Grand Power K100

Infobox Weapon
name=K100


caption=Grand Power K100 Mark 6
origin=flag|Slovakia
type=Semi-automatic pistol
is_ranged=yes
service=
used_by=
wars=
designer=Jaroslav Kuracina
design_date=1994–1996
manufacturer=Grand Power
unit_cost=
production_date=2002–present
number=
variants=K100 Tactical, K100 Mark 6, K100 DAO, K100 QA, K100 Target, GPC9, K100 Whisper, K102 R, K105 R, P1
weight=g to oz|740|sp=us|abbr=on|precision=2|wiki=yes
length=mm to in|202.5|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes
part_length=convert|108|mm|abbr=on|1
width=convert|40|mm|abbr=on|1
height=convert|133.5|mm|abbr=on|1
cartridge=9x19mm Parabellum
action=Short recoil operated, rotating barrel
rate=
velocity=
range=
max_range=
feed=17-round detachable box magazine
sights=Fixed, front blade and adjustable rear notch convert|160|mm|abbr=on|1 sight radius

The K100 is a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol built by Grand Power s.r.o. in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia.

Development

The K100 was designed by Jaroslav Kuracina, a former weapons officer in the Slovak Army. Kuracina sketched drawings of the K100 as early as 1992, but manufacturing activities were highly restricted during the early post-Communist era. Kuracina would be forced to wait until 1996 to continue development of his design. Grand Power has recently announced a deal to produce 100,000 units for the US market in partnership with Texas-based handgun manufacturer STI International Inc. [ [http://ekonomika.sme.sk/c/2886692/Slovaci-dodaju-100-tisic-pistoli-do-USA.html SME.sk | Slováci dodajú 100-tisíc pištolí do USA ] ] The pistols will be sold as the GP6. [ [http://www.stiguns.com/guns/GP6/GP6.html STI International - GP6 ] ]

Design details

The K100 uses a rare locking system, shared by the Beretta Cougar, PX4 Storm, and Brügger & Thomet MP9 which employs a rotating barrel lock, which in the K100's case is cammed by a cross pin. When the pistol is fired the barrel and slide move backward together for about 3/8ths of an inch while the barrel is cammed counterclockwise by a flat, twisting, helical "cut" in the barrel extension. Once the barrel and slide have moved back to the point where the barrel has twisted about 45° to the left, the slide is free to continue traveling back while the barrel's travel is arrested by its interface to the frame via the barrel extension. On the K100 the Beretta's barrel extension cam cut and cam tooth are replaced by a frame-embedded crosspin and a barrel extension "cut" with rounded surfaces which engage it. As such, there is no transfer block per sec, and the barrel and barrel extension directly interface with the frame via the crosspin.

Both of the Berettas, and the K100, have the archetypal square shouldered lock protruding from the round barrel easily visible at the ejection port with the slide fully forward. This square shoulder is rotated in behind a solid column of steel running the length of the slide forward of the ejection port when the slide and barrel are fully forward in battery. Given that the MP9 is selective fire, and has a cyclical rate of fire of 900 rounds/min, the rotating barrel lock has shown itself to be capable of very fast lock times.

The thick walled barrel and other metal parts are treated by Tenifer QPQ technology. This hardens the metal components and increases resistance to corrosion.

The standard K100 has a barrel length of convert|108|mm|abbr=on|1 and operates in both single and double action mode. The trigger pull in single action is very short, resulting in quick follow up shots.

The ergonomically shaped polymer frame is fitted with steel inserts on which the slide travels and where a hard wear surface is required for the trigger mechanism. The slide spring guide, safety, trigger, and trigger guard are also made of polymers.

The pistols roughened surface and grooved grips allow the operator to obtain a good hold on the weapon even with wet hands.

The K100 also features ambidextrous controls, making it an ideal choice for left handed shooters.

References

External links

* [http://www.grandpower.eu/Download_subory/G&A_3_2004.pdf K100 Action Expose]
* [http://www.grandpower.eu Grandpower Homepage] Slovak/English
* [http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg123-e.htm World.guns]