In the early 1970s, the USSR Ministry of Defense carried out development work under the name "Bouquet", the purpose of which was to develop a small-sized submachine gun (PP) under the 9x18 cartridge. As a result, none of the samples proposed by conductors was adopted. In the early 1990s, the topic was again raised. The Ministry of Internal Affairs wanted to get a weapon that would occupy a niche between Makarov’s pistol and the AKS-74U machine gun. Weapon design bureaus turned to the developments of the 70s, among which were the PP-91 Kedr and Klin pistols. And so the story of our today's “hero” began.
Production start
First, let's clarify the origin of the name. In this case, "Cedar" is not only the name of the tree species, but also the abbreviation meaning "Design of Eugene Dragunov." The finalization and refinement of the 70s model was carried out by the son of the chief designer, M.E. Dragunov. The work was carried out at the legendary Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, which produced almost all of Russia's firearms. "Cedar" however was released at IMZ only in the amount of 40 prototypes. As a result, the submachine gun was recognized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and entered service. The serial production of the submachine gun was transferred to the Zlatoust MH.
For firing with the PP-91 "Cedar" model 9x18 PM cartridges are used. Currently, this type of weapon is in service with almost all law enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation. It is used by special units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Federal Drug Control Service, Federal Penitentiary Service, courier service, cash collectors and departmental security.
"Wedge"
In 1994, when a more powerful 9x18 PMM cartridge was developed, a need arose for a machine gun for it. So there was a model "Wedge", the basis for which was the "Cedar". The weapons of this version were created as more powerful. Due to the increased recoil force, the rate of fire was slightly reduced. This was achieved by weighting the shutter and applying screw grooves on the inner wall of the chamber. The grooves increased the frictional resistance when the sleeve moves backward and expands, without causing a rupture. This provided braking shutter recoil. The rate of fire "Wedge" is about 1000 rounds per minute. Accuracy of a single fire from a distance of 25 m - 58 mm, and from a distance of 150 m - 393 mm. Otherwise, the submachine gun is completely identical to the Cedar.
Further development
Modification "Wedge" was also produced at the Zlatoust plant. However, her story did not last long. The 9x18 PMM cartridge was soon abandoned, so its use in old weapons is unsafe, and the new 9x19 cartridge has more interesting parameters. Therefore, only the 91 Cedar Submachine Gun remained in service. Based on its design, they later created the “service carbine” of the PKSK for private security structures. It was distinguished by the use of a 9x17 cartridge and a magazine with a capacity for 10 shells. It would seem, why create a version that is so slightly different from the original? The answer can be found in legislation that does not allow the use of more serious weapons for such purposes.
A traumatic version of the Cedar software was also produced. The weapon was called PDT-9T, or "Esaul" (photo below). In order to be able to wear PP under outerwear without attracting extra attention, a special pendant was created. It provided not only reliable fastening of the weapon, but also its instant access. A silencer was also developed for Cedar, which in design resembles a model for an ABP pistol.
Cedar device
The Russian submachine gun PP-91 "Kedr" has automation that works on the principle of recoil with a free shutter. Fire is conducted from a closed shutter, which makes it possible to achieve greater accuracy. USM trigger type allows you to fire both single shots and bursts. "Cedar" has a slide delay and a fuse, which is located on the right side of the receiver. When on, the fuse locks the trigger and the shutter. As a rule, submachine guns are equipped with a butt, and this weapon was no exception. "Cedar" is equipped with a metal butt, folding up.
In addition to the silencer, which was mentioned above, a laser target designator can be installed on the PCB. By default, there is a front sight and a rear sight for aiming in the Kedr software. A front sight with a fuse (namushnik) is located on a triangular base at the beginning of the receiver, and the rear sight (of a simple design, with a slot), respectively, on the back plate of the box. The sighting line has a length of 213 mm. Ammunition is carried out from a box store for 20 or 30 rounds.
Benefits
Consider the advantages that this weapon has. "Cedar" has such strengths:
- Light weight and dimensions that allow you to hide weapons in clothes.
- The presence in the design of the bolt delay, which makes the arrow understand the need to change the store, after firing all the shells.
- Trigger trigger allows you to aim (high accuracy and accuracy) shooting at fire from a closed shutter.
- It is possible to equip a submachine gun with a tactical flashlight or laser target designator.
- The Cedar submachine gun, the description of which we are considering, allows you to start firing as soon as the cartridge is sent to the chamber. This is possible due to the left-hand arrangement of the slide handle.
- PP "Cedar", thanks to a good balance and comfortable handle, allows you to fire with one hand.
- Easy to maintain and operate weapons.
disadvantages
It can’t do without flaws either:
- The butt plate of the butt is not very convenient for the shooter to shoulder, so during the burst of fire the weapon moves.
- Due to the use of a relatively weak cartridge, the weapon has a low muzzle energy - 295 J.
- The barrel, unprotected by the casing, overheats with prolonged fire in bursts and can burn the shooter's hands.
- When firing a burst of ammunition spent very quickly due to the small capacity of the store.
- A submachine gun kit only includes a couple of stores.
Version PP-91 "Cedar"
The weapon has quite a few modifications, we will consider each of them:
- Version "Cedar-B", which differs only in the presence of an integrated silencer.
- The "Wedge" model, which we examined above. It features improved ballistics, which entailed some changes in the design of the shutter (increased mass and the presence of screw grooves).
- Modification of the PP-919, aka "Cedar-2". It was developed specifically for the Parabellum cartridge with a caliber of 9x19 mm. Used in the service of the federal tax police. Only 3 copies were released.
- Pistol-carbine with index PKSK-10. This is a self-loading version, which was created under the 9x17 mm cartridge. A pistol was developed for private security services. In addition to a reduced caliber, it was distinguished by a store with a capacity of 10 rounds.
- Korsak carbine manufactured under the KMO-9 index. It features elongated trunks and a caliber of 9x21 mm. This modification was developed for sports training and hunting shooting.
- Traumatic modification "Corporal". Distinctive features: a magazine for 10 rounds and a caliber of 10x23 T. A model is designed for private power structures.
- Two more traumatic options are Esaul and Esaul-3. The first is designed for a 9-mm cartridge R.A., and the second - for the cartridge 45 Rubber. The store of both versions contains 10 shells.
Reviews of experts about the submachine gun "Cedar"
Weapons, according to people who have repeatedly worked with him in “hot spots”, have the following advantages:
- Compactness
- Rate of fire. Ideal for close contact.
- Convenient sighting device.
- Ergonomic layout of controls.
As for the shortcomings, there are still fewer of them:
- The shoulder rest loosens quickly.
- The store of one software may not approach another - it is not fixed. This is a significant problem, given the small capacity of the store.