In 2003, it was adopted as a standard sidearm for all branches of Russian military and law enforcement, alongside the Makarov PM, GSh-18, and SPS.

Barrel/slide locking is a simplified Colt–Browning design, similar to that found in many modern pistols (for example the SIG Sauer and Glock families of pistols); the breech end of the barrel is rectangular in shape, rather than rounded, and fits into matching locking grooves within the slide, near the ejection port.

The slide stop lever can be mounted on either side of the weapon to accommodate both left- and right-handed users.

As of 2008, it was supplied only in small numbers to selected special forces units, presumably those in the North Caucasus.

[8] Scouts of the intelligence compound, belonged to the Central Military District and stationed in Siberia, fully rearmed on Yarygin pistols in early 2015.

The weapon is featured in the videogames Call of Duty: Ghosts, Squad (video game) and Escape from Tarkov.