Larry Vickers, one of the most respected firearms industry experts, visited Kalashnikov Group production facility in Izhevsk, Russia. He had a chance to shoot new PL-15K pistol. The PL-15K can become a replacement for the Makarov pistol which is still the main issue handgun of Russian army and law enforcement. Having an unloaded weight of 720 grams (about 25 oz), PL-15K is slightly lighter than the Makarov (730 grams), however, the loaded weight should be more compared to PM due to the higher capacity of PL-15K. That weight differences are not too significant in both cases. What is more important is that PL-15K offers a number of advantages over the Makarov pistol, such as a more potent cartridge (9x19mm Luger instead of 9x18mm Makarov), better controls, high-capacity magazines, an accessory rail etc.
The Lebedev PL-15 pistol is a new service-type handgun designed by Dmitry Lebedev who is working at Kalashnikov concern in Izhevsk, Russia. Development of this handgun commenced in 2014, with intent to create a pistol suitable for use as a sidearm for military and law enforcement personnel, with specific modifications intended for “professional handgunners” use and for sport shooting. Pistol was designed “from the scratch” with great deal of input from Russian top IPSC shooters and Spetsnaz officers. Key concepts behind the PL-15 handgun are: human engineering (gun has excellent ergonomics, low bore axis, optimal balance and points naturally in the hand); extreme reliability and durability (service life is expected to be no less than 10,000 rounds of very hot 7N21 AP Russian army service ammunition, and probably double or triple of that with commercial grade 9mm ammo); completely ambidextrous use; maximum safety of handling.
