Afghan Breakdown (Afganskiy Izlom)
DVD Cover
Afghan Breakdown (Afganskiy izlom ) is a 1991 Soviet-Italian co-production war drama directed by Vladimir Bortko. It depicts the story of a Soviet paratrooper unit just before the Soviet pull-out in 1988. Michele Placido appears in the role of Maj. Bandura, war-burned officer who is highly respected by his soldiers but disliked by commanders.
The following weapons were used in the film Afghan Breakdown :
Pistols
Makarov PB
Major Bandura (Michele Placido) carries a Makarov PB pistol. It is seen only in holster but a typical integral suppressor allows to identify the gun.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Makarov PB with integral suppressor - 9x18mm Makarov
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Bandura carries PB in standard PM holster with a cut for long barrel.
Makarov PM
A Makarov PM is seen in hands of helicopter pilot Shchup (Yuriy Kuznetsov ) when he wants to show his marksmanship. Some other officers are seen carrying PM holsters but it's impossible to say if they contain pistols or are empty.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Makarov PM - 9x18mm Makarov
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Shchup, being drunk, draws his PM.
M1911A1
In the scene in Gulakhan's house a mujaheddin draws his M1911A1 at Gulakhan, accusing him to be a traitor.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing World War II Colt M1911A1 - .45 ACP. This was an issued U.S. Army pistol with parkerized finish, thus the official designation of M1911A1
Error creating thumbnail: File missing The mujaheddin draws his pistol.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A side view of 1911.
Walther P38
The mujaheddin leader (Bakhadur Miralibekov ) carries a Walther P38 .
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Walther P38 WWII dated with black grips - 9x19mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Wounded mujaheddin leader reaches his pistol.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing He aims Walther at Adil (Muso Isoyev), another warlord.
Revolvers
Smith & Wesson No.3 Russian Model
Three ancient revolvers are seen in Maj. Bandura' room. One of them is a Smith & Wesson No.3 Russian Model that Bandura gifts to rookie Sr. Lt. Steklov (Filipp Yankovskiy ).
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Smith & Wesson No.3 Russian Model - .44 Russian
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Three revolvers together with equally ancient sword bayonet are seen on the wall.
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Error creating thumbnail: File missing Steklov is very fond with his new toy.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Steklov raises the revolver, trying to lead his soldiers in attack in WW1-era style.
Iver Johnson Revolver
A small nickel plated revolver, possibly an Iver Johnson , is also seen in Bandura's room.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Iver Johnson - .32 S&W
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Nickel plated small frame revolver is seen at the left.
Saxon M1873 Revolver
The third revolver in Bandura's collection appears to be a Saxon M1873 (or 1874) military revolver.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Saxon M1873 Army revolver - 10.6mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing The Saxon M1873 is seen in center.
Submachine Guns
PPSh-41
Some mujaheddins carry PPSh-41 submachine guns. Both drum and stick magazines are seen.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Soviet PPSh-41 Submachine Gun with 35-round box magazine - 7.62x25mm Tokarev
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Soviet PPSh-41 Submachine Gun - 7.62x25mm Tokarev
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A stick magazine of PPSh is seen.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A barrel of PPSh is seen at the right. A man at the left holds a Tokarev SVT-40 .
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Mujaheddin, including a man with a PPSH-41, ambush Soviet convoy.
SA.23
During the ambush on Soviet convoy a mujaheddin who mans DShK machine gun also carries an SA.23 SMG.
File:CZ Sa. 24 submachine gun.JPG Czech Sa.24 - 7.62x25mm; note the forward slant of the magazine. The screen gun is SA.23 in 9x19mm.
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Sniper Rifles
Dragunov SVD
A sniper of Maj. Bandura's unit is armed with a Dragunov SVD sniper rifle.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing SVD Dragunov sniper rifle - 7.62x54mm R
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A sniper with SVD stands atop BMP-2.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A sniper aims his SVD during the battle.
SVT-40
Tokarev SVT-40 rifles are carried by several mujaheddin, and is most clearly seen when the paratroopers ambush a group of rebels in the film's introduction.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Tokarev SVT-40 - 7.62x54mm R
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A dead mujaheddin fighter lies next to a SVT-40 rifle.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A barrel of SVT is seen at the right during the ambush on Soviet convoy.
Battle Rifles & Carbines
Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk.III*
Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk.III* rifles are carried by several of the mujaheddin fighters.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk.III* - .303 British
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A No.1 Mk.III* is seen at the left.
Lee-Enfield No.4 MkI
Lee-Enfield No.4 MkI rifles are also carried by mujaheddin fighters.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk.I - .303 British
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A wounded mujaheddin drops his rifle.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing An elderly mujaheddin fighter prepares to fire his Lee-Enfield No.4 MkI rifle at Soviet forces.
Lee-Enfield No.5 Jungle Carbine
What appears to be a Lee-Enfield No.5 Jungle Carbine is seen in hands of a mujaheddin.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Lee-Enfield No.5 Jungle Carbine - .303 British. This is not a chopped down No. 4 conversion (like many jungle carbines are) but an original No.5
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A man at the background carries a Lee-Enfield No.5 Jungle Carbine.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A better view of the barrel.
Mosin Nagant M1891/30
A Mosin Nagant M1891/30 rifle is seen in hands of a mujaheddin.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Mosin Nagant M1891/30 - 7.62x54mm R
Error creating thumbnail: File missing An M91/30 is seen at the background.
Assault Rifles
AKS-74
The AKS-74 is the standard weapon of the Soviet paratroopers, notably St. Lt. Steklov (Filipp Yankovskiy ), Sgt. Arsenyov (Aleksey Serebryakov ), Pvts. Ivanov (Artur Uvarov ), Popov (Rinat Ibragimov ) and Sedykh (Sergei Isavnin ). Some of the rifles are fitted with GP-25 grenade launchers. Most of the rifles have two magazines taped "jungle-style" with blue electrical tape, a common practice among Soviet and Russian soldiers.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing AKS-74 - 5.45x39mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A good view of side-folding stock.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Pvt. Ivanov (Artur Uvarov ) carries an AKS-74 with jungle-taped magazines. The personal first-aid kit is attached to the folding stock.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing St. Lt. Steklov (Filipp Yankovskiy ) holds an AKS-74 during the attack on the convoy.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A closeup of Sgt. Arsenyov's AKS-74. Rubber band and first aid kit are attached to the folding stock.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Soviet paratroopers on patrol. Sgt. Arsenyov (Aleksey Serebryakov ) holds his AKS-74 at the right.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Arsenyov fires his AKS-74.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A paratrooper returns fire with his AKS-74.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Radioman Pvt. Popov (Rinat Ibragimov ) with an AKS-74.
AKS-74U
A Soviet tank crew member fires an AKS-74U when a convoy is ambushed by the mujaheddin, wounding one of the fighters who is promptly crushed by the tank.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing AKS-74U - 5.45x39mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing The crew member fires a AKS-74U.
AKMS
AKMS rifles are commonly used by the Soviet paratroopers in conjunction with the AKS-74, with most having orange bakelite magazines taped together "jungle-style". Major Bandura (Michele Placido ), the leader of the airborne unit, carries an AKMS with a 75-round RPK drum magazine throughout much of the film, before switching to standard metal magazines during the finale.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing AKMS, stamped steel receiver w/ slant muzzle brake and under-folding stock - 7.62x39mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Pvt. Popov (Rinat Ibragimov ) fires his AKMS at a pack horse loaded with ammunition.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Major Bandura (Michele Placido ) climbs aboard a BMP-2 IFV, AKMS in hand.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Pvt. Ivanov (Artur Uvarov ) holds an AKMS during the scene on Afghan bazaar.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Ivanov fires his AKMS in the same scene, taking a beggar for a saboteur.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Bandura returns fire with his AKMS during an ambush.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A closeup of Bandura's AKMS with drum magazine.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Bandura hides behind a wall during the film's finale. His AKMS is loaded with a standard magazine.
AKM
AKM rifles are occasionally seen in the hands of Soviet troops and Afghan mujaheddin, most notably during a scene when a crate of the rifles is given by the Soviets to a local warlord Adil (Muso Isoyev).
Error creating thumbnail: File missing AKM, Stamped Steel Receiver w/ slant muzzle brake - 7.62x39mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A paratrooper at the background holds an AKM, fitted with PBS sound suppressor.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A crate of AKM rifles that is given to Adil as a goodwill gift.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Adil examines an AKM.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A soldier holds PBS-fitted AKM while dismounting from BMP.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A soldier fires an AKM from below the BMP.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Pvt. Onisimov (Nikolai Ustinov ) holds an AKM at the left.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Onisimov carries his AKM during the march across the mountains.
Norinco Type 56
Some of the mujaheddin are armed with Norinco Type 56 rifles with under-folding bayonets, which is realistic considering many fighters in real life were supplied with Chinese weapons. A Type 56 with a broken handguard, fixed with a blue electric type, is a personal weapon of Gulakhan's son (Kiem Yakub) who uses his gun in the final scene.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Norinco Type 56 (fixed stock variant) with under-folding bayonet ("pig sticker") which was standard on PLA-issue Type 56s - 7.62x39mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A mujaheddin fires his Type 56 during the ambush of a Soviet convoy.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Gulakhan's son patrols the road to the village. The "pig-sticker" bayonet is seen.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Gulakhan's son clutches his Type 56 after his village is destroyed by Soviet helicopters. In this scene the folding bayonet is removed.
AIM
What appear to be a Romanian AIM , identified by its typical foregrip, is seen in hands of a mujaheddin.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing AIM - 7.62x39mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing An AIM is seen at the left.
Heckler & Koch G3A3
Adil (Muso Isoyev ) carries a Heckler & Koch G3A3 rifle (possibly a Pakistani licensed copy G3P3). A G3 is also seen in hands of another mujaheddin but it is probably the same movie prop, reused in another scene.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Heckler & Koch G3A3 with wide handguard - 7.62x51mm NATO
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Adil carries a G3 on sling.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A closer view of Adil's rifle.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A mujaheddin at the left runs with a G3 in hands under heavy fire.
Machine Guns and Autocannons
RPK-74
RPK-74 light machine guns are briefly seen in several scenes.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing RPK-74 light machine gun with 45-round box magazine - 5.45x39mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A paratrooper at the right carries an RPK-74.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A paratrooper at the left carries an RPK, most likely the same RPK-74.
PKM
PKM machine guns are widely used by the paratroopers and the mujaheddins. Both models with long and short flash hiders are seen.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing PKM with classic (most seen) version of the flash hider - 7.62x54mm R
Error creating thumbnail: File missing PKM with latest version of Flash hider - 7.62x54mm R
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A paratrooper holds a PKM while mounting on BMP-2.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A PKM is seen over the front of the BMP-2.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A PKM is top mounted on BMP-1.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Mujaheddins fire PKM during the ambush on Soviet convoy.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Pvt. Popov (Rinat Ibragimov ) stands at his PKM.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Popov fires his PKM.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A paratrooper carries a PKM during the raid.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A PKM in action during the battle in the village.
PKT
A PKT is mounted on Mi-8 hepicopter. Such usage of PKT was quite common during the Afghan war and local conflicts of 1990s-2000s. PKTs are also mounted on BMP-2 IFVs and BTR-80 APCs.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing PKT machine gun with 250-round ammo drum - 7.62x54mm R
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Error creating thumbnail: File missing A PKT is nose-mounted on Mi-8.
DShKM
The DShK heavy machine gun is used by Soviet and mujaheddin forces.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A Russian DShKM in 12.7x109mm on Tripod
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A DShK is mounted on a pickup truck, captured from mujaheddins.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A mujaheddin fighter fires on a Soviet convoy with a DShK machine gun.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A DShK machine gun at a Soviet outpost.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A view from the rear. Spade grips of DShK are seen.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Pvt. Onisimov (Nikolai Ustinov ) fires a DShK.
Yakushev-Borzov Yak-B
Yakushev-Borzov Yak-B machine guns are mounted on Mi-24 helicopters.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Yakushev-Borzov Yak-B mounted on Mi-24 Hind-D - 12.7x108mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A Mi-24 with Yak-B machine gun on airfield.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing The top Mi-24 is armed with Yak-B machine gun.
KPVT
KPVT heavy machine guns are mounted on BTR-80 APCs.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing KPVT heavy machine gun - 14.5x114mm
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ZU-23
In one scene a ZU-23 is seen mounted in destroyed pickup truck.
ZU-23-2 - 23x152mm
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Afanasev-Makarov AM-23
Twin Afanasev-Makarov AM-23 autocannon is mounted in tail mounting of An-12 cargo plane.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Afanasev-Makarov AM-23 - 23x115mm
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Shipunov 2A42
Shipunov 2A42 30mm autocannons are mounted on BMP-2 IFVs.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Shipunov 2A42 automatic cannon - 30x165mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing 2A42 autocannon is mounted on BMP-2. Coaxial PKT machine gun is shadowed by the barrel.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing The muzzle break is seen.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing 2A42 in action, firing tracer ammunition.
Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-2K
Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-2K autocannons are mounted on Mi-24P (Hind-F) helicopters.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-2 30mm automatic cannon with unfired rounds - 30x165mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A front view. GSh-30-2K is mounted on the left board of Mi-24.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A side view.
Other Weapons
RPG-7V
Mujaheddin fighters use RPG-7 rocket launchers to destroy gasoline tankers when they ambush a Soviet convoy.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing RPG-7 40mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A closeup of PGO-7 scope.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Another closeup of RPG-7.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A mujaheddin fighter fires his RPG-7.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing RPG-7 after the shot. A PG-7 grenade is seen at the right.
AGS-17
Major Bandura commandeers an AGS-17 grenade launcher in the film's finale, using it to suppress the mujaheddin that are hiding in a village.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing AGS-17 - 30mm
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Pvt. Onisimov (Nikolai Ustinov ) mans the AGS.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Bandura fires the AGS-17.
GP-25
GP-25 underbarrel grenade launchers are seen in several scenes.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing GP-25 40mm grenade launcher mounted on an AKM (7.62x39mm)
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A paratrooper carries an AKM with GP-25 UBGL.
F-1 Hand Grenade
F-1 hand grenades are brifely seen in several scenes, notably in hands of Maj. Bandura (Michele Placido ) and Pvts. Ivanov (Artur Uvarov ) and Popov (Rinat Ibragimov ).
F-1 High-Explosive Fragmentation hand grenade
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Maj. Bandura holds an F-1 during the scene on bazaar.
Recoilless Gun
What appears to be a disassembles recoilless gun is seen among the weapons, captured from mujaheddins.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing A supposed recoilless gun is seen next to the pickup truck.
AT Mines
A pair of AT mines is seen among the weapons, captured from mujaheddins.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Two large AT mines are seen next to the soldier at the right.
Tucha Smoke Mortar
81-mm 902V Tucha smoke mortars are mounted on BMP-2 IVF. Three barrels are installed on each side of the turret.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Tucha smoke grenade launchers are seen.
Trivia
Error creating thumbnail: File missing BTR-80 APC.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Paratroopers ride atop BMP-1 IVF, identified by the relatively short and thick barrel of 73mm gun.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing BMP-2 IVF.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing T-62 MBT.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing Two UB-32M launchers for 57mm S-5 rockets are mounted on Mi-8 helicoper.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing B-8V20A launcher for 80mm S-8 rockets is mounted on Mi-24 helicoper.