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RMB-93
RMB-93
from Wikipedia

The RMb-93 is a pump-action shotgun designed and manufactured by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau of Tula, Russia. It is the baseline model of the Rys ("Lynx") series of shotguns, taking the model name of Rys-K. The RMb-93 has been conceived as a combat weapon for Special Forces and Police units that might face Close Quarters Battle situations. The weapon was engineered to reduce the size as much as possible.

Key Information

Description

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The working system of the RMb-93 is itself an odd slide-action operation called "Inverted Cycle", similar in concept to the one used in the South-African Truvelo Armoury Neostead shotgun (the only other mass-produced firearm to be based upon this system). The magazine tube is placed over the barrel rather than under it, and is accessed through a flip-up cover on the top of the receiver. Once the weapon is loaded, a shell is chambered by pushing the slide forward-then-backward, instead of the standard backward-then-forward motion of the forend found on most pump-action weapons. Having the RMb-93 a fixed breech face and movable barrel, the operation moves the entire barrel assembly. Once a round is fired and another is chambered, the empty shell falls downwards to the ground, pushed by its own weight. The design of the RMb-93 "Rys-K" carries several advantages: the ejection system makes the gun fully ambidextrous, and the magazine located over the barrel gives the shotgun a low center of mass and reduces upward recoil. The main drawback of the overall design stands in the fact that the weapon has a pistol grip with an top folding metal stock, which blocks access to the loading port in the folded position. The RMb-93 thus can not be reloaded without extending or removing the stock, a disadvantage if it is being used tactically with a folded stock.

Variants and commercial availability

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The RMb-93 "Rys-K" shotgun is commercially available to civilians in Canada, Russia, Italy, and possibly in other Countries. For the civilian distribution in Russia and Canada, the shotgun is provided with a stock disconnector that prevents it from firing if the stock is not extended, so to comply with local laws and regulation about the minimum legal overall length for civilian firearms.

Additionally, KBP manufactures several variants of the "Rys" shotgun series for the civilian distribution. The RMb-93 "Rys-K" itself is manufactured with Phosphatized finish to resist salt corrosion (for use in maritime environments). The RMO-93 "Rys" is a purely sporting variant with wooden thumbhole stock and either wooden or synthetic slide-forend; very similar to it is the "Rys-OT" variant has a longer barrel, with either a synthetic or wooden sliding-forend, and standard wooden shotgun stock.

The RMF-93 "Rys-F" shotgun is a longer-barreled variant of the RMb-93 "Rys-K", plus equipped with the above-mentioned stock disconnector.

RMS-93 Rys (Lynx" ( p uzhё m The store on hotniche 93 years) - the civilian version of RMB-93. Available in the following versions:[1][2]

  • Rys-F: has an overall length of 809 mm (31.9 in) and a 680 mm (27 in) barrel, with a folding butt up and forward (in RMB-93).
  • Rys-O: has an overall length of 1,080 mm (43 in) and a 680 mm (27 in) barrel, with a wooden buttstock.
    • Rys-OC: has an overall length of 1,080 mm (43 in) and a 680 mm (27 in) barrel chambered for 12/76.
  • Rys-K: has a forward folding buttstock and a barrel shortened to 528 mm (20.8 in) (in this version, the RMS-93 is similar to RMB-93, but it has an auto-lock trigger mechanism that engages when the buttstock is in the folded position).
  • Rys-U: has an overall length of 918 mm (36.1 in) and a 528 mm (20.8 in) barrel, with a wooden thumbhole buttstock.
  • Rys-CA: has an overall length of 924 mm (36.4 in) and a 534 mm (21.0 in) barrel, chambered for 12/76.
  • Rys-L: has an overall length of 928 mm (36.5 in) and a 528 mm (20.8 in) barrel, with a wooden buttstock.
    • Rys-LC: has an overall length of 934 mm (36.8 in) and a 534 mm (21.0 in) barrel, chambered for 12/76.

Users

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  • Belarus - RMF-93 "Rys-F" is allowed as civilian hunting weapon[3]
  • Moldova - RMF-93 "Rys-F", RMO-93-2 "Rys-K" and RM-96 "Rys-U" are allowed as civilian hunting weapon[4]
  • Russia - RMO-93 and RMF-93 "Rys-F" are allowed as civilian hunting weapon since August 1996.[5] Also, they were used in private security companies until 1 March 2006[6]

See also

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References

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Sources

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  • Cutshaw, Charlie (1998). The New World of Russian Small Arms & Ammo. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press. ISBN 0-87364-993-1.
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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The RMB-93 (Russian: РМБ-93, Ruzh'yo Magazinnoye Boyevoye 93, meaning "Combat Magazine 93"), also known as "Rys-K" (), is a pump-action designed for close-quarters combat and developed in the early 1990s by the (now part of the ) in . It features a unique forward-pumping action with a stationary breech and sliding barrel, allowing the tubular magazine to be loaded from the top via a hinged port, which holds seven 12-gauge 2¾-inch (70 mm) shells or six 3-inch (76 mm) shells. The design emphasizes reliability in adverse conditions, with a double-action-only trigger mechanism for safety and ambidextrous controls, including downward ejection for use by both right- and left-handed shooters. Introduced to limited production in 1993, the RMB-93 was primarily intended for Russian law enforcement and special units but saw restricted adoption due to competition from imported shotguns and limited export sales. Production continued until around 2007, after which a civilian variant, the RMO-93 "Rys," was marketed for private security and hunting, featuring options like wooden stocks with thumbhole grips or semi-pistol grips. Key specifications include a 528 mm (21-inch) barrel, overall length of 914 mm (36 inches) with the stock extended or 657 mm (26 inches) folded, and an unloaded weight of 2.6 kg (5.7 lbs), making it compact yet robust for tactical applications. The shotgun's construction in the combat model, combined with a folding stock over the magazine tube, enhances maneuverability in confined spaces.

Development and History

Origins

The RMB-93 combat shotgun was developed in the early by the (Central Bureau for Hunting and Sporting Arms), which later became part of the in . This effort occurred during Russia's post-Soviet transition period, a time of economic and political upheaval that influenced the design of new tactical weapons to meet emerging security needs. The weapon was conceived primarily as a response to the requirements for close-quarters combat (CQC) tools suitable for police and units operating in urban and confined environments. It aimed to overcome the shortcomings of earlier shotgun designs by prioritizing maneuverability and operational reliability in demanding scenarios, such as or counter-terrorism operations. Initial prototypes were tested and entered limited production around 1993, reflecting the bureau's focus on adapting to the tactical demands of during this era. The RMB-93 derives its name from "Ruzh'yo Magazinnoye Boyevoye," translating to "magazine-fed " in Russian, with the "93" indicating the year of introduction. It is also nicknamed "Rys," meaning "," evoking the animal's agility and predatory nature as a for the weapon's intended role in dynamic, predatory engagements.

Production Timeline

The RMB-93 entered limited production in 1993, initiated by the (Central Bureau for Hunting and Sporting Arms) in , with initial output focused on small-scale manufacturing for testing and evaluation by law enforcement agencies. This phase aligned with the weapon's origins in addressing early needs for specialized riot-control shotguns in Russian domestic security operations. Production expanded in the mid-1990s as demand grew for both and domestic markets, including the introduction of the civilian-oriented RMO-93 variant in the mid-1990s to broaden appeal beyond and police use. By the late 1990s, the RMB-93 had been integrated into select Russian defense contracts, primarily for and internal security units, though adoption remained niche due to its unconventional design. Manufacturing has been exclusively handled by the since it became part of KBP in the late 1990s, with no evidence of licensed foreign production. KBP itself became part of the holding in 2009, under the state corporation, further centralizing oversight of such projects. Production of all RMB-93 variants ceased in 2007, except for small quantities of bespoke models.

Design and Features

Operating System

The RMB-93 employs a manually operated pump-action mechanism featuring a stationary breech and a sliding barrel, distinguishing it from conventional pump shotguns through its inverted cycle design. In this system, the user manipulates the in a forward-push motion to eject the spent shell, followed by a rearward pull to chamber a new round, reversing the typical sequence of traditional slide-actions. This configuration, combined with the shotgun's fixed breech face, allows the entire barrel assembly to move linearly along the receiver. A key innovation in the RMB-93's layout is its top-mounted tubular positioned directly above the barrel, which facilitates top-loading through a hinged on the receiver's upper surface. This arrangement enables the "floating" barrel to reciprocate without interference from a traditional under-barrel or slide components, promoting a lower relative to the shooter's hand placement. The accommodates 7 rounds of 12/70 gauge shells or 6 rounds of 12/76 gauge shells, with shells fed downward into the chamber via a synchronized carrier as the barrel cycles. The operational cycle begins after firing, when the user pushes the forward; this motion compresses the recoil spring housed in the forend, rotates the bolt via a cam mechanism to extract the spent shell using dual claw extractors, and ejects it downward through a beneath the receiver for ambidextrous clearance. As the is then pulled rearward, the recoil spring expands, driving the barrel and bolt assembly back, where a fresh shell is stripped from the magazine, aligned, and chambered. Upon reaching the , dual claw-type locking levers engage the barrel rigidly to the breech only when the double-action trigger is pulled, ensuring secure containment during discharge. Safety features include ambidextrous manual levers on the receiver, which block both the trigger and the internal to prevent accidental discharge. The double-action-only trigger mechanism requires a long, deliberate pull to fire, enhancing safety with a chambered round, while the absence of any selective-fire capability limits operation to manual pump-action. Additionally, the enclosed well and lack of side ejection ports contribute to reliability by minimizing debris ingress in adverse conditions. This design yields several advantages, notably reduced muzzle flip attributable to the inline stock and low , which aligns forces more directly with the shooter's for improved control during rapid follow-up shots. Compared to gas-operated shotguns, the RMB-93's manual pump-action proves more reliable in dirty or contaminated environments, as it lacks sensitive gas ports or pistons prone to , while the downward ejection and covered components further protect against environmental interference.

Key Components

The RMB-93 incorporates a standard 20.8-inch (528 mm) blued barrel, providing resistance suitable for tactical use. The barrel supports interchangeable choke tubes for adjustable shot patterns. The receiver is constructed from stamped for structural integrity, paired with a forearm that contributes to lightweight durability without compromising strength. The features a folding made of stamped , enabling compact storage and transport by folding forward over the magazine tube. A is integrated into the , providing ergonomic support tailored for close-quarters combat handling. Iron are standard on the RMB-93, offering straightforward open for in various lighting conditions. High-strength steel alloys form the critical components such as the receiver and barrel, with blued finishes providing resistance and an overall emphasis on ruggedness suitable for tactical applications. elements, including the and grip, further balance weight and resilience. Ergonomically, the RMB-93 employs a compact layout with a stationary breech and sliding barrel system for balanced weight distribution, complemented by an ambidextrous top-loading port that accommodates both right- and left-handed users during magazine replenishment.

Specifications

Physical Characteristics

The RMB-93 baseline model measures 36 inches (914 mm) in overall length when the stock is unfolded and 26 inches (657 mm) when folded, with a height of 6.4 inches (162 mm) with stock folded and a width of 1.8 inches (46 mm), contributing to its compact profile for maneuverability in close-quarters environments. Unloaded, the weapon weighs 5.7 pounds (2.6 kg), while the loaded weight varies based on the number of shells in the magazine. The barrel is 21 inches (528 mm) long and features a design optimized for 12-gauge ammunition.

Ammunition and Capacity

The RMB-93 is chambered in 12 gauge and compatible with both 12/70 mm and 12/76 mm shells, allowing use of standard-length and magnum cartridges. It supports a range of types, including buckshot for close-range engagements, slugs for extended accuracy, and less-lethal rounds for non-penetrating applications. The employs a fixed over-barrel tubular with a top-feed design, accessed via a hinged loading port on the top of the receiver. This holds 7 rounds of 12/70 mm shells or 6 rounds of 12/76 mm shells, with an additional round capacity in the chamber for a total of 8 or 7 rounds, respectively. Loading is performed manually by opening the top port door upward and rearward, then pressing shells individually onto the spring-assisted follower until the desired capacity is reached; no dedicated speedloaders are required, though the process emphasizes deliberate insertion to ensure reliable stacking. The feeding mechanism relies on the pump-action's forward-moving barrel and double-action-only trigger system, which ejects spent casings downward and tilts the follower to align the next shell with the chamber, promoting consistent operation without the jamming risks associated with under-barrel tubular designs. The RMB-93 is not compatible with smaller gauges such as 20 gauge, and it adheres to standard 12-gauge pressure limits to maintain structural integrity.

Variants

Standard Model

The RMB-93 is the baseline configuration of the Rys series of pump-action shotguns, featuring a 21-inch (528 mm) barrel designed for general tactical applications in close-quarters combat and operations. It employs a unique forward-sliding barrel mechanism, where the barrel and forearm move together to cycle 12-gauge shells (2.75-inch or 3-inch), with the tubular positioned above the barrel holding up to seven 2.75-inch shells or six 3-inch shells, plus one in the chamber. The stamped folding pivots forward over the tube for compact storage, reducing overall length to 25.9 inches (657 mm) when folded and extending to 36 inches (914 mm) when deployed, while basic provide aiming capability. This setup, combined with a double-action-only trigger and manual , allows for a chambered round with the safety engaged, emphasizing reliability in dynamic environments. Introduced as the primary domestic model for Russian special forces and , the RMB-93 entered limited production in 1993 following development in the early 1990s by the (formerly ) in . It remains the foundational variant for both internal use and select exports, though overall production ceased around 2007, with availability constrained to surplus or refurbished units in civilian markets. Standard accessories include the integral , with provisions for optional sling attachments to enhance carry options during tactical maneuvers. In terms of baseline performance, the low bore axis contributes to manageable control despite the 5.7-pound (2.6 kg) weight, though the long and stiff double-action trigger pull can somewhat hinder rapid follow-up accuracy.

Specialized Versions

The RMB-93 shotgun has been produced in several specialized variants, with up to eight documented configurations under the broader "Rys" () family, primarily adapted for , , , and private security roles. These modifications focus on barrel length, stock type, and compatibility to suit niche applications, while maintaining the core pump-action mechanism with an over-barrel tubular magazine. Production of these variants occurred from the early 1990s through approximately 2007, with output limited by the TsKIB SOO design bureau (now part of ) and availability restricted to , export, and denatured civilian markets to comply with regulations. Key combat-oriented variants include the Rys-F, which extends the barrel to 680 mm (26.8 inches) while retaining the folding , offering improved range and for tactical scenarios requiring greater standoff distance, with an overall folded length of 809 mm (31.9 inches). Civilian and export models, designated under the RMO-93 series, incorporate fixed wooden for stability during or , often with denatured features like limited capacity or non-tactical finishes to meet restrictions. Representative examples include the Rys-O and Rys-OTs, both with 680 mm barrels and 1080 mm overall length, the latter optimized for 12/76 mm to handle magnum loads; these are configured for extended-range sporting use and private security. Shorter civilian variants like the Rys-U (thumbhole ) and Rys-L provide 528 mm barrels with fixed wooden designs for better in field carry, weighing around 3.1 kg. Additional modifications support specialized , such as breaching rounds designed for door entry and lock disruption, compatible across variants without requiring structural changes to the . While no dedicated less-lethal model exists, the 12-gauge chambering allows use of rubber shot or beanbag loads for in contexts. Magazine capacity remains fixed at 6 rounds (12/76 mm) or 7 rounds (12/70 mm) in all versions, prioritizing reliability over expandability.

Operational Use

Military Applications

The RMB-93 shotgun was developed as a combat weapon primarily for and police units engaged in close-quarters battle scenarios, featuring a unique forward-pump action and top-mounted tubular magazine to facilitate rapid reloading in confined spaces. Although intended for military and applications, it saw limited adoption within Russian forces, entering production in 1993 but achieving only niche use due to its specialized design. In military contexts, the RMB-93 found some application with the Belarusian units, where it served in tactical operations requiring compact, high-capacity shotguns for breaching and room-clearing tasks. Its design emphasized reliability in urban environments, with the under-barrel configuration allowing for better maneuverability during close-quarters combat, though it was not widely issued as a standard service weapon. The weapon's pump-forward mechanism, while innovative, contributed to its restricted deployment, as it required specific training and was less intuitive than conventional pump-action designs. Evaluations of the RMB-93 highlighted its robustness for , but it did not gain broad military endorsement, partly due to the prevalence of semi-automatic alternatives like the for similar roles. International interest remained modest, with the made available for export to various militaries, though specific adoptions in regions such as the or are not well-documented. Due to its effective range limited to approximately 40 meters with buckshot loads, the RMB-93 is not suited as a primary weapon and is typically supplemented by assault rifles in military operations. This short-range constraint, combined with a stiff trigger pull that can impair rapid follow-up shots, further positions it as a secondary tool for specialized breaching and suppression roles rather than general combat.

Civilian and Law Enforcement Roles

The RMB-93 shotgun was primarily developed for purposes in during the early , functioning as a specialized for police and operations in close-quarters scenarios. Offered to Russian law enforcement organizations, it entered limited production in and was intended to provide a compact, reliable pump-action option for urban policing duties, though its adoption remained modest due to the unconventional design. This limited international uptake highlights its role in Eastern European law enforcement contexts, particularly for tactical interventions, but it has not achieved widespread global distribution among police forces owing to production constraints and competing designs. In civilian contexts, the RMO-93 variant—also known as "Rys" ()—was developed during the production period (1993-2007) specifically for non-military markets, including and private applications in . This model features adaptations like fixed stocks and varied barrel lengths to suit sporting and protective uses, with a capacity for 6-7 rounds of 12-gauge . While available for during its production run, civilian access outside has been restricted by import regulations, resulting in rarity in Western markets such as the .
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