FB Glauberyt
Polish select-fire submachine gun replacing the PM-63 RAK.
WrS.tm.pl · Public domain
The FB Glauberyt is a Polish submachine gun, designated PM-84, chambered in 9×18mm Makarov and later in 9×19mm Parabellum as the PM-84P. It is a personal weapon intended for combat and self-defence at ranges up to 150 m with single shot or fully automatic fire mode, featuring a compact design, minimum overall dimensions, small weight, very good accuracy, and fire stability. It replaced the earlier PM-63 RAK submachine gun in service with the Polish military and police.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Polish People's Republic
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Service
- 1984–present
- Used By
- Policja / Polish Army / Polish Military Gendarmerie / Iraqi Ground Forces
- Wars
- Operation Iraqi Freedom / Iraqi insurgency / War in Afghanistan / Yugoslav wars
- Designer
- OBR Radom
- Design Date
- 1981
- Manufacturer
- FB Radom
- Weight
- 1.84 kg (PM-84) / 2.17 kg (PM-84P) / 2.30 kg (PM-98, PM-98S) / 2.50 kg (PM-06)
- Part Length
- 165 mm (PM-84) / 185 mm (PM-84P, PM-98, PM-98S, PM-06)
- Height
- 160 mm (PM-84, PM-84P) / 172 mm (PM-98, PM-98S) / 224 mm (PM-06)
- Cartridge
- 9×18mm Makarov (PM-84) / 9×19mm Parabellum (PM-84P, PM-98, PM-98S, PM-06)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Glauberyt (Polish for glauberite) is a straight blowback-operated firearm that fires from the closed bolt position. Its design influence can be seen to mimic the Uzi, but it features a last shot bolt hold open/release like modern service pistols, unlike any other submachine guns of its time. The PM-84/PM-84P also features ambidextrous charging handles on both sides, influenced by the vz.61 Škorpion. A two-bar retractable buttstock tucks into the side of the weapon, and a folding fore grip rests in front of the trigger guard in the style of the PM-63 RAK. An optional tactical flashlight/laser grip can replace the folding fore grip.
Variants include the PM-98, which relocates the magazine release to the thumb position, redesigns the charging handle to the left side only, and features a more robust receiver and retractable butt stock, enlarged trigger guard for winter gloves, and optional light/laser foregrip. The PM-98S increases the rate of fire to 770 rounds per minute. The PM-06 introduces a three-position telescopic butt stock that pulls out straight, a see-through MIL-STD-1913 top rail for optical reflex sights, and a hooded front sight. Civilian semi-automatic models include the PM-96S and BRS-99.
Reader's Guide
The Glauberyt series represents a significant evolution in Polish submachine gun design, directly succeeding the PM-63 RAK in Polish military and police service. Its adoption by multiple nations—including Indonesia, Iraq, Lithuania, and the Philippines—demonstrates its export viability. The weapon's design incorporates features from established firearms such as the Uzi and vz.61 Škorpion, while introducing a last-shot bolt hold-open mechanism uncommon in submachine guns of its era. The PM-84P in 9×19mm Parabellum allowed for wider interoperability with NATO-standard ammunition. Later variants like the PM-98 and PM-06 refined ergonomics with thumb magazine releases, improved buttstocks, and accessory rails, keeping the platform relevant. With approximately 50,000 units in Polish service alone, the Glauberyt remains a standard-issue personal defense weapon for heavy weapons platoons, reconnaissance detachments, and special anti-terrorist and police troops.
Did You Know?
- The Glauberyt is named after the mineral glauberite.
- The PM-98S variant has a rate of fire of 770 rounds per minute.
- The PM-84P model is chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FB Glauberyt?
The FB Glauberyt, officially designated PM-84, is a Polish select-fire submachine gun built as a compact personal weapon for combat and self-defence at ranges up to 150 metres. It entered service with Polish military and police forces as the direct successor to the PM-63 RAK.
What calibres does the FB Glauberyt fire?
The standard PM-84 variant is chambered in 9×18 mm Makarov, while the later PM-84P version was reworked to accept 9×19 mm Parabellum ammunition. Both models operate on a straight-blowback, closed-bolt system.
What magazine options and fire modes does the Glauberyt offer?
It feeds from 15-round flush-fitting magazines or 25-round extended magazines. The three-position selector provides Safe (Z), semi-automatic (P), and full-automatic (C).
What is the cyclic rate of the FB Glauberyt?
The PM-98S variant cycles at roughly 770 rounds per minute in full-auto. The design prioritises fire stability and notably good accuracy for a weapon of its small overall dimensions and light weight.
Which countries operate the FB Glauberyt?
Beyond Poland, the Glauberyt has been adopted by Indonesia, Iraq, Lithuania, and the Philippines. In Polish service it was chosen specifically to supplant the ageing PM-63 RAK across armed-forces and law-enforcement inventories.
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