There was an American project known as SALVO, in which flechette-based weapons were being researched along with multiple-barrel machineguns. The idea was that smaller, lighter rounds with a high rater of fire could be as deadly as full power rounds. Springfield was developing a multiple-barrel rifle during this period. The Soviets had already come to the conclusion that more rounds from lower-powered cartridges increases hit probability in designing the AK-47, but SALVO was attempting to take that a step further. The Soviets, not to be outdone by the Americans, decided that if America was going to design a multiple-barrel rifle they'd do the same, and the result was the Pribor-ZB and TKB-059. It has a 90 round magazine and a very high rate of fire. The Soviet thinking was a bit different from the American thinking though. The Soviets just wanted to be able to throw more lead down range faster to increase hit chances, which the Pribor was very capable of doing. It never took off as an assault rifle though as it was a bit harder to control than they wanted and not especially light weight, and since it was magazine fed instead of being belt fed that made it impractical (at the time) for a light machinegun role (the modern RPK LMG is magazine fed). It still looks awesome though, and I imagine that it would turn some heads at Knob Creek's annual machinegun shoot if someone were to turn up with one. It's too bad they only exist in museums now.
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