At the end of May, the Supreme Court of Russia adopted resolution No. 11, according to which the rights of citizens to self-defense, including the protection of their own homes, were expanded. But, of course, not everyone is ready to take up a weapon capable of killing or seriously injuring a person, even in self-defense. TASS spoke with Artem Muranov, Deputy Director General for Civilian Products of the Research Institute of Applied Chemistry (NIIPH) of Rostec State Corporation, about possible means of self-defense that are being produced in Russia today.
"The resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation No. 11 of 05/31/2022 somewhat mitigated the consequences for those citizens — I emphasize, respectable and law—abiding citizens - who, if necessary, used means of self-defense in case of danger to their lives. Thus, now the possibilities of using weapons have expanded, there is a principle: my house is my fortress. This has never happened before," Muranov said.
Pepper spray, aerosols with tear or irritating substances, and stun guns are traditionally used for self-defense. But, according to the expert, such means are not always able to repel aggression, and are also ineffective in a group attack. However, the use of "traditional" types of firearms is associated with the highest risk of causing serious harm to health, up to a fatal outcome, which entails both legal and moral and psychological responsibility.
Weapons of limited destruction
"When using firearms in self-defense, you can kill or severely injure a criminal. Then criminal liability may still occur, monetary compensation to the injured party will be required. And just to live knowing that you killed some person is also not for everyone. Therefore, it is advisable to have firearms of limited destruction (OOP), for which the legal field of application has been formed right now. This type of weapon includes traumatic pistols and barreleless self—defense weapons," said the Deputy Director General of the Institute.
A barreleless weapon is a special type of weapon that does not have a barrel, its function is performed by the thick walls of the cartridge case. Cartridges for such weapons have an electrical initiation system. At the same time, there is a large selection of ammunition for it: traumatic, gas, stun, signal.
Artem Muranov
Deputy General Director for Civil Products of the "Research Institute of Applied Chemistry" of the Rostec State Corporation
He noted that, according to official medical indicators, the human skin can withstand exposure with a specific kinetic energy of 0.5 J per sq. mm. If the specific energy exceeds this limit, then there is the highest probability of penetrating injury. The preservation of the effectiveness of the impact while observing the appropriate level of safety by excluding penetrating wounds is ensured by increasing the caliber of the elements being thrown, i.e. bullets. Based on these indicators, special bullets for traumatic pistols with a diameter of at least 14.5–15 mm are being developed.
A unique Russian development
In the Rostec circuit, it is the Research Institute of Applied Chemistry that is the developer and manufacturer of non-lethal means. For law enforcement agencies, the Institute produces various stun and smoke grenades.
For civilian use, a barreleless Wasp pistol is produced. The complex of non-lethal weapons "Osa" includes a four-shot or two-shot barreleless pistol and a wide range of special cartridges with an aluminum sleeve and electric ignition.
Artem Muranov
Deputy General Director for Civil Products of the Research Institute of Applied Chemistry
According to Muranov, the distance of effective damage from the "Wasp" is from 1 to 25 m. The traumatic cartridge of the pistol guarantees non-penetrating wounds, and as a result of a strong blow, hematomas remain. The use of a heavy bullet of large caliber allows you to achieve a stopping effect comparable to a combat weapon. Flash-noise cartridges create a reversible effect on the organs of vision and act as a surprise factor. After such exposure, a person sees poorly for about 15-30 seconds, and a sharp sound has a paralyzing effect.
Another effective ammunition for self-defense of owners of "traditional" firearms smoothbore long-barreled weapons are 12-caliber cartridges with a rubber bullet, having muzzle energy indicators of 90 J.
The interlocutor of the agency also noted that, according to the law on weapons, the OOP is one of the types of weapons of civil self-defense, for the purchase of which a license is required. A license can be obtained starting from the age of 21, for this you will need to undergo appropriate training in handling weapons, pass exams and collect relevant health certificates. Self-defense weapons at home should be kept in a safe.
Milena Sineva