The Russian state-run news agency Russia has officially announced the commencement of mass production for the Lebedev Modular Pistol (MPL) and its specialized counterpart, the MPL1. Designed by Dmitry Lebedev, a lead engineer at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, and now produced under the auspices of the Kalashnikov Group, the MPL series represents a cutting-edge evolution in handgun technology. These pistols are slated to replace older models like the Makarov and Yarigin pistols, showcasing a shift toward enhanced capabilities and versatility crucial for modern warfare scenarios. The MPL and MPL1 are recent innovations in Russia’s handgun arsenal. Since their introduction in 2021, these pistols have found utility across various branches of the Russian security apparatus, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Aerospace Forces, the FSB, and the National Guard.
In 2017, the Kalashnikov started the development of a handgun at the request of the Russian National Guard. This was the early version of MPL. Modular – because the weapon designers treated the design as a universal platform. A compact pistol version known as the PLK was presented for policemen and EMERCOM personnel still in 2017. This is a more light-weight version with a shorter barrel and weight slightly less than those of the traditional Makarov used by policemen. At the same time, the magazine has more rounds than that of the Makarov – 14 rounds, and for the MPL version – 16 rounds. Lebedev and his team were continuously introducing improvements and various modifications of the pistol. As a result, the suppressed MPL-1 for special-purpose units, a sports version and a commercial rubber-bullet handgun were designed on a single platform.
The MPL boasts a semi-automatic design, weighing 0.80 kg without the magazine, with dimensions of 205 mm in length and a 112 mm barrel. Its adaptable design renders it suitable for diverse operational environments. Chambered in the reliable 9×19 mm Parabellum caliber and equipped with a 16-round magazine, the MPL ensures both reliability and ammunition availability. Both MPL models operate on the principle of barrel recoil, a dependable mechanism for semi-automatic pistols, offering performance metrics aligned with contemporary law enforcement requirements. Their modular design allows for extensive customization, catering to a spectrum of operational needs. In contrast, the MPL1 is optimized for suppressed operations. Featuring a lengthened 5-inch barrel with threading to accommodate suppressors, along with suppressor-height sights.
Fundamentally, both models share key design features, including a locked breech with a tilting barrel mechanism, ambidextrous controls such as a push-button magazine release, manual safety, and slide release lever. This shared architecture, coupled with a high degree of modularity, enables users to tailor the pistols to their specific requirements. The development and mass production of the MPL series epitomize Russia’s strategic pivot toward modular and technologically advanced weaponry. This initiative underscores a concerted effort to enhance the operational efficiency of Russia’s defense and security apparatus, signaling a commitment to staying at the forefront of modern military innovation.
