Makarov PB
Izhevsk Mechanical Plant · Pistol · In Service · 1967
Also known as: 6P9, Pistolet Besshumny, PB (Silent Pistol)
Overview
The Makarov PB (GRAU index 6P9) is a suppressed semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x18mm Makarov, developed by A. A. Deryagin at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant and adopted in 1967. Based on the Makarov PM, it retains the fixed-barrel blowback action and double-action/single-action trigger but adds a ported barrel that vents gas into an expansion chamber around the barrel, combined with a two-part detachable silencer. The front section of the suppressor can be removed for concealed carry, and the pistol can still be fired safely without it. Issued to KGB and Soviet special-operations units, the PB remains in service with Russian Spetsnaz, FSB, and National Guard forces for covert and close-quarters work.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 980 g (34.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1030 g (36.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 310 mm (12.20") |
| Barrel Length | 105 mm (4.13") |
| Height | 134 mm (5.28") |
| Width | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 256 J (189 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 260 mm (10.24") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x18mm Makarov · primary — also known as 9mm Makarov, 9x18mm PM
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Decocker, Half Cock Notch
- Features: Integral Suppressor, Two Part Detachable Silencer, Ported Barrel, Free Blowback Design, Double Action Single Action, Heel Magazine Release
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Armed Forces · adopted 1967 · as 6P9
- KGB / FSB · adopted 1967 · as PB
- Russian Spetsnaz · as 6P9
- Russian National Guard (Rosgvardiya)
Conflicts
- Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)
- Chechen Wars (1994-2009)
Production
Production years: 1967-present
Special-purpose weapon produced in limited numbers for Soviet/Russian special forces and security services; exact totals not published.
Origin
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Designer: A. A. Deryagin
Notes
The PB's suppression system is integral rather than a screw-on can: the barrel is ported to bleed propellant gas into a jacket-mounted expansion chamber, while a detachable front tube holds a wipe/baffle stack. Because the front section detaches, the pistol can be carried compact and reassembled or fired without it. The magazine holds 8 rounds like the parent PM, but the grip and slide were reworked to accommodate the recoil spring relocated into the grip (behind the magazine) since the suppressor jacket occupies the space around the barrel where the PM's recoil spring sits.
Background
Unlike a screw-on can, the PB hides its silencer in plain sight: the barrel itself is drilled with ports that dump propellant gas into a chamber wrapped around it, so even with the removable front tube detached the pistol still fires markedly quieter than a standard Makarov.