Automatic OC-14 "Groza": photos and characteristics

Before describing the OTs-14 automatic machine "Groza, it's worth a little talk about the Bullpup system." It was invented a long time ago and it was attempted to implement it all the time, but due to its specificity, few examples of firearms performed on this system, They turned out successful, why is that so?

The "bullpup" system refers to the layout of the machine when the bolt with the chamber, the magazine and the trigger are located behind the handle of the weapon. Initially, this system was conceived to reduce the size of a large weapon, thus increasing its compactness. But it creates certain difficulties in the operation, since it is impossible to simply remove the butt by changing the store and the pistol grip.

The history of the OTs-14

How did such a non-standard weapon for Russia appear? The concept of "Thunderstorms" was to create an assault rifle for the special services and the army, which by default uses an underbarrel grenade launcher. With standard automatic machines, when installing the latter, a problem arose - the center of gravity shifted, accordingly, the accuracy of shooting and balancing deteriorated.

To solve this problem, in 1990, a new automatic machine began to be developed. This work was done by the Tula CKIB SOO. The project was headed by the designers Yu. V. Lebedev and V. N. Teles. By 1994, all stages of prototype production had been completed, and OZ-14 Groza was introduced to the public. At the same time, a small batch of prototypes entered the army for testing.

Initially, the machine was intended only for special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and was carried out under the specially developed subsonic cartridges SP-5 and SP-6 caliber 9x39 mm. They had a high stopping and punching action. Shooting them, you could hit the enemy in bulletproof vests, as well as being in cars and lightly armored vehicles. Subsequently, there was another option - for army units. He shot standard cartridges 7.62x39 mm and used to feed stores from AKM. There were also options for other common ammunition. But after all the tests were passed, he did not get much popularity, mass production was not started. Now the weapons are armed only with special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as the personal protection of the President of the Russian Federation.

Features of the machine

The "Thunderstorm" automatic device is configured according to the "bullpup" system - its base is a modular base on which, depending on the required tasks, it is possible to install a wide range of additional equipment (rifle grenade launcher, muffler, optical sights or a puffer with additional handle). In accordance with these improvements, four types of automaton are distinguished:

- automatic-grenade launcher system (installed a blunder and grenade launcher GP-25 or GP-30);
- assault rifle (with a grip and a handle installed);
- sniper automatic (installed silencer and optical sight);
- small-sized machine (without installing any modules).

The modules used are:

- Muffler PBS, which provides a stable decrease in the volume of the shot to a level of 118 dB, this is facilitated by the speed of the bullet. Rubber coating makes it possible to use the silencer as fore-end.

- Grenade launcher GP-5, the design of which was changed in accordance with the concept of the machine. For use in the SGK (rifle-grenade launcher complex), the design of the standard GP-25 was changed, changing it in such a way that it became possible to fire from both the rifle and the grenade launcher, without removing the hand from the pistol grip. To change the shooting mode a special lever is provided.

- Optical sights, which are suitable for mounting on the socket, mounted on the handle for carrying.

In the kit machine, in addition to modules, includes a special case designed to transport weapons, as well as accessories for cleaning and care.

Design of automation and basic units

Since the basis of the OTs-14 "Groza" was taken AK-74U, in general, its nodes do not differ from those of "Kalash". No special changes were made to the receiver, the launching mechanism and the gas outlet. The shutter was slightly altered to match the diameter of the cartridge sleeve of the joint venture. As the barrel became shorter and the pressure of the gases in it decreased, the vent hole was moved back, and the pistol grip was carried forward to the tail.

The appliance was removed and the rear part of the receiver was changed to fit the design with the back plate, which prevents the cover of the receiver from falling out when firing from the grenade launcher, fixing it with a special clamp. In order to disassemble the automatic machine, the backplate can be thrown to the right (for this purpose it is mounted on the hinge). Placing the butt on one channel with the barrel allowed to increase the control of the arrow over the weapon.

Sights

The sight is mounted in the handle to carry the weapon. It includes an open and dioptric sights, which can be adjusted. When turning a special flat disc, you can aim open or through the diopter. You can also adjust the range of aiming with a special drum, which has divisions in the range from 50 to 200 meters. Mounting the handle allows you to install on it a variety of optical, night or collimator sights.

Ammunition and nutrition

The machine uses specially designed ammunition - SP-5 and SP-6 for firing. They have the subsonic speed of the bullet. For them, a store was invented that holds 20 or 30 cartridges (depending on the modification). The store is located behind the pistol grip according to the layout diagram.

Advantages and disadvantages

Both the pluses and minuses of the machine were inherited mainly from the "bullpup" system. Among the advantages of weapons are the following:

- light weight, compact dimensions;
- reduced tail lift and improved balancing with the use of a grenade launcher;
- high operational reliability, inherited from the AC;
- a special cartridge, the bullet of which is not inclined to ricochets, which allows to shoot in a limited space without danger to the shooter;
- the possibility of using a muffler;
- practically complete conformity of the units AK and OC-14, which facilitates the repair and replacement of nodes;
- The original design of the OTs-14 "Groza" automatic device, whose photo makes it easy to distinguish it from similar samples.

However, this machine has inherent flaws, which can not be avoided, because the "bullpup" system is technically complex and not quite perfect, besides it does not have a sufficient level of convenience. What are the disadvantages of OC-14?

- small length of sighting line, which reduces accuracy when firing at long distances;
- placing the sight at a high altitude, which increases the profile of the arrow in the prone position;
- a wide butt stock pad is less convenient for shoulder rest;
- it is inconvenient to replace the store, the role and its reduced capacity play a role;
- the translator of shooting reduces the speed of switching to the grenade launcher and back;
- Low convenience of shooting due to the expansion of shot cartridges, as well as the impossibility of conducting fire from the left hand.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the shift of the center of gravity. As in AK it is balanced, and in "Thunder" the receiver is taken out back, it will be difficult to get used to the new automatic machine. In addition, OC-14 "Thunderstorm" is much shorter than AK, and in some cases, for example, when throwing the butt to the shoulder, the machine can even fly out of the hands. All this must be taken into account.

Non-combat models

As non-combat weapon models, you can mention airsoft variants. In its essence, this is the usual weapon for this sport, only externally remade under the "Storm".

This decision is understandable, because the machine looks quite attractive. Yes, and airsoft OC-14 "Thunderstorm" is much more convenient than combat. At least because it weighs much less.

Automatic "Groza" (OC-14) - technical specifications

The following characteristics refer to the OTs-14-4A automaton, that is, to the variant with a grenade launcher.

• The caliber is 9x39 mm, 7.62 mm.
• The type of cartridge - 9h39 mm. SP-5, SP-6, PAB-9 or 7.62x39 mm. R.
• The caliber of the grenade launcher is 40 mm.
• The length of the barrel is 240 mm.
• The total length is 610 mm.
• The height of the weapon is 294 mm.
• The width of the weapon is 75 mm.
• Weight (without sight and store) - 3.8 kg.
• The effective range of fire is 400 m.
• The effective range of the grenade launcher is 400 m.
• The rate of fire is 700 rds / min.
• The initial velocity of the bullet is 300 m / sec.
• The initial speed of the grenade is 76 m / sec.
• The magazine capacity is 20 cartridges.

Results

What can be said after studying this machine? Undoubtedly, this is one of the best designs of Russian gunsmiths, successfully embodied the system "bullpup" in life. However, due to its features, this weapon can only be used in special units. As for active sports, such as airsoft, OZ-14 "Groza" for this is a fairly handy weapon. It is specific, demanding, but in efficient hands and at the proper level of service it is exceptionally effective.