AP-92 Spekter

AP-92 "Spekter"
Type	Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin	Astronea
Service history
In service	2001-present
Used by	Astronea
Production history
Designed	1992
Manufacturer	Talamnrath Precision Systems
Produced	1995-present
Specifications
Weight	0.95 kg (2.1 lb)
Length	210 mm (8.3 in)
Barrel length	114 mm (4.5 in)
Width	40 mm (1.58 in)
Height	161 mm (6.33 in))
Cartridge	9x19, .40 ACC
Action	Mechanically locked, recoil operated
Rate of fire	Semi-automatic
Muzzle velocity	9x19 mm: 350 metres per second (1,100 ft/s), .40 ACC: 380 metres per second (1,200 ft/s)
Effective firing range	30–35 metres (33–38 yd)
Feed system	14 round detachable box magazine
Sights	Enhanced high-profile night sights

Designed to replace the AP-84 in Astronean service, the AP-92 is a mechanically locked, recoil operated service pistol chambered in both 9x19mm and .40. The standard "Spekter" model features polymer parts, accessory rail and low profile tritium night sights. The AP-92 is considered one of the most reliable firearms in Astronean service, and has seen service in multiple theatres throughout the world, both hot and cold climates. The AP-92 is slated to replace all AP-84 variants by 2018, however both weapons remain in service in considerable numbers and both are offered on the commercial market.

The AP-92 has seen service with both military and police units in Astronea and is widely regarded as a dependable sidearm, a fitting replacement for the venerable AP-84.

Design

Differing from the AP-84's locking lugs and recesses milled into the barrel and slide, the AP-92 locks the barrel and slide together using an enlarged breech section of the barrel locking into the ejection port. The AP-92 is manufactured using CNC machining and the slide is milled from a single piece of stainless steel. The current AP-92 has a Nitron coated, stainless steel slide. This resulted in a stronger slide, which was necessary to chamber the more powerful .40 cartridge. The frame of most models is made from hard anodized aluminum alloy.

The standard AP-92 incorporates a decocking lever on the left side of the frame above the magazine release button, which allows the hammer to be dropped safely. In chambering or firing a round, the actuation of the slide automatically cocks the hammer. By using the decocking lever, the hammer can be de-cocked without actuating the firing pin block, making it impossible to accidentally fire the firearm by using the decocking lever. Furthermore, using the decocking lever makes the firearm "drop safe", which means the firing pin will be blocked from striking a loaded round unless the trigger is pulled.

Variants

AP-92 "Banshee"

The sidearm of choice for most AWD operators, the Banshee was tailor made to suit the requests of Special Forces operators. Upgraded features include a lightened trigger pull and threaded barrel. The AP-92 is specially tailored to meet the requests of Special Forces personnel. It features no firing pin block, which consequently helps to slightly reduce trigger pull weight and improves trigger travel properties. The pistol frame incorporates a recess beneath the trigger guard and a beavertail to enable a higher grip of the handgun. A slightly "weaker” recoil spring facilitates loading and enhances the shooting comfort. Sights consisting of fiber optics front sight and a tactical “Novak style” rear sight promote much easier, faster and more accurate target acquisition. The round off edges of the magazine well also substantially improve reloading.