PB (pistol)

The PB, from the Russian pistolet besshumnyy meaning silent pistol and carrying the GRAU index 6P9, is a Soviet semi-automatic pistol with an integral suppressor. It was developed and made by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, which later merged into the Kalashnikov Concern, and the Kalashnikov Concern has kept it in production since 2013. Chambered for the 9x18mm cartridge and derived from the Makarov pistol, it entered service in 1967. Its suppressor is built in two parts, so the pistol can be carried concealed with the front section detached and the suppressor completed quickly before use. The firing mechanism and eight-round magazine follow the Makarov, but because the suppressor covers the front of the barrel the slide is very short, and the return spring sits in the grip and acts on the slide through a long lever. The KGB, interior ministry special units and Soviet Army reconnaissance groups used it, and Russian special forces and security services are listed among its current users.