KS-23
Overview
KS-23-1
KS-23-1 with fixed stock and short barrel. Note the 23mm shells alongside.
Source: Karden -
© copyright lies with original owner
Russia - TOZ
Russian for "special carbine 23mm"
Description
Introduction
The KS-23 is a shotgun of Soviet origin. It was developed for law enforcement use in the 1980's. The name KS-23 stands for "Karabin Spetsialniy", which is Russian for "special carbine". The number 23 refers to the 23mm diameter of the barrel, which makes it one of the most powerful tactical shotguns
Design
The KS-23 has a standard pump-action shotgun design plus some uncommon features. The barrels are derived from rejected 23mm aircraft cannon barrels. The rifling allows for an exceptional range with slugs and cannister ammunition such as tear gas. Below the barrel there is a tubular magazine that doubles as the rails for the polymer pump slider. A fixed wooden stock is fitted.
Firepower
The KS-23 fires its own range of 23mm ammunition that includes buckshot, slugs, tear gas and other special rounds. The magazine capacity is 3 rounds plus 1 in the chamber. Slugs have a maximum range of 100 to 150 meters.
Users
The KS-23 is used by Russian law enforcement and those of former Soviet states. It is being supplemented by more modern 12ga shotguns but remains in active use.
Variants
KS-23
The KS-23 is a powerful shotgun that fires 23mm rounds. The standard model was introduced in 1985. It has a long barrel and fixed wooden stock. The KS-23-1 has a shorter barrel of similar length as the KS-23M.
KS-23M
The KS-23M is a more compact variant of the KS-23, introduced in 1991. It was one of several attempts to improve on the KS-23 design. The mechanism remains similar, but a shorter barrel is used, a polymer pistol grip is fitted and a metal wire stock can optionally be fitted.
Details
Media
KS-23
KS-23 used by Russian law enforcement troops in 1993.
Source: www.tvorog83.livejournal.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
KS-23M
KS-23M used by Russian law enforcement troops.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
KS-23M
KS-23M with its detachable metal struck shoulder stock.
Source: Karden
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
KS-23 and KS-23M
KS-23 and KS-23M alonside each other. Note the grenade launcher attachment on the KS-23M.
Source: Karden
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
KS-23
Close up of rifled barrel.
Source: www.world.guns.ru
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
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23mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23
The KS-23 uses barrels that were rejected for use on 23mm autocannon such as the GSh-23L.