kbs wz. 96	kbk wz. 96
Maker:	Z.M. Lucznik, Radom, Poland
Caliber:	5.56 mm x 45 SS 109
Action type:	Gas operated
Capacity:	20, 30
Length (stock folded):	742 mm (29.2")	525 mm (20.7")
Length (stock extended):	943 mm (37.1")	730 mm (28.7")
Barrel length:	457 mm (18")	207 mm (9.25")
Sight radius:	372 mm (14.65")	230 mm (9")
Weight (loaded):	3.897 kg (8.59 lb)	3.547 kg (7.81 lb)
Muzzle velocity:	920 m/s (3018 ft/s)	770 m/s (2526 ft/s)
Rate of fire:	700 rpm

 
Beryl was designed when the Polish military requested a new rifle that was more compatible with NATO standards than the weapons currently in use. The new weapons are called "kbs wz. 96 Beryl" (the rifle) and "kbk wz. 96 Beryl" (the carbine). They started to enter service in 1997.

 
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 (the short carbine) 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 (kbs wz. 96) 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 under the barrel. 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 ball round (The grenade is equipped with a bullet trap). Protective goggles are recommended when firing grenades from the kbk due to the amount of unburned gasses leaving the short barrel.

 
Kbs wz. 96: Automatic rifle
Kbk wz. 96: Automatic carbine

 
Beryl is currently entering service with selected units of the Polish Army. Eventually it will replace all AK/AKM, Tantal and Onyks carbines within the Polish armed forces.