„Short” GROT available in retail

Short version of Grot first appeared on websites of internet shops belonging to the main distributor: Colt Krotoszyn and Colt Wrocław. The rifle can also be found in stock of other gun dealers in Poland. Grot S10 entered the open market without the publicity that accompanied the previous model. FB Radom didn’t send press information, nor did they announce their intent to begin sales of the rifle before. Military Magazine MILMAG is the first to break the news about availability of the new model. Besides the gun itself, FB Radom also started sales of the original knife bayonet, initially designed for the military variant Semi-automatic Grot S10 FB-M1 in stores of the rifle. It is sold together with a scabbard, mounted on a belt or MOLLE webbing.

At the end of march 2020 a semi-automatic rifle Grot S10 FB-M1 was added to the stock of the main distributor of Fabryka Broni Łucznik- Radom (FB Radom). It is a long awaited variant with a 10.5 inch (267 mm) barrel. The shorter model is more handy and handles better in some practical shooting competitions. Until now, the stores only offered a Grot S16 FB-M1 model with a 16 inch (406 mm) long barrel.

Since the end of 2017, Polish Armed Forces have received over 30 thousand Grot C16 FBM1/ M2 (MSBS-5.56KA0/ A1) units. Majority was delivered to Territorial Defense Forces.

Currently Polish Armed Forces and other uniform services use two models belonging to the 5.56 mm modular firearm system (MSBS-5,56). First to see service was a representative MSBS-20R (Grot R20) rifle with a 20-inch (508 mm) barrel, restricted to blank 5.56 x 45 mm NATO ammo. Polish Army purchased a total of 640 (150 in March 2016 and 490 in September 2017), Police received 115 units ordered in June 2018, Border Guard bought 54 in September 2018, and a contract for 40 was signed by Prison Service in September 2016.

On 5th of September 2017, a contract was signed for delivery of 32 thousands of Grot C16 FB-M1 assault rifles. That model uses live 5.56 x 45 mm NATO and has a 406 mm barrel with a shorter twist rate of 178 mm (1:7 inches). After finalization of the previous delivery, another 18 thousands assault rifles were ordered in September 2019, being successively delivered on a timeline extending into 2022. Part of the new order includes the newer Grot C16 FB-M2 model, with modified handguard. Majority of those ended in the hands of Territorial Defense Force (in November 2019, 24 thousand of TDF soldiers were equipped with Grots), they are also delivered to selected units of Land Forces and military academies (in November four thousands were in hands of Communication And Informatics Training Center, Military University Of Technology, and Tadeusz Kościuszko Land Forces Military Academy).

In November 2019 the army ordered 2000 conversion kits that will adapt Grots for training marker rounds—composed of a properly marked replacement blowback system with two blue-colored magazines for UTM MMR ammo.

Military Institute Of Armament Technology ordered forty Grot C16 in January 2020 to convert them into dummies for training simulator “Śnieżnik”.

Semi-automatic carbine Grot S16 FB-M1 hit the shops at the end of 2018. It is a variant with a 16-inch (406 mm) barrel without bayonet lug and a different muzzle device than the military version

Other services are ordering Grot rifles as well, especially the Border Guard. This is a particularly interesting case because without Border Guard’s purchase requirements there would be no civilian short- -barreled version. The Border Guard signed four contracts on delivery of modular rifles from Radom.

The first batch was composed of the already mentioned representative R20 version. Second contract, signed on 5th of December, 2018 and delivered on 21st, listed 122 Grot C16 FB-M1. Third contract was signed on 8th July 2019 for 228 more C16. The most interesting was fourth order, when the Border Guard voiced interest in a short barreled version, also awaited by military forces. The producer offered a non-standard solution.

Out of 228 ordered units, 93 were standard C16 and the remaining 135 were provided with two sets of barrels. The standard length of 16 inches with twist rate of 178 mm that was used in military version and shorter 10.5 inch barrels with twist rate of 228 mm. The latter were designed with the civilian market in mind.

Grot rifles will reach well-trained users from active units. Border guards will be taking advantage of the MSBS’s namesake modularity. The firearm uses the same receiver for classical version and bullpup configuration, and it has easily replaced barrel. Using the attached key, the barrel can be exchanged in less than a minute. Depending on current tasks, Border Guard functionaries will be able adjust the length for the circumstances at hand by themselves. In practice, most of them will be using shorter configuration, more handy in urban environment.

The newest version of Grot C10 FB-M2 carbine, the new handguard includes attachment points for the sling on the sides and the Magpul M-LOK rail interface system

Development of the Modular Firearm Systems 5.56 mm is tightly connected to Polish future soldier project—Individual Warfare System Titan. The weapon subsystem was developed as a part of the first phase of the programme (delayed because of multiple changes to the guidelines for the communication gear). Within its frames were researched, designed, and produced 5.56 mm assault rifle (Grot C16 FB-M1), 40-mm underbarrel grenade launcher (GP), knife bayonet, and 9 mm military pistol (Vis 100, also known as PR-15 Ragun). Except for one-shot low velocity 40 x 46 mm grenade launcher, all other designs are currently in production and supplied to military forces.

For the next phase of the Titan project , FB Radom prepared technical and production documentation, and now finalizes tests of a B16 FB-M1, a bullpup variant of MSBS-5.56 mm, and a short- -barreled classical variant C10 FB-M1. Additionally, to reduce costs, additional variants are tested: bullpup versions of carbine, light machine gun, and marksman rifle, and classical versions of light machine gun and marksman rifle. According to the schedule, tests will end later this year. FB Radom will produce and deliver the new weapons once they are formally accepted by the Armed Forces.

Comparison barrel modules of military variants: top—from 10- inch (254 mm) carbine Grot C10, currently in qualification testing bottom—16-inch (406 mm) standard Grot C16

Because of the delays of the Titan project and unfinished formal quality tests, the Border Guard could not order the 10- inch (254 mm) barrel variant, instead having to rely on the 10.5-inch model. That half of an inch of difference is caused by restrictions on the development of the military version. The Ministry of National Defense is the owner of the documentation of standard models with 16-inch (406 mm) and 10-inch (254 mm) barrels. While Grot C10 passed all the in-company tests with positive results, at the time of purchase by the Border Guard the formal quality tests required by the Titan project were not yet finished.

To avoid being limited by external delays, the producer decided to design alternate variants for uniform services and the civilian market. In the first order, the producer tested 10.5-inch (267 mm) and 18-inch (457 mm) barrel versions. FB Radom also plans to introduce 13-inch (330 mm) and 14.5 inch (368 mm) barrels. All those variants utilize a universal twist rate of 228 mm, used earlier in Beryl and Mini-Beryl.

Grot S10 and Grot S16 are offered in Colt Krotoszyn and Colt Wrocław shops for the same price of 6900 Polish Zloty. The set includes a plastic case, 30-round magazine, user manual, and warranty card

Grot S10 FB-M1 with 10.5 inch barrel introduced on the market by Colt Krotoszyn and Colt Wrocław, is a semiautomatic carbine using 5.56 mm x 45/.223 Remington ammo. It follows Grot S16 FB-M1 with 16-inch (406 mm) barrel sold since December 2018. Both variants conform to the civilian firearm regulations applicable in Poland and European Union. They are semi-automatic weapons limited to single fire. Because of legal restrictions, their receiver installed in civilian variants is incompatible with bolts from select-fire weapons. Civilian 16-inch barrel lacks the bayonet lug present in the military version. Neither civilian or military versions of short barrel have bayonet lugs either.

Grot S10 and Grot S16 carbines are sold by the distributor for 6,900 Polish Zloty (approximately $1,700). Weapon is covered with a four year manufacturer’s warranty. The buyer receives the weapon with a single AR-15/ M16 style 30-round magazine made of semi-transparent plastic. Everything is stashed inside a foam-lined polymer case, together with a user manual and warranty card. The weapon weighs 3.2 kg (7 pounds) and has a width of 89 mm (3.5 inch).

Semi-automatic Grot S10 has a 12.5 mm longer barrel than the military Grot C10. It also uses a different flash suppressor, the same as in civilian Grot S16

Grot S10 FB-M1 carbine has a 10.5 inch barrel. Its rifling is made of six grooves with a twist rate of 1:9 inches (228 mm). It is important to note that each barrel variant uses its own gas regulator model, fitted to the gas operation at a specific barrel’s length. Replacing the correct gas regulator with one taken from a Grot barrel of different length may lead to weapon malfunctions. It was pointed out by special operations and uniform services users testing the gun in 2017. The muzzle ends with an external ½-28 inch thread with a flash suppressor screwed on. It can be removed to attach another muzzle device using that size of thread. The barrel has external grooves increasing its rigidity and thus improving accuracy. Additionally, such rifling reduces weight and helps disperse heat during continuous fire. Grot S10 FB-M1 has a receiver made of aluminum alloy and a trigger mechanism made of plastic. A long STANAG 4694/ NATO Accessory Rail (military variant of Picatinny rail) is mounted above the receiver. The handguard features an M-LOK rail interface system that allows attachment of additional accessories – flashlight, foregrip, or bipod. The carbine’s stock is folded to the side, and it can be extended to four different extension lengths allowing the user to adjust it to the circumstances, such as arms’ length or clothing worn. The stock also has a cheek rest with regulated height and angle allowing the shooter better comfort while aiming using mechanical or electro-optical weapon sights.

Grot S16 barrel module. Generally, the sole difference between both civilian variants. The barrel module will be available for sale in the future

Worth remembering: gas regulators in Grot S10 and Grot S16 are not interchangeable, having different diameter of openings. Accidental mix up can lead to malfunctions

The original knife bayonet for military Grot reached the shops. It is provided with a scabbard (with which it forms wire cutters) and base that can be attached on belt or MOLLE

Colt Krotoszyn also started selling knife bayonets recently developed by FB Radom. Regretfully, they can’t be attached to civilian Grot S16 FB-M1, which misses bayonet lug and has incompatible muzzle device. The military variant has requisite indent for the knife bayonet. The design itself, previously described by MILMAG is one of the most interesting models entering the market. The set, sold for 499 Polish Zloty (approximately $120), is composed of the knife itself, scabbard, and a scabbard base that can be attached to a belt or a harness.

The drop point style blade is made out of NCV-1 tool grade steel and has a partly serrated edge for cutting nylon ropes and tapes. The handguard was made with an injection molding method. Backside of the knife can be used to break windows. It also has a hole for a strap. Knife bayonet can be combined with the scabbard and used together as wire cutters. The scabbard can be attached to a polymer base which can be fixed to a belt or any piece of gear that uses MOLLE webbing. Additional strap with a fastener prevents the knife from falling out when sheathed. The blade is 152 mm long and 3.8 mm thick. The edge is partly serrated and made of NCV-1 steel. Scabbard is made of plastic and nylon. Knife’s total length is 280 mm and it weighs 200 g. The whole set weighs 390 g.

Later this year, a stock adapter for M4 stocks should be available. On the photo prototype presented on MSPO 2019

Grot S16 FB-M1 was sold in two configurations. Basic for 6900 Polish Zloty and full costing 8700 Polish Zloty (which also included additional military- -grade mechanical sight, three short Picatinny accessory rails, foreguard, and military weapon cleaning kit). Shorter Grot S10 FB-M1 is currently sold in simple version only.

As of yet, the producer hasn’t started selling short barrel modules alone, though it was announced they will be offered to customers who bought Grot S16 for a price not exceeding 2000 Polish Zloty in the future. It is also possible that in the future buyers will be able to purchase sets including the carbine with both barrel modules.

New modules are supposed to reach the market in 2020: stock adapter suitable for M4 folded stock, and extended handguard covering the gas regulator from accidental bumps and offering better grip with the weaker hand. FB Radom hasn’t revealed the release dates or pricing yet.

If the Territorial Defense Force will decide to order SKBW/MSBS- 7.62N designated marksman rifles, 2020 may also see the release of a semi-automatic variant using 7.62 mm x 51 NATO (/308 Winchester). FB Radom manufactured the first batch of fifty prototypes with 20-inch (508 mm) barrels, currently subject to intensive testing, involving, among the others, selected civilian long-distance shooters. Additionally, barring disruptions caused by the epidemics, 9mm semi-automatic PxR pistol (civilian version of military Vis 100/PR-15 Ragun model) should reach the market in the second quarter of 2020.

Prototype of extended handguard covering the gas regulator. Final variant will be a few millimeters longer, reaching the bayonet lug

Author would like to express his thanks to Remigiusz Wilk for help with the article

Article previously published on MILMAG 01/2020