For decades, Russian firearms have held a mythic reputation for durability, reliability, and sheer battlefield effectiveness. While American shooters often lean toward homegrown designs, there’s no denying that some Russian guns are just better at certain things. From indestructible rifles to stealthy suppressed pistols, Russia has developed some of the most unique and effective firearms ever created.
Unfortunately, many of these weapons are off-limits to American civilians due to import restrictions, only adding to their mystique. But if they were readily available, they’d likely dominate in several categories. Here are nine Russian guns that outclass their American counterparts and have firearm enthusiasts in the U.S. wishing they could get their hands on them.
9. PPK-20 – The AK-Inspired Submachine Gun
If you took an AK-47 and shrunk it into a compact, tactical powerhouse, you’d get the PPK-20. This modern 9mm submachine gun is Russia’s answer to the MP5, and in some ways, it outperforms it.
Built on the legacy of the Vityaz-SN, the PPK-20 is designed for urban combat and special operations. Unlike earlier AK-based SMGs, it features a smoother safety selector, a more ergonomic grip, and modern Picatinny rails for optics and accessories. It also uses Russia’s armor-piercing 7N21 rounds, which can cut through soft body armor – a serious advantage over most Western SMGs.
In head-to-head comparisons, the PPK-20 stands up well against the MP5, offering familiar AK-style controls, a folding stock, and enhanced durability. If American shooters could buy this, it would likely become a top choice for personal defense and tactical applications.
8. ADS Amphibious Rifle – A Gun That Shoots Underwater
A firearm that works on land and underwater sounds like something out of a video game, but Russia actually built one. The ADS rifle is a bullpup assault rifle that fires standard 5.45x39mm rounds above water, but when submerged, it switches to special underwater ammunition designed for engaging divers and enemy swimmers.
The ADS isn’t just a novelty – it’s a fully functional combat rifle, complete with a built-in grenade launcher. This makes it an incredibly versatile weapon for special operations forces and maritime combat.
Western forces rely on separate underwater firearms, like the German HK P11, but the ADS eliminates the need for two different guns. It’s one of the most unique and capable firearms in existence, and it’s a shame American shooters will never get to own one.
7. MP-155 Ultima – The Smart Shotgun
Russia took the classic semi-automatic shotgun and brought it into the 21st century with the MP-155 Ultima. This isn’t just a well-built tactical shotgun – it’s a smart firearm that features an integrated digital screen, video recording, GPS, and shot timers.
If that sounds like something out of Cyberpunk 2077, that’s because it is. The MP-155 Ultima looks like a futuristic weapon and functions like one too. It was designed to help train shooters by offering real-time shot tracking and performance analysis.
The Ultima is completely unlike anything in the U.S. market, and if Remington or Mossberg created something similar, it would sell like crazy. But for now, this high-tech Russian shotgun remains out of reach for American gun enthusiasts.
6. Arsenal Strike One – The Low-Recoil Pistol That Shoots Like a Dream
The Arsenal Strike One is a Russian-designed, striker-fired 9mm pistol that has one of the lowest bore axes of any handgun ever made. That means less muzzle flip, faster follow-up shots, and overall better control.
Unlike traditional Browning-style tilting barrels, the Strike One’s barrel stays completely level during cycling, making it one of the flattest-shooting pistols on the market. Its trigger is crisp, and its 17+1 capacity gives it plenty of firepower.
Even some elite Russian Spetsnaz units have adopted it over older designs, proving that it’s not just a range toy—it’s a serious combat pistol. If more American shooters had access to the Strike One, it could easily compete with Glock, SIG, and other popular sidearms.
5. PSS-2 – The Silent Assassin’s Pistol
The PSS-2 might be one of the most fascinating firearms ever created. This compact pistol is completely silent, not because of a suppressor, but because it uses special self-contained ammunition that traps expanding gases inside the cartridge.
This design means no suppressor is needed, and the gun makes almost no sound when fired. It’s reportedly used for assassination missions and covert operations, making it one of the most unique handguns in the world.
No American firearm manufacturer has produced anything like this, and the PSS-2’s technology could revolutionize suppressed shooting if it were ever adapted for civilian use.
4. SR2 Udav – Russia’s Next-Generation Service Pistol
The SR2 Udav is Russia’s latest military sidearm, designed to replace older service pistols with a more powerful and modern design. Chambered in 9x21mm, it can defeat body armor with ease, something standard 9mm rounds struggle to do.
This double-action pistol features an 18-round magazine, a built-in suppressor mount, and a rugged polymer frame. Its slide is simplified for durability, and instead of a manual slide release, inserting a new magazine automatically chambers a round – an innovative feature that could make reloads faster under stress.
While American shooters have access to incredible handguns, few service pistols combine this level of firepower and simplicity in one package.
3. PKP Pecheneg – The Lightest, Hardest-Hitting Machine Gun
The PKP Pecheneg is a modernized version of the legendary PKM machine gun, chambered in 7.62x54mmR. Unlike other belt-fed guns, the PKP features an advanced cooling system, allowing for sustained fire without overheating.
It’s lighter than the M240 while packing just as much power, making it an ideal general-purpose machine gun. Its built-in optic rail and modernized stock make it deadly accurate, and its air-cooled barrel design eliminates the need for quick-change barrels.
With a lifespan of over 25,000 rounds, this is one of the most durable and effective belt-fed guns ever built – and one that many American shooters would love to get their hands on.
2. Lebedev MPL – Russia’s Answer to the Glock
The Lebedev MPL is Russia’s attempt at making a Glock competitor, and they succeeded. This polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol features a 16+1 round capacity, fully ambidextrous controls, and Glock-compatible sights.
Unlike most Glock-style pistols, the MPL is designed to handle higher-pressure rounds, making it more robust and versatile. It has been officially adopted by Russian law enforcement and military units, proving that it’s not just hype.
With its fantastic ergonomics and durability, the Lebedev MPL could be a serious competitor in the U.S. market – if only Americans were allowed to buy it.
1. AK-12 M1 – The Most Advanced AK Yet
The AK-12 M1 is the latest evolution of the AK-47, featuring modernized ergonomics, a modular rail system, and an adjustable folding stock. This rifle maintains the legendary durability of the AK while bringing it into the 21st century.
With improved accuracy, optics compatibility, and better controls, the AK-12 competes directly with modern AR platforms – and beats them in raw durability. It’s been battle-tested in real conflicts, proving that the AK platform is far from obsolete.
If Americans could own this rifle, it would likely become one of the most sought-after AK variants ever made.
Russia’s Best Guns We’ll (Probably) Never Own
Russian firearms have a reputation for rugged reliability, innovative design, and battlefield dominance – and these nine guns prove why. From silent assassins’ pistols to next-generation AKs, these weapons showcase engineering that rivals (and sometimes surpasses) Western counterparts.
Unfortunately, most American shooters will never get their hands on them due to import restrictions and international politics. But that doesn’t stop firearm enthusiasts from admiring their ingenuity and wishing for a day when these weapons might be available stateside. Until then, all we can do is watch from afar – or find creative ways to build the next best thing.
Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.