat and available in
7.62×39mm and
9×39mm.
Usage
The A-91 is in limited service with the
Russian Armed Forces
The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, commonly referred to as the Russian Armed Forces, are the military of Russia. They are organized into three service branches—the Russian Ground Forces, Ground Forces, Russian Navy, Navy, and Russi ...
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
The AK-74 ( Russian: , tr. ''Avtomat Kalashnikova obraztsa 1974 goda'', lit. 'Kalashnikov assault rifle model 1974') is an assault rifle designed by small arms designer Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1974 as a successor to the AKM. While primarily ...
and its variants.
See also
*
9A-91 carbine
*
OTs-14 Groza
*
AK-74
The AK-74 ( Russian: , tr. ''Avtomat Kalashnikova obraztsa 1974 goda'', lit. 'Kalashnikov assault rifle model 1974') is an assault rifle designed by small arms designer Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1974 as a successor to the AKM. While primarily ...
*
List of assault rifles
References
External links
World Guns: A-91– Detailed information about the A-91 at Modern Firearms
KBP Instrument Design Bureau– Official site of the manufacturer
Gallery
File:Interpolitex 2011 (405-49).jpg, The A-91 at Interpolitex 2011.
File:5,56А-91 Interpolitex-2012.jpg, The A-91 without a magazine at Interpolitex 2012.
See also
*
ADS amphibious rifle
External links
Firearms Russia*
5.45×39mm assault rifles
5.56×45mm NATO assault rifles
7.62×39mm assault rifles
Assault rifles of Russia
Bullpup rifles
Caseless firearms
Grenade launchers of Russia
KBP Instrument Design Bureau products
{{Rifle-stub
Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1991