The Yesaul 5.45 mm revolver is one of the most unusual revolvers to have appeared during recent years for it is chambered to fire the Eastern Bloc 5.45 x 39 mm rifle cartridge. It was developed by the Ukrainian State Scientific and Technical Centre of Artillery and Rifle Arms (SSTC ARA) specifically for deployment by special forces as an anti-personnel and anti-materiel weapon. Armour penetrations claimed, probably involving the 7N10 armour-piercing cartridge, are first and second protection levels of body armour (one or two 1.2 mm titanium plates and 30 layers of Kevlar) or light armoured materiel at ranges up to 50 m.
The most noticeable feature of the Yesaul is the elongated cylinder and frame made necessary by the adoption of the rifle cartridge; five rounds are held in the cylinder. Although the frame is considerably reinforced to absorb the firing stresses, the overall design is based on a more conventionally-scaled revolver normally firing 9 x 17 mm
Makarov or the improved 57-N-181SM cartridges, apparently intended for use by security personnel. This is only 190 mm long overall and weighs 630 g. The cylinder holds five cartridges.
Special forces accessories for the Yesaul include a laser aiming pointer secured to the forward frame and actuated by a pressure pad on the butt. Single- and double-action firing is possible.
SPECIFICATIONS :
Cartridge: 5.45 x 39 mm
Operation: manual, revolver, single or double action
Feed: 5-round cylinder
Weight: empty, 960 g
Length: 270 mm
Sights: fore, blade; rear, notch; laser pointer
Max effective range: 50 m
COMPANY NAME : State Scientific and Technical Centre of Artillery and
Rifle Arms (SSTC ARA)
ADDRESS :
PO Box 882/1, Kyiv-57, Ukraine.
