The MP-446 Viking is a 9mm semi-automatic handgun originating from Russia.
Design
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 grams (29 oz) 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.
Variants
=== MP-446 Viking === The export variant comes with either a 10-round or 18-round double-column, two position feed box magazine.
==== MP-446C Viking ==== 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 (4.7 in) barrel length version is available.
==== MP-446C Viking-M ==== 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.
== Users == 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
Museum exhibits
A MP-446 "Viking" pistol is in the collection of M. T. Kalashnikov Museum in Izhevsk
Notes
== Sources == Pistole MP-446 Viking // "Střelecký Magazin", № 2, 2004 Ивица Дамески. Руски пиштол „МП 446 Викинг“ // "Штит", № 103, маj 2018. стр.32-33
External links
Izhevsk Mechanical Plant (MP-446 Viking) Instruction manual (MP-446 Viking) Modern Firearms (MP-446 Viking).