Meet the new PL-14 9x19mm pistol, also called the “Pistolet Lebedev” (Пистолет Лебедева), after its designer. This new pistol comes from Russian arms-maker Kalashnikov Concern. Notably, it is designed for both sport and war. Two versions will be produced — one for military use, and another for competition. The match version will have a lighter pull-weight trigger. “The versatility of our new pistol allows [use] not only as a military weapon for the military forces and police, but also as a pistol for different shooting competitions,” said Kalashnikov CEO Alexey Krivoruchko.

This new pistol was developed with input from both IPSC shooters and Russian Special Forces (Spetsnaz) soldiers. A lot of smart thinking went into this ergonomic design. We were pleased to see the ultra-low bore axis and a grip that does NOT copy the worst features of the Glock design. Fully loaded, the PL-14 weighs 1 kg (2.2 lbs). The PL-14 prototype frame is aluminum. We’re informed that the production military version will have a polymer frame.

PL-14 “Lebedev” Important features:

On her Facebook page, Russian lady shooter Irina Mareeva posted photos of the PL-14 taken at a shooting demonstration. You can see how low the pistol sits in the hands of a male shooter testing the pistol. The low-bore-axis design reduces muzzle flip and perceived recoil (as the “push” comes straight back). More Photos by Irina.

Military and Sport Versions Slated for Production
In a press release, Kalashnikov CEO Alexey Krivoruchko stated: “We intend to produce different variants of the pistol, for example, with certain characteristics of the trigger mechanism for special forces units, as well as a civilian version with trigger that would be suitable for practical shooting competitions as well.”

Comment on New PL-14 Pistol by Dennis Santiago
Because of ITARS, trade policies and politics, for many years now, we in America have lost touch with the progress the rest of the world has made in firearms technology. We falsely believe the rest of the world is trapped in the same antique design mentality that we too often are when it comes to small arms. It simply isn’t true. Even as we in the U.S. migrate our military doctrine to relying on higher technology, stand off distance warfare, the rest of the world still knows that the winners of wars are the ones whose boots stand on the bloodied ground when the shooting stops; and that still means the job isn’t done until the infantry prevails. The world remains a hotbed of progress in the design of military and sporting small arms. This newest Kalashnikov looks like one really well-thought-out gun.