The evolution of the 5,56mm GROT automatic rifle
The 5,56mm GROT automatic carbine in the C16 FB-A2 version is the easiest to distinguish from the A1 thanks to a longer stock covering the gas regulator, a new pistol grip and redesigned loading handle covers.
More than three years have passed since the delivery of the first 5,56-mm automatic carbines GROT in the performance of C16 FB-A1 to the soldiers of the Territorial Defense Forces on November 30, 2017. During this time, many conclusions have been formulated by the users of the weapon, which, after being transferred to the manufacturer, have come to life in the form of the C16 FB-A2 version, which is currently being supplied, including to the active troops. The last version of the GROT was purchased under a contract concluded on July 8 this year. As a result, in 2020-2026, the Polish Armed Forces should receive 18 carbines worth more than PLN 305 million gross.
The history of the GROT automatic rifle in the standard version dates back to the end of 2007, when the research project O R00 0010 04 was launched, carried out by the Military University of Technology in cooperation with Fabryka Broni “Lucznik” – Radom sp. Z oo is funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The development of weapons is described in detail in "Wojsko i Technice" 12/2018.
Before entering service, the rifle passed rigorous qualification tests for compliance with civil defense in various weather conditions and received a positive assessment from the State Qualification Test Commission. As part of this study, which lasted from June 26 to October 11, 2017, about 100 different tests were carried out. In addition, according to an agreement between the Territorial Defense Forces and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa SA dated June 23, 2017, 40 pre-production carbines in the standard version were handed over to WOT fighters for three months of testing. This made it possible to eliminate a number of shortcomings, the so-called. childhood diseases, new weapons, but - as is usually the case - several months of use did not reveal all the shortcomings, hence it was planned that the first production version, C16 FB-A1, would also be carefully evaluated during trial operation.
Mainsail in version C16 FB-A1. Visible in the unfolded state are mechanical sights and the method of fastening the belt.
Operating Conclusions
During the first year of using GROT C16 FB-A1 on a large scale, users made several comments related to their use. Some resulted in the need to modify the carbine, others - changes in the training of soldiers in the handling of the new design. The most important ones are: broken loading handle covers, cases of spontaneous dropping of gas regulators, broken needles and damage to the bolt latch. In addition, the soldiers complained about the quality of the protective coatings and the ergonomics of the rifle. For some users, the stock handguard was found to be too short and left little room for additional accessories. Also inconvenient was the attachment of the sling (causing the carabiner to rotate when carried) and partially led to spontaneous adjustment of properly loose gas regulators. It happened, for example, when clinging to it with a carrying strap. The comments also mentioned mechanical sights, which turned out to be quite thin and easily replaceable. As an excuse, it is worth noting that initially they should have been treated only as spares, and most importantly, that there should be an optical sight. However, after reporting problems with spontaneous adjustment of sights, FB “Lucznik” – Radom sp.Z oo replaced all sights in the first batch of rifles. Subsequently, visual dysfunction in complaints disappeared. As for the latch lever, the manufacturer did not make any changes (cases of damage were isolated), but is in constant contact with users, monitoring cases of damage to this part.
The road to version A2
Fabryka Broni “Lucznik” – Radom sp.Z oo carefully listened to the opinions of users, therefore, changes were made to the user manual, as well as design changes that were implemented in the C16 FB-A2 version.
The new charging handle cover used in it not only has significantly thicker walls, but also acts as one part (element), previously there were two covers (right and left). The same was done in the case of cracking needles, which turned out to be shots fired "dry". It is worth noting that such shots also cause wear of this element, and during the training it turned out that the number of dry shots can exceed the resource of the weapon, that is, 10 shots. The manufacturer has designed a new striker with much greater durability and resistance to the production of "dry" shots. It can also be used in A000 carabiners.
There is still a problem with protective coatings, but Fabryka Broni “Lucznik” – Radom sp. Z oo states that the coatings used on the GROT rifle are no different from those used by the world's leading gun manufacturers, and that the reported problems are more likely the result of inadequate cleaning and maintenance of the gun. In addition, before the carbine entered the troops, the weapon passed rigorous climatic tests in various weather conditions with a positive result under the control of the State Qualification Test Commission.
