科罗博夫设计的三管武器3B、以色列制造的吉尔博亚蛇式双管突击步枪，以及其他一些独具特色的手动武器型号。10 张照片

In the 1960s, Soviet arms manufacturing enterprises engaged in intensive research and development efforts to explore new principles and designs for automatic firearms. During this period, designer German Alexandrovich Korobov developed a series of automated rifles under the designation TKB-022 (TKB standing for Tula Design Bureau). The TKB-022 series included models No. 1 and No. 2. While the exterior design of TKB-022 No. 1 merely resembled the layout of some earlier models, the later model TKB-022PM clearly belonged to this same design philosophy. In addition to its compact size, the TKB-022PM featured several cutting-edge features for the time: a plastic frame, as well as a system that allowed ejecting spent cartridges and directing exhaust gases forward, enabling firing from both the right and left shoulder. The firearm utilized a gas-operated mechanism with a rotary gas piston surrounding the barrel. Its bolt slid vertically, which not only significantly reduced the length of the gun barrel but also required the addition of a special U-shaped component that served to feed cartridges into the chamber, extract spent rounds, and guide the ejector shells upward. A fire-mode selector switch was located on the left side of the grip. The TKB-022PM used standard 30-round magazines from the Kalashnikov rifle for ammunition. Its adjustable sights had a relatively short range. The design also allowed for blocking the gas exhaust system to enable firing of rifle grenades. In 1962, based on the TKB-022PM, German Korobov created what is perhaps his most innovative weapon—the “7.62-mm three-barreled device for mass fire, Model 3B.” This weapon was a mounted firearm with a recoil-operated mechanism and a sliding bolt similar to the TKB-022PM. The firing of each barrel was triggered by the long stroke of a piston driven by the moving parts of the mechanism. A key feature of its design was the reloading system, which ensured that the overall length of the gun barrel was nearly equal to the combined length of the barrel and cartridge. An ejector system was responsible for removing spent rounds and feeding new cartridges. The exhaust gases and spent cases were directed forward toward the muzzle. The concept behind this weapon relied on a “super-fast fire rate” mechanism, where the recoil from each shot was not enough to deflect the gun barrel, allowing for extremely high rates of fire—up to 1,400 to 1,800 rounds per minute with the three-barreled version. During tests, the Model 3B demonstrated significant improvements in firepower, especially when fired from unstable positions. German Korobov managed to reduce the recoil to a level that was safe and comfortable for the shooter. Some components of the Model 3B were borrowed from the Kalashnikov rifle, which facilitated its rapid development. Later, based on the TKB-059 and TKB-022PM, German Korobov developed the “7.62-mm three-barreled assault rifle TKB-059.” Its main difference from the Model 3B was improved technical and tactical specifications resulting from refined design elements. The TKB-059 was also tested extensively, and its firepower was once again proven to be impressive. The twin-barreled automatic rifle Gilboa Snake was designed by an Israeli company in response to the needs of special operations units for a compact yet high-powered weapon. It featured a dual-barreled system that allowed for two shots in quick succession, increasing the likelihood of penetrating hard targets such as armored glass or metal-ceramic plates. With its high rate of fire, the Gilboa Snake could potentially serve as an alternative to a heavy machine gun. The AF2011-A1 was a promotional product released by Second Century Company to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Colt 1911 pistol. It represented more of a marketing initiative than a truly innovative weapon. However, if the Silver Shadow development proves successful, it could set an interesting precedent, as the TKB-059 demonstrates that older designs can still compete with modern offerings in terms of performance.