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Beryl was designed when the Polish military requested a new rifle compatible with NATO calibers.
The Beryl line is a modification of the Tantal/Onyks rifles. The biggest change is the new detachable optics mount on top of the receiver cover. Curiously, the kbk wz. 96 Mini-Beryl has still retained its original mounting rail integrated with its rear sights. Both rifles have new folding stocks that look stronger than the ones used on Tantal/Onyks. The longer version has got a new gray, plastic foregrip with integrated mount for the wz. 74 grenade launcher. The cleaning-rod, characteristic for the Kalashnikov family, is no longer carried on the weapon. The barrel itself has been lengthened but with the muzzle device shortened the overall length is roughly the same as Tantal's. Both weapons are able to fire newly developed rifle grenades which are fired with standard live round (The grenade is equipped with a bullet trap). Protective goggles are recommended when firing grenades from the Mini-Beryl due to the amount of unburned gasses leaving the short barrel.
Beryl is currently entering service with selected units of the Polish Army. Eventually it will replace all AK/AKM and Tantal carbines within the Polish armed forces.
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