As its name suggests, the Mini-Beryl is the shortened, re-chambered, assault carbine form of the full-length FB Beryl assault rifle originating from Poland. The Karabinek Szturmowy wz. 1996 Beryl was adopted by the Polish Army in 1997 and continues as its frontline service rifle today (2020). Designed by FB Lucznik Radom during the mid-1990s, the weapon has gone on to prove its value, succeeding both the Soviet-era Kalashnikov AKM and FB Tantal lines. Despite its qualities, the rifle went on to see global service with only Afghanistan and Nigeria.
The Mini-Beryl is built atop this framework and chambered exclusively for the smaller 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge (unlike the Beryl's primary 7.62mm chambering). Additionally, the shortened model weighs a more manageable 6.60lb and has an overall length of 20.7 inches when its stock is folded over. The internal function remains as gas-operated with rotating bolt and the gun feeds from 20- and 3-round spring-loaded, curved magazines.
Firing rate reaches 700 rounds-per-minute with an effective range out to 1,000 meters utilizing optional sighting devices. These can be installed along the section of Picatinny rail over the receiver in the usual way (a rear sliding notch on ramp with tritium-insert front sight post otherwise). Muzzle velocity is measured at 2,525 feet-per-second.
The Mini-Beryl has been in serial production since 1997 and is utilized only by the forces of Poland, Lithuania, and Nigeria.
Lithuania; Nigeria; Poland
