Yarygin PYa
MP-443 Grach | MP-446 Viking
Overview
Yaragin PYa
Left side view of Yaragin PYa.
Source: Karden -
© copyright lies with original owner
PYa / Pistolet Yarygina (Russian service)
Russian for "Yarygin pistol".
MP-443 Grach (manufacturer designation)
Description
Introduction
The Yaragin PYa is a modern pistol of Russian origin. It was developed in the 1990's as a replacement for the ubiquitous Makarov PM pistol. The PYa is named after is developer and is also known as the MP-443 Grach. In 2002 it was selected as the standard sidearm for all Russian forces.
Design
The PYa is a double action pistol that uses a simplified version of the Colt-Browning short recoil system. Unlike most modern pistols the PYa follows a classic sturdy design with a steel frame. Overpressure 9x19mm ammunition is fired from a double stack magazine. Ambidextrous safety and magazine release is fitted. The MP-446 Viking is a similar sized civilian alternative that does not fire overpressure ammunition and uses a single stack magazine.
Firepower
The PYa fires 9x19mm rounds from a 17 round magazine. Both standard and overpressure rounds can be fired. These include the powerful 7N21 and 7N31 armor piercing rounds. It is not available in other calibers. The PYa is reported having reasonable accuracy and good reliability. Maximum effective range is quoted as 50 meters.
Users
The PYa was selected as the new standard issue service pistol for Russian forces in 2002. The GSh-18 and Gyurza (SPS) have also been acquired in smaller quantities. Despite these purchases the venerable Makarov PM remains the most numerous pistol in Russian service. The PYa and its civilian models are available for export.
Variants
PYa / MP-443 Grach
Baseline military service pistol. MP-443 Grach is the original name of the PYa. MP-443 Grach remains the export designation.
MP-446 Viking
Civilian model of the MP-443. Has a thinner barrel and cannot fire overpressure ammunition. The polymer frame and single stack magazine make it lighter than the PYa. The frame also has accessory rails.
Details
Media
Yaragin PYa
Left side view of Yaragin PYa.
Source: Karden
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Yaragin PYa
Yaragin PYa alongside magazines.
Source: Karden
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Yaragin PYa
View through the Yaragin PYa iron sights.
Source: Karden
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Yaragin PYa
Yaragin PYa with slide in rearward position.
Source: Karden
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Yaragin PYa
A Yaragin PYa or MP-443 held by an operator of the Moscow OMSN.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Related articles
GSh-18
The GSh-18 was developed as a competitor to the PYa. The PYa was selected over the GSh-18.
Gyurza
The Gyurza stems from the same trails to replace the Makarov PM with a more capable pistol. Unlike the PYa and GSh-18 it uses special 9x21mm ammunition.