| Pistolet Besshumnyy ("Silent Pistol") | |
|---|---|
| Type | Silent pistol |
| Place of origin | USSR/ Russia |
| Service history | |
| Used by | KGB, army reconnaissance |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 1967 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 0.97 |
| Length | 310/170 |
| Barrel length | 105 |
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| Cartridge | 9×18mm Makarov |
| Caliber | 9 mm/ .35 caliber |
| Action | blowback, double-action trigger, identical to the Makarov pistol |
| Feed system | 8-round magazine |
| Sights | open sights |
The PB silent pistol (Pistolet Besshumnyy, "Silent Pistol"; GRAU index 6P9) is a Soviet silenced pistol, based on the Makarov pistol design, intended for army reconnaissance groups and the KGB. It was issued into service in 1967. The pistol uses an integral suppressor, which, unlike most similar systems, consists of two parts. This allows the pistol to be carried and kept concealed without the front part of the suppressor attached, and for the silencer to be quickly deployed prior to use. The pistol may also be fired safely without the additional suppressor attachment, which may be important in critical situations. Without the front attachment, the pistol has a similar sound to the Makarov pistol. In fact, even with the attachment, the weapon is not completely silent; however, the level at which the sound is reduced is significant. The detached suppressor is carried in a special compartment of the holster which was designed for the PB.[1]
The PB pistol's firing mechanism and design is based entirely upon that of the Makarov pistol. Because the front part of the barrel is covered by the suppressor, the bolt is very short, such that it does not allow placing a return spring into it. For that reason, the spring is in the grip, and acts on the bolt by means of a long lever. The sights are fixed and not adjustable. The pistol uses standard 8-round magazines from the Makarov pistol.[2]