Russian law enforcement officers employ a variety of firearms depending on their specific roles and duties. Commonly issued sidearms include the Makarov pistol, a Soviet-era design, and more modern pistols like the Yarygin PYa and the MP-443 Grach. These handguns typically chamber 9x18mm Makarov, 9x19mm Parabellum, or other cartridges depending on the specific model. Beyond handguns, police units may also utilize submachine guns like the PP-19 Bizon and various Kalashnikov-pattern rifles for situations requiring greater firepower.
The selection of firearms for Russian police forces reflects a balance between cost-effectiveness, availability, and the perceived needs of law enforcement in maintaining order and responding to threats. The transition from older Soviet-era weapons to more modern designs demonstrates an ongoing effort to equip officers with more effective tools. Standardization within police forces simplifies logistics and training, while the variety of firearm types allows for specialization and appropriate response levels across different operational contexts.