OTs-01 / TKB-0216 / RSA "Kobalt"

Type	Double Action revolver
Caliber(s)	9x18 Mak, 9x17 Browning Short
Weight unloaded	800 g
Length	200 mm
Barrel length	75 mm
Cylinder capacity	6 rounds

The OTs-01 "Kobalt" revolver, also know as RSA (Revolver Stechkina-Avraamova, after the names of designers, Stechkin and Avraamov) was developed in Central Design Bureau for Sporting and Hunting Arms (TsKIB SOO) in the city of Tula. This revolver apeared during early 1990s along with several other Russian-made revolvers in an attempt to provide Russian police (Militia) and private security companies with weapon that is as simple to use as possible. The RSA / OTs-01 was never accepted as a police weapon in Russia, but it became somewhat popular as individual weapon among the private security companies, which are licensed under the Russian law to issue its personnel with firearms. It is also used by bank and armored truck security personnel in Russia. It must be noted that private sector companies are allowed to use this weapon only in 9x17 Browning Short (a.k.a. .380ACP) chambering, the 9x18 Mak version was developed strictly for Government use.

The OTs-01 "Kobalt" / RSA revolver is a conventional double-action revolver with exposed hammer and side-opening cylinder that holds 6 rounds. Since ammunition, for which this revolver is intended, is rimmless, cartridges are loaded into flat steel clips prior to loading into the cylinder. Loading and extraction is performed using this clip, with all 6 rounds at once. Revolver also can be fired when loaded with loose cartridges (no clip) but in this case extraction would be problematic.

Posted in: Handguns,Russia