The Grad (Russian: Град) is an AK-derived bullpup assault rifle of uncertain origin. Originally discovered in southern Russia, the origin of the weapon has been of significant speculation.
Only one example of the Grad is known to conclusively exist through photographs, from which the weapon gained its name. It is uncertain if more examples of the Grad exist or not.
History[]
The origin of the sole confirmed existing Grad example is uncertain. It is uncertain if the Grad is produced in significant numbers or a one-off custom weapon.
In April 2004, an FSB operation allegedly dismantled an underground production workshop in the suburb of Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia-Alania, which supposedly produced Grads from military Kalashnikov parts.
Observers have also speculated that the Grad may have may been actually produced in other parts of Eastern Europe then supplied to Russia, such as Ukraine, Transnistria, Georgia, or Armenia.
Design[]
The Grad is a modification of the basic AK system in a bullpup design. The only known example of Grad is chambered in what appears to be 5.45x39mm (using a steel magazine), and is fitted with a VOMZ 4×32 scope and a suppressor. The name of the weapon is inscribed on the stock plate in Russian.
Gallery[]
References[]
- https://topwar.ru/2969-oruzhie-prizrak-avtomat-grad.html
- https://topwar.ru/26969-avtomat-grad-a-byl-li-malchik.html
- https://popgun.ru/viewtopic.php?t=29588
- https://cont.ws/@danil2038/192262