MP-445

The MP-445 Varjag is a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol manufactured in Russia by the Baikal Trade Firm.Traditionally, Russian forces have considered handguns uselessFact|date=February 2007; preferring instead, full sized assault rifles and submachine gunsFact|date=February 2007. By the end of the century, it became obvious that pistols were an integral part of a combat unitFact|date=February 2007 because of their small, easy to operate size and the ease with which they could be concealed for operations where blatant displays of firepower were politically unsavory. To meet the new demand for combat handguns, Baikal Trade Firm developed a series of pistol in various calibers. The MR-445 Varjag is a full sized automatic pistol chambered for the powerful .40 S&W round. It is available in two models, the larger and heavier MR-445 (210x142x38mm) and the compact MR-445S (188x132x38mm). The MR-445 model has fully adjustable sights zeroed for both elevation and windage, while MR-445S has fixed, iron sights. It holds 15 rounds and readily accepts tactical flashlights and laser aiming devices. Like its predecessor the MR-444, the 445 features a frame made from super strong thermosetting plastic material.