The KS-23 shotgun, a monolithic remnant of Soviet weapon ingenuity, remains an active relic in the arsenals of various security forces around the globe. With its roots in aircraft cannon technology, the KS-23 still commands respect and interest in its design and utility.
Developed in the 1970s, the KS-23 is distinguished by its hefty 23 millimeter barrel diameter, derived from cut-down barrels intended for aircraft cannons that were repurposed due to manufacturing defects. This reuse for lower pressure applications like shotguns made for a robust, albeit unconventional, design that incorporated a rifled barrel, a characteristic more akin to a carbine than a traditional shotgun. This unique aspect led to its classification as a carbine, despite its pump-action shotgun function.
The original model, crafted with a fixed wooden stock and a three-round tubular magazine, offers a limited capacity of four rounds when one shell is chambered. This was somewhat rectified in subsequent variants, such as an improved model boasting a removable heavy wire buttstock and a seven-shell magazine capacity.
A civilian iteration, the TOZ-123 “Drake-4,” emerged on the Russian civilian hunting market, providing large buckshot loadings and 23-millimeter lead slugs for hunting large game. However, due to its massive barrel size, the KS-23 is banned under U.S. federal law, and an attempt to import the TOZ-123 during the Clinton Administration resulted in a ban as well.
Beyond Russian borders, the KS-23 has found a place within North Korea’s armament, although specifics on the capacity and extent of usage remain obscure. Reports suggest China exported ammunition to North Korea in 2012 and 2014 without notifying the United Nations, contravening the requirements of UN Resolution 1874. This resolution mandates a notification period of at least five days before any such transfer.
The KS-23’s notoriety as the largest caliber shotgun in service, using 23×75mmR cartridges, secures its position as a formidable force in anti-riot and law enforcement scenarios. Its ammunition variety ranges from less-lethal rubber bullets to tear gas and flash-bang grenades, as well as a solid steel “Barricade” projectile that can disable vehicle engines at a distance.
Interestingly, despite the fact that its ammunition is of “shotgun” type, the Russian classification of the KS-23 as a “carbine” persists due to its rifled barrel. With its legacy firmly entrenched in Russian law enforcement and a reputation for being a specialized weapon, the KS-23 continues to evoke curiosity and respect within military circles, even as modern replacements such as the Saiga 12K enter the scene.
As for cultural references, the KS-23 and its variants have appeared in various media, including films, television series, video games, and anime, showcasing its continued relevance and the fascination it commands.
Despite its age, the KS-23 serves as a testament to the ingenuity of repurposing materials for new tactical needs and stands as a robust tool in riot control and specialized applications. This shotgun, born from the need for effective anti-riot weaponry and crafted from the remnants of aircraft cannon barrels, persists as a peculiar but formidable player on the world stage.
Relevant articles:
– Guess Why the Soviet’s Huge KS-23 Shotgun Is Banned in America, nationalinterest.org
– Guns in Movies, TV and Video Games, Internet Movie Firearms Database
– KS-23, Gun Wiki | Fandom
– 23 riot gun (Russia), Энциклопедия современного стрелкового оружия