The MP-448 Skyph (MP-448 Скиф) is a Russian pistol.
History[]
Designed by Dmitry A. Bogadnov in the 1990s, the Skyph is quite simply put, an enhancement of the Makarov pistol. The Skyph was solely developed for export and for use by private security companies; however, the pistol was never actually adopted by any countries still using the 9×18mm Makarov round it chambers, as said countries would much prefer to use the Makarov pistol, along with the Skyph not providing a great enough enhancement in ergonomics over the standard Makarov pistol. However, it has since been used in Kazakhstan by private security companies.
Design Details[]
As stated above, the Skyph is quite simply put, an enhancement of the storied Makarov pistol. However, the Skyph is slightly smaller than the Makarov it is based on and is 200 grams (0.44 pounds) lighter than the Makarov; this is due to a polymer frame. It uses blowback operation due to the lower pressure of the 9×18mm Makarov round it uses, and is chambered for a variety of double-stack magazines of various capacities.
Variants[]
- MP-448
Standard variant. Uses a 12-round magazine.
- MP-448S
Variant chambered for .380 ACP. Uses a 10-round magazine.
- MP-448S Skyph-Mini
Compact variant of the MP-448S also chambered for .380 ACP. Uses an 8-round magazine.