RWGŁ-3: Poland's Riot Squad AK-Based Tear Gas Launcher

Published on December 26, 2022
Duration: 6:01

The RWGŁ-3 is a Polish tear gas launcher developed in the 1960s and standardized after 1970, utilizing an AKM receiver for production efficiency. It's a single-shot weapon designed to fire 7.62x39mm blank cartridges, which propel rifle grenades. The design omits the AK's gas system, requiring manual bolt cycling for operation and featuring a 10-round magazine with a spacer to prevent live ammunition.

Quick Summary

The RWGŁ-3 is a Polish tear gas launcher based on the AKM receiver, designed for riot control. It fires 7.62x39mm blank cartridges to propel grenades. Unlike a standard AKM, it lacks a gas system and requires manual bolt cycling.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Historical Context
  2. 01:38AK-Based Design & Construction
  3. 03:24Internal Mechanics & Manual Operation
  4. 04:42Magazine Details & Markings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RWGŁ-3 and what is its primary function?

The RWGŁ-3 is a Polish tear gas launcher based on the AKM rifle receiver. Its primary function is riot control, firing blank cartridges that propel rifle grenades containing tear gas or other non-lethal agents.

How does the RWGŁ-3 differ mechanically from a standard AKM rifle?

The RWGŁ-3 omits the AKM's gas tube and piston system, making it a single-shot weapon. It requires manual bolt cycling to eject spent blanks and chamber new ones, unlike the automatic cycling of a standard AKM.

What caliber does the RWGŁ-3 fire, and is it safe to use live ammunition?

The RWGŁ-3 fires 7.62x39mm blank cartridges specifically designed for launching grenades. Its 10-round magazines have a spacer to prevent loading live ball ammunition, making it unsafe and impossible to fire standard rounds.

When and why was the RWGŁ-3 developed?

Development began in the 1960s following civil unrest in Poland. It was standardized after 1970 riots and produced in large quantities for Warsaw Pact nations as a dedicated riot control device.

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