Submachine gun PP-19-01 "Vityaz": Reliability and versatility for special forces

The PP-19-01 Vityaz submachine gun is a modern Russian weapon created for special forces units. Based on the Kalashnikov assault rifle, the Vityaz combines the legendary reliability of the AK, the compactness of a submachine gun, and the high firepower of the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge. This weapon was a response to the needs of special forces in a universal tool for operations in urban areas, where maneuverability, accuracy, and the ability to work in difficult conditions are important. The PP-19-01 is actively used by Russian special forces units such as the FSB, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Russian National Guard, and has proven itself to be a reliable and effective submachine gun. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the history of the creation, design, combat use, and significance of the PP-19-01 Vityaz, as well as its place in the arsenal of modern law enforcement agencies.

History of creation: from AK to special forces

In the 1990s, Russian security forces faced the need to update their small arms arsenal. Traditional submachine guns such as the PP-90 Kedr or PP-91, which used the 9x18mm PM cartridge, were ineffective against targets protected by body armor and did not meet the requirements of modern counter-terrorism operations. At the same time, assault rifles such as the AK-74 were too bulky for close combat in urban areas or when rescuing hostages. This led to the development of a new submachine gun that could combine compactness, a high rate of fire, and sufficient penetration.

In 2001, the Kalashnikov concern (then the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant) began developing a submachine gun based on the AK-74M assault rifle. The project was named PP-19-01 Vityaz in honor of the eponymous special forces unit of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, for which the weapon was originally created. The development was led by Viktor Mikhailovich Kalashnikov, the son of the legendary designer Mikhail Kalashnikov, together with Alexei Dragunov, the son of Evgeny Dragunov, the creator of the SVD rifle. Using the proven AK platform made it possible to reduce development time and ensure high reliability of the weapon.

In 2005, the PP-19-01 Vityaz was officially adopted by the Russian security forces. Later, a modification of the PP-19-01 Vityaz-SN appeared, equipped with Picatinny rails for installing modern sighting systems and tactical accessories, such as collimator sights, flashlights and laser designators. The Vityaz became the main submachine gun for special forces of the FSB, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Russian National Guard, replacing outdated models and complementing such systems as the SR-2 Veresk and PP-2000.

Design and specifications

The PP-19-01 Vityaz is a submachine gun that operates on the principle of a free bolt, which distinguishes it from Kalashnikov assault rifles with gas-operated automation. However, the design actively uses elements of the AK: the receiver, trigger mechanism and ergonomics are borrowed from the AK-74M, which simplifies the training of personnel familiar with Kalashnikov assault rifles. The weapon fires from a closed bolt, which increases the accuracy of single shots compared to submachine guns firing from an open bolt.

Main technical characteristics of PP-19-01 "Vityaz":

• Caliber: 9×19 mm Parabellum (including armor-piercing cartridge 7N21).
• Weight: 2,9 kg (without magazine), about 3,4 kg (with full magazine).
• Length: 705 mm (with stock unfolded), 480 mm (with stock folded).
• Barrel length: 230 mm.
• Rate of fire: 700–750 rounds per minute.
• Magazine capacity: 30 rounds (box magazine, two magazines can be connected into a twin magazine).
• Effective firing range: up to 200 meters.
• Fire modes: single and automatic.
• Sight: open, with a flip rear sight for 100 and 200 meters; in the Vityaz-SN version - Picatinny rails for installing collimator and optical sights.

The design of the "Vityaz" includes a left-folding plastic butt, similar to the AK-74M, which reduces the dimensions of the weapon during transportation. The body is made of steel with a polymer coating, and the pistol grip and forend are made of impact-resistant plastic. Magazines for 30 rounds are made of translucent plastic, which allows you to control the remaining ammunition. A unique feature is the ability to connect two magazines in a pair using a special clamp, which speeds up reloading in combat conditions.

The trigger mechanism allows for both single and automatic fire modes. The mode switch and safety are located on the right side of the receiver, like the AK. The Vityaz-SN version has Picatinny rails on the receiver cover and fore-end, which allows for the installation of modern sights, tactical flashlights, laser designators and silencers. The muzzle brake-compensator reduces recoil and improves accuracy when firing bursts.

The 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge used in the Vityaz provides good stopping power and moderate penetration. The 7N21 armor-piercing cartridge, developed in Russia, can penetrate class II body armor at a distance of up to 50-70 meters, making the Vityaz effective against hardened targets. The weapon is also compatible with standard 9x19mm cartridges, simplifying supply in international operations.

Production and technology

The PP-19-01 Vityaz is manufactured by the Kalashnikov Concern at the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant. The use of standardized AK parts has reduced production costs and simplified worker training. About 60% of the Vityaz components are borrowed from the AK-74M, including the receiver, trigger mechanism, and controls. This made the PP-19-01 one of the most technologically advanced submachine guns of its time, since it did not require the creation of new production lines.

The exact number of units produced remains classified, but the Vityaz is actively supplied to special forces of the FSB, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Russian National Guard. Limited quantities have also been exported to CIS countries, including Kazakhstan and Belarus. A civilian version of the Vityaz, called the Saiga-9, is produced for the sporting and hunting weapons market, but lacks an automatic fire mode.

Combat application

The PP-19-01 Vityaz was developed for counter-terrorist operations, hostage rescue, VIP escort and other special forces tasks. Its compact size and high rate of fire make it ideal for close combat in urban areas, buildings or transport. The Vityaz was actively used by Russian special forces such as Alpha, Vympel and SOBR during counter-terrorist operations in the North Caucasus, including the Second Chechen War (1999-2009) and subsequent operations against militants.

The effective firing range of up to 200 meters allows the Vityaz to be used not only in close combat, but also in patrolling or storming fortified positions. The 7N21 armor-piercing cartridges provide an advantage when confronting opponents in body armor, and the ability to install a silencer makes the weapon suitable for covert operations. For example, the Vityaz-SN with a collimator sight and silencer is often used when storming premises where accuracy and minimal noise levels are important.

Outside of Russia, the Vityaz has had limited distribution, but its reliability and simplicity have made it popular in the CIS countries. In popular culture, the PP-19-01 appears in video games such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Escape from Tarkov, and Battlefield, where it is prized for its combination of compactness and firepower. In games, the Vityaz is often depicted as a special forces weapon, emphasizing its real role in the Russian security forces.

Meaning and Legacy

The PP-19-01 Vityaz was an important step in the development of Russian submachine guns, combining the proven AK platform with modern requirements for compact weapons. Its appearance allowed Russian special forces to obtain a universal weapon capable of operating effectively in urban conditions and against protected targets. Compared to other submachine guns, such as the German HK MP5 or the Israeli Uzi, the Vityaz wins due to its unification with the AK, which simplifies training and logistics.

The Vityaz-SN modification with Picatinny rails made the weapon even more versatile, allowing it to be adapted to various tasks using modern accessories. The influence of the Vityaz can be seen in other Russian designs, such as the PP-2000, which inherited the idea of ​​a compact weapon chambered for 9x19 mm. The civilian version of the Saiga-9 also expanded the platform's popularity among sports shooters and hunters.

The Vityaz remains in the arsenal of Russian security forces and continues to be modernized. In the 2020s, the Kalashnikov concern presented updated versions with improved ergonomics and compatibility with new sighting systems. For collectors and weapons enthusiasts, the Vityaz is of interest as an example of the successful adaptation of the classic AK design to the challenges of the XNUMXst century.

The PP-19-01 Vityaz submachine gun is the embodiment of reliability, versatility and practicality. Based on the Kalashnikov assault rifle, it inherited its legendary strength and simplicity, but is adapted for modern special forces tasks. Compact dimensions, high rate of fire and compatibility with 9x19 mm armor-piercing cartridges make the Vityaz an effective weapon for anti-terrorist operations, close combat and covert missions.