The world arms market is represented by both real military rifle units and dummies made on their basis. Such products are called starting signal pistols. Structurally, they are not suitable for firing ammunition. However, due to the reproducible strong noise effect and its external similarity with the military counterpart, they are an excellent means for self-defense. Non-combat rifle units can be in the form of revolvers and pistols. Using the legendary PM, the designers of the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant designed the launch pistol MP-371. Information about the device and the performance characteristics of noise weapons is contained in the article.
Acquaintance
MP-371 is a signal pistol of Russian manufacture. A Makarov pistol (PM) of 1994 was used as an analogue for noise weapons. They have been producing MP-371 since 2010 at the Izhmekh plant in the city of Izhevsk.
About design
Unlike its combat counterpart, the starting pistol is a skillfully executed ordinary dummy. Both rifle units are equipped with identical parts. Due to the constructive similarity, the noise model is used for training purposes: they teach on models to disassemble and assemble combat PM. However, there are some design differences between the two samples.
In the signal version of the Makarov pistol, there is no “beard” on the bolt. PM-371 is equipped with a special small cut, the task of which is to prevent artisan alterations of the shutter. Shooting from a model converted into a handicraft method will result in injury to the owner. PM-371 does not have a barrel, in place of which the designers mounted a blank with a longitudinal milling groove. The false barrel has a blind hole for the pin.
In order to prevent the conversion of signal weapons into combat, the pseudo-barrel mount was weakened. There is also a place for the chrome chamber and the cartridge installed in it. The front of the chamber is equipped with a 2 mm hole through which powder gases exit. Due to the presence of a special limiter, the loading of starting weapons with combat ammunition is excluded. The body of the starting pistol PM-371 is made of weapon steel. This circumstance is often used by the owners who decided to remake the dummy for firing with real combat ammunition.
About cartridges
Despite the external similarity, the starting pistol and combat PM have different purposes. The noise shooting unit is designed exclusively to create a sound effect. Especially for this purpose, the staff of the Izhevsk factory launched the production of disposable plastic cartridges, which are imitators of live ammunition. Especially for PM-371 noise capsules "Zhevelo-N" and "KV-21" are provided. The signal cartridge has a container in which to install a flammable capsule. Cartridges are made of brass and plastic. Metal ammunition is designed for reusable use at a temperature not lower than -10 degrees.
About the mechanism
Shooting from a starting pistol is carried out from self-cocking. The cock is cocked every time after a shot. Removing from the chamber fired simulator shutter. To fire a shot, you must first cock the trigger. Then, the used simulator is thrown out of the weapon, and not a new one is sent out of its holder. The pistol magazine in the noise model, as in the military counterpart, is located in the handle. During firing from a starting pistol, a noticeable shutter movement occurs, due to which the noise model is very similar to the combat one.
About technical specifications
- The caliber of the starting model of the Makarov pistol is 5.6 / 9 mm.
- The rifle unit weighs 700 g.
- The length of the weapon is 16.2, height - 12.7, width - 3.1 cm.
- The pseudo-trunk is 9.35 cm.
- The weapon is equipped with a movable slide frame.
- The noise gun is equipped with an adjustable trigger.
- Shooting is performed in semi-automatic mode.
- The handle is made of plastic.
- The capacity of the stores is 8 charges.
About tuning
Judging by the reviews, many owners redo their starting pistols, as a result of which they are almost indistinguishable from combat. It is possible to give the noise shooting model a more effective look by replacing the plastic plates in the handle with the same bakelite ones that are provided for these PM. It is also recommended to get a special screw from a Makarov combat pistol. Some craftsmen make such screws themselves. In addition to working with handle plates and screws, an imitation receiver is also subject to modernization. In the starting pistol, it is covered in red paint. The noise model will look spectacular if you erase the paint with acetone. The muzzle in this case will look much more serious. Some owners not only wash off the paint, but completely redo it by mounting a special sleeve from a combat pistol. It is important that its size does not exceed 15 mm.
About the advantages and disadvantages
Since the starting pistol is not a military firearm, permission to use it is not necessary. MP-371 can be purchased by anyone, upon reaching adulthood. Judging by the reviews of the owners, the starting gun is convenient to operate and maintain. In the event of a breakdown, the normal functioning of the rifle unit can be restored at home using conventional tools. According to experts, the mechanics of these noise pistols fail very rarely.
Despite the presence of undeniable advantages, the starting model of the Makarov pistol is not without some drawbacks. The main disadvantage is the use of a strongly trimmed return spring, which led to the formation of a backlash of the shutter frame. Also, according to the owners, there are times when the mechanics jam. This can be prevented by regular cleaning of the starting gun.
Revolver alarm RS-31
Izhevsk designers developed the RS-31 noise revolver. The base for the model was the gas RG-31. With the help of the PC-31, you can give sound and light signals. For rifle non-combat units provided capsules "Zhevelo-N" caliber 5.6 mm. The revolver is equipped with a trigger, which works by self-cocking. The product has a reclining drum, the fixation of which is carried out using a latch.
From noise revolvers, fireworks and flares can be launched. For this purpose, the RS-31 are equipped with special nozzles. The set includes design and service elements typical of modern revolvers to the noise model.