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For some 20 years, Soyuz crews have been carried the TP-82 survival firearm (a combined carbine/shotgun/flare launcher) with them on their missions. Made in limited numbers, it has never been available to purchase by the general public, much to the chagrin of collectors.
This, however, is about to change.
Kel-Tec CNC Industries Inc has announced that they will be producing an authorized replica of the Russian survival gun, to be publicly launched at the next SHOT Show. "Law-abiding Americans will finally be able to own, and try out for themselves, an important piece of space history." a spokesman for the company stated. "For years, patriotic Russian cosmonauts have been responsibly carrying this weapon to the heavens, now it can be yours."
There is, however, still some uncertainty as is the weapon will have a detachable buttstock or not. "We're working out on the legalities and considering options. Maybe it will have a fixed stock, where overal weapon length may be an issue."
The stock is an important part of the weapon, because beside improving stability and accuracy while firing, it also contains a machete which in the Kel-Tec produced version will be made by renown blade manufacturer Cold Steel. "We're excited by this partnership. We're making a weapon worthy of space travelers."
Thanks to a deal with Remington Arms, the specialized 12.7mm shotgun ammo used by the TP-82 will also be commercialized in the US. However, Kel-Tec will also be manufacturing a "westernized" version firing .223 Remington ammo in place of the original 5.45mm cartridge, and .410 gauge ammo in place of the original 12.7mm shotshell. In all, three versions are planned: a working replica in the original caliber, a "modernized and westernized" version using the more common Western ammunition and with polymer components in place of the original wood, and a "deluxe" limited edition with the stock bearing the signature of Russian cosmonauts.
This, however, is about to change.
Kel-Tec CNC Industries Inc has announced that they will be producing an authorized replica of the Russian survival gun, to be publicly launched at the next SHOT Show. "Law-abiding Americans will finally be able to own, and try out for themselves, an important piece of space history." a spokesman for the company stated. "For years, patriotic Russian cosmonauts have been responsibly carrying this weapon to the heavens, now it can be yours."
There is, however, still some uncertainty as is the weapon will have a detachable buttstock or not. "We're working out on the legalities and considering options. Maybe it will have a fixed stock, where overal weapon length may be an issue."
The stock is an important part of the weapon, because beside improving stability and accuracy while firing, it also contains a machete which in the Kel-Tec produced version will be made by renown blade manufacturer Cold Steel. "We're excited by this partnership. We're making a weapon worthy of space travelers."
Thanks to a deal with Remington Arms, the specialized 12.7mm shotgun ammo used by the TP-82 will also be commercialized in the US. However, Kel-Tec will also be manufacturing a "westernized" version firing .223 Remington ammo in place of the original 5.45mm cartridge, and .410 gauge ammo in place of the original 12.7mm shotshell. In all, three versions are planned: a working replica in the original caliber, a "modernized and westernized" version using the more common Western ammunition and with polymer components in place of the original wood, and a "deluxe" limited edition with the stock bearing the signature of Russian cosmonauts.
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