Development of the MSBS GROT rifle from version A0 to version A2

Standard (basic) 5,56 mm carbine in classic configuration MSBS GROT in A2 version.

At the end of 2017, Fabryka Broni “Lucznik” – Radom Sp. z oo, which is part of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa SA, provided the Territorial Defense Forces with the first batch of 5,56-mm standard (basic) carbines MSBS GROT C 16 FB M1 (in the so-called A0 version), marking the beginning of the introduction of new weapons into the armament of the Polish Army . The rifle was developed by Polish designers and technologists from the FB Radom and the Military Technological University, with whom the soldiers shared their experience, making suggestions and comments related to the use of the equipment, through the equipment operator - TSO Command - through the two and a half years of operation of the rifles.

They were carefully analyzed and discussed during cyclical meetings with the participation of representatives of: the command of the territorial defense forces, the zero military unit of the command of the special forces component (customer), the central logistics directorate (CU), the 3rd Regional military representation. Based on the conclusions made and the results of theoretical and instrumental tests of the proposed solutions, the MSBS GROT rifles were consistently improved, having received the currently mass-produced weapon in the A2 variant.

During the 5th International Defense Industry Exhibition in Kielce 2017 September XNUMX, a contract was signed for the purchase and supply of approx.

Standard (basic) carbine 5,56 mm in classic MSBS GROT configuration, version A0

53 standard (basic) carbines in the classic (stock) layout MSBS GROT C000 FB M16 (in A1 version). Its value was about PLN 0 million (using the options provided in the contract).

On November 30, 2017, the symbolic transfer of the first batch of MSBS GROT C16 FB M1 carbines (version A0) to the servicemen of the Territorial Defense Forces took place. In accordance with the terms of the contract, by December 15, 2017, FB Radom delivered to WOT all 1000 MSBS GROT rifles scheduled for delivery this year. Deliveries continued in subsequent years and into the middle of the first quarter of 2021. The Polish Armed Forces already had over 43 MSBS GROT C000 FB M16 rifles in A1 and A1 versions.

Already at the stage of preparing the contract for the purchase and supply of carbines, it was decided that the use of weapons would be carefully controlled by the Command of the Territorial Defense Forces, as the manager of equipment, and users' comments would be submitted and discussed during annual meetings with representatives: administrator, Central Department of Materials -technical support (i.e. inspections for armaments and electronics of the armed forces), Command of the Special Forces Component, 3rd RRP, BAT and FB Radom. These meetings were aimed at formulating conclusions about possible directions for improving MSBS GROT rifles from version A0, through version A1 to version A2.

MSBS GROT rifle in A0 version

The MSBS GROT C16 FB M1 standard rifle in the A0 version consists of eight main components and mechanisms: stock, breech (with attached mechanical sights), barrel, return mechanism, trigger chamber, bolt carrier, magazine and forearm.

MSBS GROT rifle in A1 version

During the operation of the MSBS GROT rifle in the A0 version, it was noticed that it was necessary to make some changes to its design, which should have a positive effect, in particular, on the ergonomics of the weapon. In 2018, the designers of FB Radom and the Military Technological University recommended that the operator equip the side rail of the forearm (easily removable) with a QD socket for attaching the sling, and the existing tensioner covers (right and left), which were often damaged, should be replaced with another solution with greater wear resistance. The governor agreed to this. As a result of construction and technological work and verification tests of the proposed solution, FB Radom presented the MSBS GROT rifle in A1 version, the side rail of which is equipped with a QD socket, and the tensioner handle is equipped with a single universal 9,5. mm thick cover with symmetrical mounting channel.