MP-446 Viking

• Name — MP-446 Viking • Origin — Russia • Type — Semi-automatic pistol • Is Ranged — yes • Designer — Izhevsk Mechanical Plant • Design Date — 1998–2000 • Manufacturer — Izhevsk Mechanical Plant (2001–2013) Kalashnikov Concern (2013–present) • Production Date — 2001–present • Weight — 830 g • Length — 196 mm • Part Length — 112.8 mm • Width — 38 mm • Height — 142 mm • Cartridge — 9×19mm Parabellum • Action — Short recoil operated, locked breech • Velocity — 335 m/s • Range — 50 m • Feed — 10 or 18 round detachable box magazine • Sights — Fixed iron sights, 3-dot with notch and front blade

The MP-446 Viking was created by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant as the civilian version of the MP-443 Grach Yarygin PYa pistol used by the Russian military since 2003. The MP-446 is a short recoil-operated, locked breech pistol. It weighs around 830 g when unloaded, and has a magazine capacity of 18 rounds. The key differences between MP-446 and MP-443 are the frame materials (polyamide rather than steel) and barrel construction: the barrel of the MP-446 was intentionally weakened to prevent the safe use of high-powered armour-piercing military rounds (i.e. Russian 9x19mm 7N21 type, 9x19mm NATO) or civilian "+P" or "+P+" cartridges. Because of this, the barrel has a noticeable taper beginning at the chamber end and widening toward the muzzle where material was removed to reduce its strength.

The export variant comes with either a 10-round or 18-round double-column, two position feed box magazine.

Sport modification of МР-446 "Viking" pistol. It was developed according to the requirements of the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC). In 2003, the МР-446С "Viking" was included in the official list of weapons used in international competitions according to IPSC rules. It has an upgraded shooting accuracy and patterning in comparison with a base variant; opportunity to adjust trigger travel after a shot; adjustable sights; 120 mm barrel length version is available.

Improved version of the MP-446C, with considerations for modern civilian markets, such as a standard Picatinny rail on the underside of the frame, removable sights that are compatible with aftermarket Glock examples, a longer barrel likely for the option of threading for aftermarket devices with reinforcement in stressful areas, increased part durability to a claimed 50,000 rounds, improved feed ramp, and improved magazines while retaining the ability to function with older examples.

• Armenia: used as service pistol in police; since June 10, 2021, the Armenian government authorized the use of MP-446 pistols as firearms for customs service personnel • Belarus • Adopted as training pistol • Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (former) • Kazakhstan • Since 2003 adopted as training pistol • Pakistan • Russian Federation • Syria

• Illustration — A MP-446 "Viking" pistol in the collection of M. T. Kalashnikov Museum in Izhevsk A MP-446 "Viking" pistol is in the collection of M. T. Kalashnikov Museum in Izhevsk