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FB Mini-Beryl
FB Mini-Beryl
FB Mini-Beryl
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The FB Mini-Beryl is a Polish compact assault rifle (carbine) derived from the FB Beryl service rifle and chambered for 5.56×45mm. It was developed in parallel with the wz. 96 Beryl by the Fabryka Broni in Radom and introduced into service with the Polish Armed Forces in 1997 under the military designation karabinek krótki wz. 96 (abbreviated kbk wz. 96, "short carbine pattern 1996").

Key Information

Design

[edit]
Mini Beryl carbine

The Mini-Beryl's design combines features from both the FB Onyks carbine and the FB Beryl rifle; the principal components that were modified include the barrel, barrel trunnion, upper and lower handguards, muzzle device and magazine. The weapon's method of operation, the rotary bolt locking mechanism and ammunition are identical to those of the wz. 1996 Beryl standard rifle.

The 235 mm (9.3 in) barrel has 6 right-hand grooves and a rifling twist rate of 1 in 228 mm (1:9 in) capable of firing both SS109 and M193 types of 5.56×45mm ammunition with optimum performance from both. The barrel's profile is nearly identical to the barrel of the wz. 89 Onyks carbine, it is however slightly longer to accommodate the modified gas block.

The muzzle device, externally similar to the muzzle attachment of the wz. 89 Onyks in appearance, has deeper-seated threading used to screw the flash suppressor into the gas block (it has a lower volume decompression compartment). The compensator has two symmetrical ports at the muzzle end of the device placed at a 90° angle in relation to each other. The muzzle attachment can also be used to fire rifle grenades to ranges up to 150 meters.

The magazine developed for the Mini-Beryl is shorter compared to the standard magazine of the Beryl and has a smaller capacity (20 rounds). Standard magazines from the Beryl can also be used. New magazines are molded from a translucent polymer allowing the shooter to visually monitor the level of ammunition.

The base of the rear sight – unlike in the Onyks – has cut-outs on its top surface running alongside it and used to mount a variety of optical sights or a Picatinny-type rail adapter. A variant of the Mini-Beryl is also offered with a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail instead of the standard rear sight; a simple auxiliary rear sight is built into the rail. The standard rear sight and front post are provided with luminescent dots to assist aiming in poor light conditions.

The weapon's gas block is longer than that of the Onyks and it features internal threading that is used to secure the muzzle device in place.

The Mini-Beryl has a twin-strut stock folding to the right-hand side of the receiver; the butt-plate is rubber. All furniture is high-impact black plastic. The handguards were developed specifically for the carbine.

The carbine's bolt carrier and piston rod, gas cylinder, upper handguard and sighting system are identical to those used in the wz. 1989 Onyks, similarly, the receiver housing, dust cover trigger group and high-capacity magazine are the same as those in the wz. 1996 Beryl.

Standard equipment supplied with carbine includes three spare magazines (including one 20-round short magazine), four 15-round stripper clips, a stripper clip magazine guide, maintenance kit, cleaning rod (carried in the accessory pouch), sling, magazine and accessory pouch and oil bottle. The carbine can also be fitted with two side rails secured to the lower handguard (used to attach tactical accessories and illumination devices), a vertical forward grip and a blank-firing muzzle attachment.

Users

[edit]
Map with FB Mini-Beryl users in blue
  • Poland – secured contract for 8,000 Beryl Mod. 96 5.56 mm assault rifles and Mod. 96 Mini Beryl rifles to the Polish military.[1]
  • Lithuania – 10 units in use (wz. 1996A)
  • Nigeria – 10 test units (wz. 1996C).[2][1]

See also

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Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

FB Mini-Beryl

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The FB Mini-Beryl (formally designated as the karabinek szturmowy wz. 96 Mini-Beryl) is a compact assault carbine chambered in ammunition, developed by Fabryka Broni "Łucznik" (FB ) as a shortened derivative of the standard . Adopted by the in 1997, it features a 235 mm barrel, gas-operated mechanism, and select-fire capability including semi-automatic, three-round burst, and fully automatic modes with a cyclic rate of 700 rounds per minute. Weighing approximately 3 kg unloaded and measuring 760 mm with the stock extended (or 690 mm folded), the Mini-Beryl is optimized for close-quarters battle, vehicle defense, and urban operations, offering an effective range of up to 400 meters. Designed in the mid-1990s amid Poland's transition to standards, the Mini-Beryl replaced elements of the Soviet-era and inventory, providing enhanced portability while retaining AK-pattern reliability and durability in harsh environments. Key features include a for optics and accessories, tritium-illuminated for day/night use, an ergonomic , and compatibility with 30-round STANAG magazines, alongside adaptations for launching rifle grenades. Its short-stroke gas piston system and chrome-lined barrel deliver a of about 770 m/s, though the compact design limits ballistic performance compared to full-length rifles. The Mini-Beryl remains in service with the Polish military, as well as exported to nations including and , underscoring its role in modernizing infantry support weapons. Civilian semi-automatic variants, such as the Mini-Beryl Pistol chambered in and tailored for the U.S. market, have been produced since the early , featuring a pistol brace option and 10- or 30-round magazines for home defense and sporting use.

Development and production

Origins and design process

The development of the FB Mini-Beryl emerged in the mid-1990s amid Poland's strategic pivot toward integration, as the country sought to align its military equipment with Western standards following the dissolution of the . In response to Poland's anticipated accession to in 1999 and participation in the program starting in 1994, the Polish Ministry of National Defense contracted Fabryka Broni "Łucznik"-Radom (then operating as ZM Łucznik SA) in 1995 to modernize , shifting from Soviet-era calibers like to the NATO-standard 5.56×45mm for enhanced interoperability. This effort built on lessons from the earlier kbs wz. 88 Tantal rifle, incorporating its gas-operated, AK-compatible ergonomics while adapting to the new cartridge to support exports and alliance compatibility. The design process for the Mini-Beryl specifically addressed the need for a compact suitable for vehicle crews and , initiating in 1996 as a shortened derivative of the parent (wz. 96) platform. Engineers at Fabryka Broni focused on creating a subcarbine variant to provide a more effective alternative to pistols for confined-space operations, drawing from prior prototypes like the wz. 1992 Onyks carbine that had explored 5.56mm adaptations since 1989. By April 1995, initial prototypes—including rifles and carbine configurations—were developed under the broader Beryl program, with comprehensive testing completed by May 1996 despite delays from ammunition supply issues. Key engineering challenges centered on modifying the gas-operated system for the compact configuration without compromising the inherent reliability of the AK-derived mechanism, particularly in maintaining consistent cycling under varied conditions. This involved recalibrating the gas port and piston assembly to handle the shorter barrel length while ensuring compatibility with ballistics, such as the SS109 projectile, and retaining features like burst-fire modes. The first Mini-Beryl prototypes underwent evaluation in 1997, leading to its formal introduction into service on March 20, 1997, alongside the full-length Beryl, as the wz. 96 Mini-Beryl subcarbine.

Manufacturing and procurement

The FB Mini-Beryl entered limited production in 1997 at the Fabryka Broni "Łucznik" facility in , , as a compact variant of the wz. 96 Beryl assault rifle developed to meet the ' requirements for a NATO-compatible . Full-scale ramped up in the early following Poland's 1999 accession to , enabling expanded output to align with alliance standards for 5.56×45mm ammunition and modular accessories. Major contracts include 2,400 units under a 2015 agreement and 8,400 under a 2016 agreement, along with 3,800 wz. 96C units contracted in 2017 for delivery through 2019 and 270 units for the in 2023. Key procurement milestones include a 2015 contract awarded by the Polish Armament Inspectorate to Fabryka Broni for 2,400 wz. 96 Mini-Beryl carbines as part of an 8,000-unit order valued at approximately PLN 42.5 million, with deliveries completed between 2015 and 2016 to replace aging AK variants. A follow-on 2016 agreement expanded procurement to include 8,400 additional Mini-Beryls within a 26,000-unit Beryl family order worth approximately PLN 156 million, further solidifying the weapon's role in Polish inventory modernization. Export activities have been limited but notable, including 10 units donated to Lithuanian in 2000 for evaluation, and 10 supplied to under a 2015 deal focused primarily on Beryl rifles. These efforts supported integration into broader EU defense supply chains through the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), facilitating interoperability testing and minor foreign adoptions. Manufacturing occurs exclusively at the facility, leveraging modular tooling derived from legacy AK-pattern production lines to streamline assembly of the compact . The construction incorporates a stamped receiver for durability and a stock and handguard for reduced weight, with processes adapted to ensure compatibility with STANAG magazines via integrated adapters. These adaptations, including rigorous testing for environmental resilience, have maintained high reliability rates in serial production, supporting continuous updates like the wz. 96C variant with enhanced rail systems.

Design features

Mechanism and ergonomics

The FB Mini-Beryl employs a gas-operated mechanism with a short-stroke and , derived from the base Beryl design but scaled for compactness and adapted to the cartridge. Gas is diverted through a side vent in the barrel to drive the short-stroke , which imparts motion to the bolt carrier without direct attachment, enabling reliable cycling even in adverse conditions. The locks into the receiver for secure chambering, contributing to the weapon's durability and simplicity of maintenance. This system supports firing modes including , three-round burst, and fully automatic, with a cyclic rate of 700 rounds per minute. Key performance specifications include a of 770 m/s when firing SS109 from its 235 barrel, providing an effective point target range of up to 400 meters. The overall length measures 760 with the stock extended and 690 when folded, while the unloaded weight is approximately 3.4 kg, balancing portability with stability. It uses 30-round magazines compatible with STANAG patterns, ensuring with NATO-standard equipment. These attributes make the Mini-Beryl suitable for close-quarters and urban operations, where its compact profile reduces encumbrance without sacrificing controllability. Ergonomically, the FB Mini-Beryl features a side-folding metal , with variants including adjustable telescopic options for user fit, which collapses to minimize length for vehicle transport or . The ambidextrous safety/selector lever allows intuitive operation by left- or right-handed users, with positions for safe, semi-automatic, burst, and full-automatic fire. A and optional foregrip enhance handling during sustained fire, while the effectively mitigates and muzzle rise, improving follow-up shot accuracy. The design also accommodates suppressor attachment via the threaded muzzle device, reducing signature without major reconfiguration.

Sights and accessories

The FB Mini-Beryl is equipped with fixed mechanical featuring integral light sources for both day and night use. The front sight consists of an adjustable post with a insert, while the rear sight is a sliding notch on a ramp, graduated for settings at 100 meters and 300 meters, providing a sight radius of 260 mm. A universal Picatinny rail (STANAG 4694) is integrated on the receiver, enabling the mounting of various optical and optoelectronic devices, such as red dot sights. This rail maintains compatibility with the standard iron sights as backup when no optic is installed. The weapon's modular design includes a handguard assembly with four Picatinny rails in NATO standard configuration, supporting attachments like laser target pointers, illuminators, vertical foregrips, and tactical lighting. It also features a bayonet lug compatible with 6H4-style blades and provisions for rifle grenades launched using live ammunition.

Variants and modifications

Military versions

The wz. 96 Mini-Beryl serves as the primary military variant of the FB Mini-Beryl, a full-automatic compact derived from the wz. 96 Beryl assault rifle and designed for close-quarters operations where a shortened weapon is essential. Adopted by the in 1997, it was specifically intended for units, vehicle and tank crews, and airborne troops requiring high maneuverability without sacrificing firepower. Chambered exclusively in the cartridge, the wz. 96 Mini-Beryl employs a gas-operated, mechanism with select-fire options including , three-round burst, and continuous full-automatic fire at approximately 700 rounds per minute. Sub-variants of the wz. 96 Mini-Beryl address evolving tactical needs within . The wz. 96A, the standard production variant introduced in 1996, features a folding stock and ergonomic improvements including an improved grip design for better handling in dynamic environments. The wz. 96C, a further refined compact configuration developed around 2009, incorporates a telescoping buttstock, updated rail (POPC IV) for and accessories, and provisions for suppressor attachment, making it suitable for and roles. Both sub-variants maintain the core emphasis on rugged construction to ensure reliability in harsh field conditions. All military versions of the FB Mini-Beryl are engineered for integration with underbarrel 40 mm grenade launchers, enabling live-ammunition deployment to extend tactical engagement ranges. Production prioritizes durability, with components tested for sustained performance in extreme weather, supporting operations across diverse terrains encountered by Polish forces.

Civilian and export variants

The civilian variant of the FB Mini-Beryl, known as the M1 Mini-Beryl , was introduced in 2021 specifically for the market. This is chambered in and compatible with ammunition. It features a compact design with a hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel measuring 9.25 inches in length, making it suitable for home defense or range use. The configuration, including compatibility with stabilizing braces, ensures compliance with U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulations for non-National Firearms Act (NFA) items. No full-automatic civilian models of the FB Mini-Beryl exist, as all U.S. imports are restricted to semi-automatic operation. A variant, the Mini-Beryl S .223, is also available for civilian markets, chambered in with a longer barrel for sporting and home defense applications. Since 2021, the M1 Mini-Beryl pistol has been imported into the U.S. by distributors such as Arms of America and Atlantic Firearms, with an MSRP around $1,389 as of 2021. It derives from the military wz. 96 Mini-Beryl but incorporates modifications like a fixed rear for civilian compliance and optics-ready rails. For export markets, the wz. 96A variant of the FB Mini-Beryl was donated by Poland to in May 2000, with 10 units supplied primarily for use by and reconnaissance training units. In 2015, Fabryka Broni "Łucznik" delivered a batch of 510 Beryl and Mini-Beryl carbines to the , consisting of 500 Beryl rifles chambered in and a test batch of 10 Mini-Beryl carbines chambered in for evaluation. These export versions feature adaptations such as fixed stocks in some configurations to meet international mission requirements.

Operational history

Adoption by users

The FB Mini-Beryl was adopted by the in 1997 as a compact primarily for units such as the GROM (Jednostka Wojskowa GROM) and armored vehicle crews, where its short barrel length facilitates close-quarters battle (CQB) tactics and confined-space operations. Training protocols for these units integrate the weapon into CQB drills, emphasizing rapid target engagement and maneuverability in urban and vehicular environments. Supported by production from FB Radom, with notable contracts including a 2015 order for 2,400 Mini-Beryl carbines as part of a larger of approximately 8,000 Beryl-series rifles. Following Poland's accession in 1999, the Mini-Beryl has been incorporated into joint exercises, enhancing interoperability with alliance forces. Beyond Poland, adoption has been limited. The received 10 wz. 96A Mini-Beryl units in 2000 as a donation from for evaluation by and elements. Polish contingents in the EUFOR Tchad/REP.CAF mission (2008–2009) employed limited numbers of Beryl-series weapons for operations in challenging terrains. In , small quantities of the Mini-Beryl have been acquired by Polish Border Guard units as part of modernization programs. Civilian adoption remains niche, with semi-automatic variants imported to the since the early 2020s primarily as pistols for collectors and enthusiasts, but without widespread domestic use in Poland due to strict regulations.

Combat use

The FB Mini-Beryl has seen deployment by units, including GROM, during operations in from 2002 to 2014, where it served as a compact for close-quarters engagements and vehicle-based roles. Polish task forces in the region equipped the Mini-Beryl with accessories such as holographic sights and foregrips to enhance handling under restrictive gear, noting its suitability for and support personnel in mission environments. Performance evaluations from these deployments highlighted the weapon's reliability, with no significant malfunctions reported in operational use alongside the standard Beryl rifle. The Mini-Beryl's design, rooted in the robust AK platform, proved effective for leaders and equipment operators, often supplanting submachine guns while maintaining comparable firepower in dynamic scenarios. Post-mission assessments described it as a "good and reliable " that adequately met Polish military needs until newer systems could be introduced. In operations, such as EUFOR Tchad in 2008, Polish contingents utilized Beryl-series carbines for patrol duties in challenging terrains. The weapon's compact form supported mobility during joint multinational efforts, contributing to stable operations without notable reliability issues in arid conditions. As of 2025, improved wz. 96C Mini-Beryl variants have been integrated into Polish units for enhanced security roles, including support amid the 2022 crisis, where 270 subcarbines were procured to bolster patrol capabilities along eastern frontiers. No major malfunctions have been documented in joint exercises involving these updated models.

References

  1. https://fabrykabroni.pl/en/en/offer/military-market/rifles/wz-96-mini-beryl
  2. https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.php?smallarms_id=1210
  3. https://gundigest.com/military-firearms/the-fb-mini-beryl-polands-krinkov
  4. https://fabrykabroni.pl/en/en/offer/civilian-market/semi-automatic-pistols/mini-beryl-pistol
  5. https://sadefensejournal.com/beryl-tantalsson-the-saga-of-the-polish-kalashnikov-continues/
  6. https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/review-arms-of-america-mini-beryl/
  7. https://gundigest.com/military-firearms/fb-radom-polands-military-arsenal
  8. https://fabrykabroni.pl/en/en/about-us/history/reconstruction-and-modern-times
  9. https://www.sandboxx.us/news/polands-fb-beryl-service-rifles-from-around-the-world/
  10. https://defence24.com/armed-forces/territorial-defence-forces/polish-army-acquired-almost-8-thousand-examples-of-the-wz-96-beryl-carbines
  11. https://defence24.com/26-thousand-radom-made-rifles-for-the-polish-army
  12. https://defence24.com/polish-army-to-acquire-57-thousand-beryl-rifles-most-of-the-weaponry-to-be-received-by-the-territorial-defence-units
  13. https://milmag.pl/en/mini-beryls-for-border-guard/
  14. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/06/01/polish-army-orders-26000-beryls-mini-beryls/
  15. https://milmag.pl/en/m762-beryl-manufacturing-in-nigeria/
  16. https://www.gov.pl/web/nigeria-en/bilateral-relations-
  17. https://atlanticfirearms.com/1-fb-radom-beryl-archer-safety-selector-lever
  18. https://fabrykabroni.pl/en
  19. https://www.globalmilitary.net/firearms/kbs-1996-beryl/
  20. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/02/17/polish-mini-beryl-223-5-56-ak-pistols-now-shipping/
  21. https://atlanticfirearms.com/mini-beryl-pistol-m1-fb-radom-fabryka-broni
  22. https://fabrykabroni.pl/en/en/offer/civilian-market/rifles/mini-beryl-s-223
  23. https://defence24.com/industry/nigeria-receives-a-batch-of-polish-beryl-rifles
  24. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/09/03/beryl-rifles-in-nigeria/
  25. https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2021/01/04/nigeria-to-manufacture-beryl-m762-assault-rifles/
  26. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/07/21/polish-army-purchases-8k-beryl-rifles-dropping-msbs/
  27. https://euro-sd.com/2025/03/articles/43053/assault-rifle-programmes-continuity-and-change/
  28. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/02/03/shot-2020-5-56-223-and-22lr-radom-mini-beryl-pistols-to-be-imported-by-arms-of-america/
  29. https://www.militaryfactory.com/special-forces/grom-special-forces-weapons.php
  30. https://athlonoutdoors.com/article/polands-power/
  31. https://bibliotekanauki.pl/articles/236211.pdf
  32. https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/FB_Beryl
  33. https://www.forecastinternational.com/news/index.cfm?l3=30106&recno=234464
  34. https://milmag.pl/en/grot-c16a2-in-polish-army/
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