PBS-1 silencer

The PBS-1 is a silencer designed for the 7.62x39mm AKM variant of the 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]

AKML assault rifle with NSP-3 night sight and PBS-1 silencer

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 (modernized variant of the AK-47), because the newer AK-74 did not have a silencer available.^[6] Until a variant of the AK74, the AKS-74UB 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.^{[citation needed]} 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, which make the noise between 130—135 dB.^[2]

Gallery

• 
  PBS-1 fitted on an AKM.
• 
  An AKMS fitted with a PBS-1.

See also

• PBS-4 silencer
• AK-104