PBS-1 silencer
The PBS-1 is a silencer designed for the AKM variant of Soviet AK-47 assault rifle in the Kalashnikov rifle family.[1] It is 40 mm (1.6 in) in diameter and 200 mm (7.9 in) long.[2]
History
The PBS-1 silencer, designed for use with the AKM to reduce the noise when firing, was introduced in the 1960s, and was used mostly by Spetsnaz forces and the KGB.[3][4][5] They were used by the Spetsnaz in the Soviet–Afghan War in the 1980s, requiring the use of the AKM version of the AK-47, because the newer AK-74 did not have a silencer available.[6] Until a variant of the AK74 the AKS-74U adapted for use with the PBS-4 suppressor (used in combination with subsonic 5.45×39mm Russian ammunition).
The PBS-1 is a two-chambered silencer using baffles and a rubber wipe.[7] It was designed for use in conjunction with subsonic rifle ammunition.[7] The PBS-1 has been extensively tested by the United States Army Foreign Weapons Test Lab. The rubber wipe requires replacement after 20–25 rounds.[2] With a rubber wipe in place the PBS-1 reliably reduces the sound of an AKM discharge by 15 dB.[2]
References
- Brayley, Martin J (22 April 2013). Kalashnikov AK47 Series: The 7.62 x 39mm Assault Rifle in Detail. Crowood. pp. 263–265. ISBN 978-1-84797-526-3.
- Rottman, Gordon L. (1 April 2011). The AK-47: Kalashnikov-series assault rifles. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 19. ISBN 978-1-84908-462-8.
- Vorobiev, Marco (15 June 2016). Gun Digest Shooter's Guide to AKs. Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media. pp. 27–29. ISBN 978-1-4402-4647-0.
- Merrill, David (September–October 2016). "Dead Air Wolverine PBS-1 & Gemtech Arsenal, Inc. AK – Soviet Styling, American Execution". Recoil. Vol. 4 no. 26. pp. 102–110.
- Johnston, Gary Paul; Nelson, Thomas B. (2010). The World's Assault Rifles. Lorton, Virginia: Ironside International Publishers, Inc. ISBN 9780935554007.
- Vorobiev, Marco (November 20, 2010), "Guns of the Spetsnaz: rifles", Shotgun News, vol. 64 no. 33, pp. 48–
- Walter, John (25 March 2006). Rifles of the World. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. p. 203. ISBN 0-89689-241-7.