Kalashnikov Group

The Izhevsk Mechanical Plant (IMZ) has supplied the first batch of modular Lebedev pistols for trial operation to the National Guard of Russia. The goal is to obtain feedback on the new product from the first-hand operators of the weapon.  Dmitry Lebedev, lead designer of IMZ and the pistol line designee, offered an introductory briefing for Rosgvardia staff from different regions of the country where he spoke about the advantages of the new pistols, their design, and peculiarities of their use and maintenance. He focused particularly on practical handling techniques: assembly and disassembly algorithm, product composition, as well as the peculiarities of repair of the modular Lebedev pistols. Trial operation of the MPL and MPL1 pistols in Rosgvardia will take more than a month. “Based on the results of the trial operation, certain modifications may be made to the design of the pistols, which will make them even more convenient to use and maintain, as well as more adaptable to streamlined production,” said Mr. Lebedev. MPL and MPL1 modular Lebedev pistols were proactively developed at Kalashnikov Concern by the Design and Engineering Center team. The pistols were developed in 2017 as part of the Rys R&D project following the tactical and technical task set by the Federal Service of the Troops of the National Guard. Their main advantages over their predecessors and foreign counterparts include well thought-out ergonomics, high reliability regardless of operating conditions, long service life, and the ability to use them with all types of 9×19 mm cartridges, including 7H21-01 ones. The 9 mm modular Lebedev pistol is offered in the standard MPL design and the MPL1 design for special missions: the latter is equipped with a silencer, a barrel with a silencer mount, place for mounting of a collimator sight, and elements for attaching the weapon to the soldier’s garment. The pistols successfully passed state qualification tests and were accepted in May 2021 for service with Rosgvardia. The new products are at the stage of their entry into mass production at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant.