What is a screw cutter weapon. Sniper rifle "Vintorez" VSS: comparison with competitors and specifications. Sniper Special Modernized Vssm

23088 10/08/2019 7 min.

The Vintorez rifle was designed to be used by special forces when performing secret missions. Its range and accuracy of hitting is highly appreciated by the fighters. It is possible to injure a person protected by a bulletproof vest of type 6B2, an army helmet is also pierced if the shot is fired from a distance of at least 400 m.

History of creation

Until the 1970s, the troops of the USSR in most cases small arms and grenade launchers were used, which were well developed, but not perfect. It was distinguished by integrated silencers, cartridges with subsonic flight speed technology were used.

Such a weapon was successfully operated, but its shortcomings were very noticeable:

1. Pistols with silencers were huge and heavy, which made it difficult for soldiers to move and respond quickly.
2. Short firing range, insufficient number of bullets that can be loaded into the machine at the same time.

The improvement of small arms has led to the emergence of such models as, as well as. and . Americans are also actively developing this sector, this is evidenced by popularity.

In this video, the Air Force sniper rifle Vintorez and AS Val.

Due to the obvious technological possibility improvements in weapons under the supervision of the KGB and the GRU of the USSR, the latest models of rifles were designed, which were intended for a narrow range of purposes.

With their help, it was planned to effectively hide the main actions of special units, which made it possible to achieve greater efficiency in work and surprise in the activities of exposing or capturing dangerous individuals.

Various departments put forward their own requirements for the technical equipment of the new rifle, so they were only able to agree in 1983.

They were as follows:

1. The ability to inflict damage on living beings (not equipment) on the battlefield up to 0.4 m in a hidden form.
2. Penetration of a helmet made of steel according to an army model at a distance of up to 0.4 m.
3. The use of optical sights during the day, and electro-optical sights at night.
4. The need for a significant reduction in the weight of the weapon, the improvement of the shape and size of the VSS rifle.
5. Quick disassembly and assembly for successful transportation and almost instant readiness for the start of the battle.

The first option was developed using the Kalashnikov base. The design has been simplified, therefore greatly facilitated by the connection of some parts. The experimental approach had a bad effect on the reliability of the rifle in various areas and conditions of use.

The second option was more advanced, so it was approved for mass production. The gas outlet was carried out through the side holes in the barrel. It was fixed by a special shutter. The volume of the shot was greatly reduced by reducing the sound pressure. The rifle had a record minimum dimensions and weight. Watch the video:

In 1985, the latest requirements were formed, which provided for a new rule. Weapons should be able to hit even those opponents who are wearing bulletproof vests. The rifle was remade for 9 × 39 mm cartridges. It began to be used by special units only by 1987.

Operational and technical characteristics

Rifle 6 caliber. Shoots at a speed of about 125 m per second. If the ball has a mass of 28 g, then there is a significant decrease in speed to 105 meters per second. Reloading is fully automatic, uninterrupted shooting is possible thanks to the operation of the gearbox. First of all, you need to know and.

It operates under the action of high-capacity batteries. The batteries are housed in a tube according to the official nunchaku form. When the battery needs to be charged, the muffler must first be removed.

Up to 380 bullets can be loaded into the magazine at one time. The mass of the entire device is slightly less than two and a half kilograms.

When picking up a gun case, dimensions must be taken into account. With the butt attached, the length of the device is 910 mm, and when it is disconnected, only 620 mm remain.

Available for loading bullets in the form of plastic balls. You can change the firing mode automatic feeding of bullets and the ability to make single shots, each time independently carried out by the shooter. The sniper special rifle is made from a wide range of materials.

See the following video for the history of the creation of the rifle:

The body is made of aluminum and the lid of the box is made of steel. The butt is made of ordinary plywood, and then varnished. A special pad is provided on the forearm for the convenience of positioning the weapon during shooting, it is made of plastic.

Depending on the model, the length of the barrel varies, but is always at least 400 mm and not more than 420 mm. The main shaft is made in the form of an attachment in a container covering it from all sides. It is stronger and more reliable, therefore it serves for protection.

The design uses a third-generation gearbox, which ensures reliability in operation. The fuse is made without the use of automatic technologies, it must be manually moved away. It is very convenient to do this, since it is located on the right side in the form of a small lever.

Special devices for correct shooting made in open form. The rear sight is adjusted by moving up and down, and the front sight from side to side. You can additionally install various sights for convenience and excellent quality of hitting a shot; for this, a standard mount is easy to rearrange.

SVD pneumatic sniper rifles stand out with this kind of characteristics, about them. You can find out the price of the IZH 61 air rifle. Read about the most powerful air rifles without a license.

Device and circuit

The design is made according to the classical scheme. The magazine is located in front of the rifle. There is a pistol grip at the butt mount.

The accumulators in the pipe are located according to a special plan. It is designed to reduce the dispersion of bullets, as the muzzle of the barrel becomes especially heavy. The butt is made without the possibility of folding or disassembling it, it is a single piece.

If a standard battery is installed, then the speed of the rifle is 11 rounds per second. You can fight with this weapon in two configurations: sniper work and assault attack. Also suitable for such purposes. Read also about the German assault. See photo.

Standard equipment

1. Muffler.
2. Barrel equipped with a functional box.
3. Trigger mechanism.
4. return mechanism.
5. Gas pipe.
6. Frame.
7. Gate.
8. Spring.
9. Handguard.
10. An example made of metal. There is a possibility of its folding.
11. Shop (capacity for cartridges).

Disassembly and cleaning

For information on how to clean weapons, see the video:

Dismantling a rifle in an incomplete (most common) version:

1. Disassembly is performed in the likeness of a Kalashnikov assault rifle. There is a separate lever on the receiver, located on its rear. To detach the cover, you just need to press it, then you can easily remove it.
2. To remove the silencer, you need to press the button in its rear part, it is removed through the muzzle compartment of the barrel. Sometimes this part is difficult to remove due to the complex mechanism of its fastening, then you need to move the device several times in opposite directions.
3. There is a screw on the flat section of the handle, it should be carefully unscrewed.
4. To remove the receiver cover, you need to find the button in the upper compartment of the butt. Then it can be easily removed, which will allow you to get full access to the structure inside the rifle.
5. A more complete disassembly is only necessary for its periodic complete cleaning or the insertion of improved parts. If the user is not yet experienced in disassembling and assembling a rifle, it is advisable to take the help of more experienced people in this matter or contact specialists.

Preparation for use

Before using the BCC, you must complete the main set of measures so that there are no misfires or other failures:

1. Thorough quality control of cartridges.
2. Cleaning of all weapon parts.
3. Inspection of components, coating them with grease.
4. A complete inspection of the rifle after assembly, checking the fasteners.
5. The study of the correctness of the optical sight, it is important to know.

Repair and replacement of parts

The Vintorez rifle is very rarely breakable, complex violations can appear only in the operation of the gearbox. This distinguishes it from samples of classical pneumatic weapons. To eliminate all inconsistencies, you can only completely disassemble the structure and replace parts with new ones.

There are no other repair options for airsoft silent sniper special air force. If it is impossible to repair the weapon on your own, it is advisable to bring only the gear box to the workshop, disconnecting it in advance. It is very convenient and does not attract attention, unlike carrying an assembled rifle.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

1. A convenient and functional design will help a person in war to successfully fight, and a weapon lover will add a beautifully executed sample to the collection.
2. A small price compared to rifles with similar specifications. Individual elements can be purchased for a small price, but a serial, fully equipped model costs about 350-450 euros.
3. Partial disassembly and subsequent reassembly is very easy, this process is semi-automated. The internal construction is standard, so it is not difficult to repair or clean for professionals or experienced gun enthusiasts.
4. The backlash of parts is not sensitive.

Flaws:

1. All parts of the weapon are fixed with screws. In aesthetic terms, this indicator is rated positively, this aspect is not important for combat, but for a collector this feature can be a significant disadvantage, since the usual stylization has not been performed.
2. A spare magazine can only be purchased at a fairly high price, it is at least 45 euros.
3. The butt has a large length, which worsens the show of comfort for people with short stature.
4. The rear sight can be thrown out of position if an excessive load is applied, as it does not have sufficient rigidity.

Conclusion

Silent sniper rifle VSS Vintorez has minor flaws, but is a professional weapon with excellent technical characteristics. It is easy to use, reliable, suitable for most combat situations, and is also used as a collector's item.

World fame is also used. Read about how to choose an air rifle for accurate shooting.

Fans of small arms will like this instance in all aspects. For professionals, some adjustment of the mechanism for specialized purposes will be required.

This VSS is intended not only for combat, but also for shooting training. It helps to fully master all the necessary knowledge for the correct use of any sniper rifles. Often used for sports. See how to shoot with a sniper rifle. But, at the same time, do not forget about the safety rules for handling weapons, read about them. Read about the repair and modernization of pneumatic weapons. We also recommend that you read the material about and.

In modern wars and local military conflicts, a significant role is assigned to special reconnaissance and sabotage operations carried out on enemy territory. For such operations, the armies of the developed countries of the world have special forces and subunits .....

VSS sniper rifle (top) and special AS machine gun (bottom)

They are designed for covert penetration and performance of combat missions both in the frontal zone of the enemy and in his deep rear; conducting reconnaissance for a long time and, if necessary, destroying important enemy military installations, as well as performing other specific tasks. The main tasks of the special forces are to conduct reconnaissance and sabotage operations against important state and military facilities of the enemy in order to obtain the necessary information, inflict military, economic and moral damage on him, disorganize command and control, disrupt the rear and a number of other tasks.
To equip special-purpose units formed in the Soviet Union by the 1970-1980s - several brigades and separate special-purpose battalions, as well as special units of the KGB and the Ministry of Internal Affairs; reconnaissance units of motorized rifle, tank, airborne divisions and formations of the marine corps of the Soviet army and navy required effective covert weapons of various types and purposes, including small-sized and silent small arms.

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One of these means for the domestic special forces was the unified system of silent small arms, developed at TSNIITOCHMASH in the 1980s. It included a special sniper complex, which consisted of a 9-mm special sniper rifle VSS, a 9-mm machine gun of a special AS and special 9-mm cartridges.

This complex appeared as a result of increased confrontation between the Soviet Union and the West in the 1960s and 1970s. The expansion at that time of the geography of undeclared wars and local military conflicts, which were fought on almost all continents, required more and more new types of special weapons to successfully fight our potential adversaries, including for defeating enemy manpower equipped with weapons at short distances. personal protection.

A significant drawback of domestic samples of silent small arms of the first generation, which by that time were in service with the Soviet special forces, were relatively low, in comparison with weapons for combined arms, combat and service performance characteristics - aiming range, lethal and penetrating action of a bullet, weight and size characteristics. As a result, the existing samples of silent weapons could not fully replace the standard combined arms weapons and were, in essence, only an addition to the regular samples of special forces weapons. These samples of automatic small arms were equipped with special muzzle devices for silent-flameless shooting, the so-called "silencers", and their cartridges were refined in the direction of increasing the mass of the bullet and reducing its muzzle velocity to subsonic. However, since the most important condition for the performance of combat missions by special forces units on enemy territory was secrecy, the use of weapons with small unmasking factors of a shot - sound, flame and smoke, i.e. "silent" weapons. In addition, when the combat missions of special forces changed significantly by the end of the 1970s, the insufficient effectiveness of individual samples of special (silent) weapons and ammunition for them was also revealed.

It was at this time, in accordance with the state program for the development of weapons and military equipment, that the beginning of research and development work (R&D) began to develop a concept and create a unified system of silent small arms to replace certain types of special weapons that were then in service special forces of the Soviet army and the KGB.

This work was entrusted to the Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering (TsNIITOCHMASH) in Klimovsk, with the leading role of the KGB Research Institute of the USSR together with the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the USSR Armed Forces. The Soviet gunsmiths approached the solution of the task in a comprehensive manner. The creation of a unified system of silent small arms was planned to be carried out through the development of new designs; reducing the range of special weapons and ammunition, developing the necessary types of such weapons, designed for unified cartridges.

After analyzing typical tactical tasks solved by special forces units and carrying out a number of various research works, it was decided to create several silent rifle complexes for all special forces, including a sniper one, which would include three main components: “weapon - ammunition - sight.

In 1983, requirements were developed for a new special sniper complex (received the code "Vintorez"). This weapon was supposed to provide covert destruction of enemy manpower at ranges up to 400 m, including in personal protective equipment. It was possible to solve such a problem only with the use of a new cartridge with a heavy bullet, which would have sufficient damaging effect and high accuracy of combat over the entire sighting range up to 400 m. Sniper shooting at such a range required the creation of new optical (day) and electron-optical (night) ) sights.

Partial disassembly of the VSS sniper rifle.

The main parts of the rifle VSS "Vintorez" and the machine gun and AS "Val".

1. Silencer; 2. Barrel with receiver, 3. Trigger mechanism; 4. Gas tube; 5.Return mechanism;6. Bolt frame with a gas piston; 7. Bolt; 8. Mainspring; 9. Drummer; 10. Receiver cover; Score;

Since the special forces had to carry all the necessary equipment to carry out combat missions behind enemy lines, very stringent requirements were imposed on the new weapon in terms of weight and dimensions. In addition, for a number of special operations, such a rifle had to be disassembled into small-sized main components, which made it possible to covertly transfer it and quickly transfer it to a combat position.

Based on the requirements set, research on the topic "Vintorez" was carried out by Klimov gunsmiths in the following areas:

• development of the technical feasibility of ensuring the range of effective firing from a silent sniper rifle (i.e. firing at a distance of 400 m, at which the probability of hitting the target should be at least 0.8);
• choice of the principle of muffling the sound of a shot and reducing its flame;
• development of a design scheme for a sniper cartridge with a subsonic bullet speed, which ensures the specified accuracy, striking effect and reliable operation of automation when firing;
• cartridge design and substantiation of its main design parameters;
• development of a constructive scheme of automatic weapons, providing a given accuracy of fire; shot sound level; reliable operation of automation; weight and size characteristics;
• sniper rifle design;
• development of new optical sights.

The design of a special sniper complex at TsNIITOCHMASH began with the creation of a new automatic cartridge designed to defeat enemy manpower in specific conditions.

The main problem that the Klimov designers had to solve was to solve the issue of muffling the sound and the shot.

The intensity of the sound of a shot depends on the muzzle pressure of the powder gases. In addition, the bullet itself, if it has a supersonic muzzle velocity (more than 330 m/s), also generates a shock (ballistic) wave. All this unmasks the firing position of the shooter. To eliminate sound from the ballistic wave, silenced weapons must have a subsonic muzzle velocity. However, the lower the speed of the bullet, the less its destructive effect and the worse the flatness of the trajectory, which significantly reduces the effective range. Thus, in a special small arms for covert use, two incompatible properties had to be combined - the required effective firing range and sufficient damaging effect of a bullet at its relatively low initial speed. Moreover, the suppression of a shot in such a sniper complex could only be achieved using silencers and a subsonic initial speed.

The result of these works was a new 7.62 mm experimental cartridge, consisting of a 7.62 x54 mm sniper rifle cartridge 7 H1 and a 7.62 x25 mm TT pistol cartridge case. This cartridge met the requirements of the tactical and technical task (TTZ) for the Vintorez in terms of accuracy, but its bullet did not provide the necessary lethal effect. In addition, when developing a new sniper cartridge, it was taken into account that in the future, increased requirements for the penetrating effect of a bullet may be imposed on a silent automatic system in the near future. In the course of the work, the issue of unifying the sniper rifle and machine gun according to the ammunition used was also considered.

Trunk VSS and AS

A small barrel length (only 200 mm) with a chrome channel has six right-hand rifling. On the hemp of the barrel there are protrusions with bevels - for preliminary rotation of the shutter at the beginning of its locking.

Receiver VSS and AC

Further work on promising ammunition was aimed at creating a fundamentally new design of the cartridge. A group of specialists from TSNIITOCHMASH, led by Vladimir Fedorovich Krasnikov, developed another 7.62-mm sniper cartridge with a subsonic (300 m / s) bullet speed based on the 5.45 x39-mm automatic cartridge case, which received the index "RG037". His bullet was structurally made according to the bullet design of the 7 H1 rifle sniper cartridge. Its external shape was determined taking into account the requirements of external ballistics for subsonic bullets. The new sniper cartridge had a length of 46 mm, a total weight of 16 g, a bullet weight of 10.6 g, and had excellent accuracy. So, at a distance of 100 m for this cartridge, R50 was 4 cm, and at 400 m - 16.5 cm. However, the new RGO37 cartridge did not allow to confidently hit enemy manpower in anti-fragmentation body armor at a direct shot range of 400 m. Under 7,62- mm cartridge RGO37, a silent sniper rifle was designed, which received the index "RG036". The leading designer of the rifle was Pyotr Ivanovich Serdyukov.

The chosen scheme of operation of automation with a gas engine and a rigid locking of the barrel bore when the bolt was turned ensured reliable operation of the rifle in various operating conditions. The combined muffler, consisting of a chamber muzzle silencer with oblique separator baffles and an expansion chamber for partial discharge of powder gases from the bore, reduced the sound level of the shot to a value similar to the 9 mm PB pistol. But despite the fact that the 7.62 mm the sniper complex consisting of the RG036 rifle and the RG037 cartridge passed the preliminary tests, further work with it was discontinued, since by the end of 1985 the USSR Ministry of Defense Industry approved new requirements for a special machine gun complex - another element of the silent weapon system. Based on the TTZ, it was necessary to create a weapon that allows you to confidently hit group targets (manpower) protected by bulletproof vests of type 6 B2 (protection class III) at a distance of up to 400 m. fire. It was assumed that for ease of carrying, he would receive a folding butt, in addition, it was possible to equip it with various optical sights. Therefore, it was unequivocally required to unify the sniper and machine gun systems according to the ammunition used.

20-round magazines for a special AS assault rifle with 10-round clips with 9 x39-mm special cartridges (from left to right): 7 H12; SP. 6; SP. 5

Cartridge 9x39 / SP-5 / SP-6 / PAB-9

Fuse BCC and AC

Protection against accidental shots when falling, hitting a weapon, accidentally pressing the trigger is provided by a fuse that, when turned on, eliminates the possibility of turning the trigger.

Interpreter for the type of fire VSS and AC

The main mode of shooting from a rifle is single fire. Nevertheless, the design of the trigger located in the receiver provides for the possibility of automatic fire.

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Based on the new tasks, the designers were able to correctly assess that the bullet of the 7.62 mm RG037 cartridge would not be able to ensure the defeat of manpower protected by advanced personal protective equipment. In accordance with this, the requirements for a silent sniper complex were also revised. Therefore, the designers of TsNIITOCHMASH N.V. Zabelin and L.S. Dvoryaninova had to start work on creating a new 9 x39-mm special SP sniper cartridge based on the 7.62-mm automatic cartridge case of the 1943 model. 5 (index 7 H8) with a heavy bullet weighing 16.2 g (with a subsonic muzzle velocity of 290 m/s). This bullet was more than twice as heavy as the 7.62x39mm cartridge of the 1943 model and almost five times heavier than the 5.45x39mm submachine gun bullet.

Bullet cartridge SP. 5 had a composite core: a steel head (with a truncated top with a diameter of 0.5 mm) and a main lead core, rolled into a bimetallic shell. A steel core to increase the penetrating effect of the bullet was placed in its bow. The lead core not only gave the bullet the necessary mass, but also ensured its cutting into the rifling of the barrel bore. The pointed ogival shape of the bullet provided it with good ballistic properties when flying at subsonic speeds. Despite the subsonic initial speed, a bullet with such a mass had significant kinetic energy - at takeoff it was about 60 kgm, and at a distance of 450 m - 45 kgm.

This was quite enough for a reliable defeat of manpower in light personal protective equipment. Tests have shown that at a distance of up to 400 m, the bullet of the SP. 5 has enough energy to penetrate 2mm steel plate while maintaining the required killing power. Cartridge weight SP. 5–32.2 g, cartridge length - 56 mm, cartridge bullet length - 36 mm. Distinctive color of the bullet of SP cartridges. 5 do not have. Only on corkboard boxes for 10 rounds was the inscription "Sniper". Already in 1987, a new model of a special sniper weapon, created on the basis of RG036, and re-barreled under the 9-mm SP cartridge. 5 (known under the code name "Vintorez"), are adopted by special forces units of the KGB of the USSR and reconnaissance and sabotage units of the Soviet Armed Forces under the designation "special sniper rifle" (VSS) index 6 P29.

The new weapon, which is a group means of covert attack and defense, was intended to engage targets with sniper fire in conditions requiring silent, flameless firing at open enemy manpower (destruction of enemy command personnel, his reconnaissance groups, observers and sentries), as well as to withdraw from building surveillance devices, elements of military equipment and the destruction of unarmored vehicles at ranges up to 400 m.

The VSS rifle consisted of: a barrel with a receiver; silencer with sights; butt; bolt carrier with gas piston; shutter; return mechanism; percussion mechanism; trigger mechanism; forearm; gas tube; receiver and magazine covers. The automatics of the VSS sniper rifle worked on the principle of removing powder gases from the bore. Locking was carried out by turning the bolt around its axis by 6 lugs. The fuse box, displayed on the right side of the receiver at the same time, closed the groove for the reloading handle, preventing dust and dirt from getting inside. The type of fire translator is mounted inside the trigger guard, behind the trigger. When it is moved horizontally to the right, a single fire is fired, and when moved to the left, automatic fire is fired. The reload handle is located on the right side of the receiver.

Sights consisted of an open sector sight, mounted on the silencer body and designed for a firing range of up to 420 m, and a front sight in a namushnik. Food was supplied from a plastic box magazine with a two-row arrangement with a capacity of 10 rounds. The buttstock is a wooden frame type with a rubber nape. The impact mechanism with a separate mainspring allowed both single and automatic fire. Single fire is the main one for the VSS sniper rifle; it is characterized by high precision. When firing single shots from a prone position from an emphasis on a distance of 100 m in a series of 5 shots, R 50 was 4 cm, and at 400 m - R50–16.5 cm.

At the same time, continuous fire in bursts can be used when a sudden encounter with the enemy at short distances, or when it becomes necessary to hit a target that is not clearly observed. Taking into account that the capacity of the VSS rifle magazine is only 10 rounds, therefore, automatic fire, as a rule, can be fired in short bursts of 2-4 shots, and in exceptional cases - in one continuous burst until the cartridges in the magazine are used up. Reducing the sound of a shot (up to 130 decibel at a distance of 3 meters from the muzzle - corresponds to the sound level when fired from a small-caliber rifle) was achieved along with a special “integrated type” silencer with a powder gas flow separator using a SP sniper cartridge. 5 with optimal ballistic performance. The "integrated" silencer made it possible to significantly reduce the overall length of the weapon.

Trigger mechanism VSS and AC

The trigger mechanism is of the striker type of the original design, with the possibility of single and automatic fire.

Drummer VSS and AS

The strikers of the first series rifles have a striker and a tail, in which there is a hole for the mainspring guide, grooves for guiding in the receiver, protrusions for cocking and for setting the firing pin on the self-timer.

Return mechanism BCC and AC

The return mechanism is designed to return the bolt carrier with the bolt to the forward position after firing or loading the weapon, as well as to fix the receiver cover.

To reduce noise when the moving system hits in the rear position, a polyurethane gasket is provided in the design of the stop of the return mechanism.

Silencer VSS and AC

The muffler housing consists of an expansion chamber for pre-discharge of gases and a muzzle muffler chamber. A separator is installed in the front of the housing.

The principle of operation of the silencer VSS and AC

After the shot, when the bullet passes through the front, perforated part of the barrel, part of the powder gases rush through the side holes in the barrel into the expansion chamber of the muffler. In this case, the pressure of the gases in the bore and their speed after the bullet takes off are reduced.

BCC sniper rifle controls

The daytime optical sight of the PSO-1-1 rifle is similar to the PSO-1 sight of the SVD sniper rifle, but with remote scales for the ballistics of the SP-5 cartridge.

Along with this, the capabilities of the VSS rifle were significantly expanded by a whole range of sights, both optical and night vision. At the request of the customer, sniper rifles were equipped with various sights: for the KGB - optical daytime 1 P43 (allowing daytime aimed shooting at 400 m) and night-time non-illuminated 1 PN75 (MBNP-1), designed for a range of up to 300 m at night; and for the GRU special forces - respectively - day PSO-1-1 and PO 4 x34 and night - 1 PN51 (NSPU-3). Specially by order of the state security authorities, to ensure concealed carrying, the rifle can be disassembled into three units (barrel with a silencer, receiver with a trigger mechanism and butt) and, together with a sight and magazines, is packed in a Diplomat-type suitcase measuring 450 x 370 x 140 mm, moreover the time required to transfer the weapon from the transport position to the combat position is no more than one minute. The VSS rifle kit includes a bag for carrying the sight, four magazines, spare parts, and a bag for carrying the rifle. After the appearance of the SP cartridge. 6 its use in the VSS sniper rifle made it possible to defeat enemy personnel even at the maximum range of aimed fire, and at a distance of 100 m - in body armor up to protection class II inclusive (according to modern classification), which put it on a par with the most formidable types of infantry small arms.

In addition to the PSO-1-1 sight, another daytime optical sight, 1P43, can also be used for firing from the VSS and AS. For shooting at night, the NSPU-3 or MBNP-1 night sight is used.

VSS sniper rifle with a tactical flashlight (top) and a special AS machine gun (bottom) (right view).

In 2000, teachers of the Combined Arms Military Academy named after. Frunze and its branch, Courses "Shot", Colonels V. V. Korablin and A. A. Lovi published in the brochure "Modern Small Arms of Russia" a review of the combat use of this weapon, which allows you to more fully appreciate the high qualities of the VSS sniper rifle: "Commander of a motorized rifle a company of one of the regiments that operated in 1995 in the mountainous region of Yarysh-Morda south of Grozny, now Major V.A. Lukashov, from personal experience, considers the VSS a good addition to the regular weapons of motorized rifle units in those conditions. His company operated in isolation from the main forces of the unit and conducted reconnaissance of the enemy with its own forces and means. The company was supplied with several sets of VSS rifles. The commander of the group allocated for reconnaissance - usually the company commander himself or one of the platoon commanders - was armed, in addition to the standard machine gun, with a VSS rifle and carried it behind his back on a belt. When during reconnaissance it was required to hit an individual target at a distance of up to 400 m, a silent shot from the VSS did not allow the enemy to detect the group. This weapon was also successfully used in other cases that required silent and flameless shooting.

The VSS sniper rifle turned out to be such a successful example of a special small arms that P. I. Serdyukov, at the same time, is developing another silent weapon complex on the “Val” theme on its basis. The new complex included: a special submachine gun AS, which is a modernized version of the Vintorez, and a special cartridge SP. 6 with a high penetration bullet.

9-mm AUTOMATIC SPECIAL AS "VAL".

At TSNIITOCHMASH, designer Yu. Z. Frolov and technologist E. S. Kornilova developed a fundamentally new special cartridge SP for the Val automatic complex. 6 (index 7 H9) with an armor-piercing bullet (with a bare core). This bullet had a higher penetrating effect than the bullet of the SP cartridge. 5. Designed to defeat manpower protected by anti-shatter bulletproof vests up to protection class III inclusive (according to modern classification), as well as unarmored vehicles at a distance of up to 400 m, it provided 100% penetration of a 6 mm sheet of special steel at a firing range of 100 m , and at ranges up to 400 m - a 2-mm steel sheet (a steel army helmet (helmet) or a steel sheet 1.6 mm thick and a 25-mm pine board while maintaining a sufficient lethal barrier action, which is equivalent to the penetrating action of the American 5,56- mm automatic rifle M16 A1, 7.62 mm AKM and 5.45 mm AK 74.

Ballistic characteristics of cartridges SP. 5 and SP. 6 are close to each other, so both rounds can be used in weapons with the same scope. Accuracy of bullets cartridge SP. 5 is higher than that of the bullets of the SP cartridge. 6. The device of the bullets, their penetration and ballistics determined the purpose of these cartridges: for sniper shooting at openly located unprotected manpower, as a rule, SP cartridges are used. 5, and for hitting targets in personal protective equipment located in vehicles or behind light shelters - SP cartridges. 6.

Bullet cartridge SP. 6 consisted of a steel core, a lead jacket and a bimetallic sheath. Due to its design, the bullet cartridge SP. 6 had a higher penetrating effect than the bullet of the SP cartridge. 5. Heavy bullet SP. 6 had a bimetallic shell with a rear cone and a pointed, heat-strengthened steel core (7.5 mm in diameter) protruding by 6.5 mm in a lead jacket. The steel core of this bullet had a significantly longer length than that of the bullet of the SP cartridge. 5. The length of the leading part of the SP bullet. 6 was reduced to 10 mm by a step that forms a cylindrical centering section (9 mm in diameter and 6 mm long), so that the nose of the bullet protruded from the jacket. The core had an ogival head and a back cone. Bullet weight - 15.6 g. Bullet cartridge SP. 6 had a mass of 15.6 g, a core mass of 10.4 g, with a cartridge mass of 32.0 g. The length of the cartridge was 56 mm, the bullet length was 41 mm. The tip of the bullet cartridge SP. 6 was painted black. The sealed cardboard boxes for these cartridges were marked with a distinctive black stripe. Later, after the appearance of 9-mm automatic cartridges with an armor-piercing bullet 7 H12, the bullet tip of the SP. 6 began to turn blue.

New cartridge SP. 6 received the most flattering reviews from experts. The developers of this cartridge wrote: “The 9-mm cartridge, which has a unique penetrating and damaging effect, will reach your enemy wherever your vision reaches him, simultaneously penetrating any bulletproof vest that a real person can wear without outside help. And not too long a burst can cause enough damage to disable a truck, a launcher or a radar.”

Incomplete disassembly of a special AS machine.

The AS “Val” submachine gun (index 6 P30) is a personal weapon of covert attack and defense and is designed to engage targets in conditions that require silent, flameless firing at the enemy’s protected manpower, as well as at unarmored or lightly armored military equipment. The AS submachine gun consisted of : barrel with receiver; pistol grip and stock; silencer with sights; bolt carrier with gas piston; shutter; return mechanism; percussion mechanism; trigger mechanism; forearm; gas tube; receiver and magazine covers.

Automation machine AS "Val" worked on the principle of removal of powder gases from the bore. Locking was also carried out by turning the bolt on 6 lugs. The striker-type trigger mechanism was designed for single and automatic fire. The type of fire translator is mounted at the rear of the trigger guard. The fuse box, which excludes a shot when the trigger is accidentally pressed and the bore is unlocked, is displayed on the right side of the receiver above the pistol fire control grip. The reload handle is located on the right side of the receiver. The sighting device consists of an open sight designed for a firing range of up to 420 m and a front sight in the front sight. Cartridges are fed from double-row plastic box magazines with a capacity of 20 rounds. To speed up the equipment of the store, the machine comes with clips with a capacity of 10 rounds.

Unlike the AK 74 assault rifle, the adapter for attaching the clip to the magazine was assembled with the clip. To reduce the sound level, a special device was used for silent-flameless firing of the "integrated type". The design of the AS machine gun was 70% unified with the BCC sniper rifle, including the types of sights used. However, the assault rifle, unlike the rifle, received a new 20-round magazine (fully interchangeable with the 10-round magazine from the BCC) and a metal frame butt, folding to the left side of the receiver, which made it much more compact and maneuverable. The AS assault rifle is convenient for conducting combat operations in limited volumes: in buildings, underpasses, trenches, etc.; when moving in thickets, bushes, boarding and disembarking in vehicles; when landing. From the AS machine you can conduct aimed fire with a folded butt. Like a rifle, the machine is equipped with day and night sights.

Special machine AS with optical sight PSO-1-1.

The cartridges for the VSS rifle and the AS submachine gun are also interchangeable. Compared to the Vintorez rifle, the Val submachine gun is more suitable for automatic fire at targets protected by bulletproof vests at ranges up to 200 m using the SP cartridge. 6 short bursts of 2-4 shots; for unprotected targets - patron SP. 5, in tense moments of battle at short distances - in long bursts of 6-8 shots, and if necessary - with continuous fire until the cartridges in the magazine are used up. For single targets, single fire is more efficient and economical.

In all cases, the sound of the shot and the flames are significantly reduced by the silencer, making it difficult for the enemy to determine the position of the shooter. In terms of the reliability of the automation, including in difficult conditions, it is not inferior to the legendary Kalashnikov assault rifle, but weighs a whole kilogram less, which is extremely important in battle. scope carry bag and vest to accommodate and carry six magazines; two flares or one flare and a knife; three hand grenades; PSS pistol and a spare magazine for it. The production of the VSS sniper rifle and the special AS machine gun was mastered by the Tula Arms Plant.

Special machine AS with a night sight 1 PN93-1.

Special purpose weapons - VSS sniper rifles and special AS submachine guns, which have passed all the wars and military conflicts of the last thirty years with dignity, deservedly enjoy prestige not only in the elite special forces units, but also in the Russian Armed Forces. Currently, VSS rifles are used as additional and very effective weapons in reconnaissance units of paratroopers and motorized rifle units.

More about optical sights in the next article, which will cover modifications like:

PSO-1.

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A special sniper rifle (VSS) "Vintorez" together with a special 9 mm cartridge SP5 make up the Silent Sniper Complex (BSK).
BSK "Vintorez" to provide covert destruction of group targets of enemy manpower, protected by body armor type 6B2 (approximately 2-3rd class of protection) and steel army helmets at ranges up to 400 m.
In 1987, the new rifle entered service with special units of the KGB troops and reconnaissance and sabotage units of the Soviet army under the name "9-mm special sniper rifle" (VSS). In the decision on adoption, the name "Vintorez" is absent, but, according to the now unofficial tradition, it is often used in various descriptions and stories.

Device, operation of parts and mechanisms
VSS "Vintorez" and "AS"

The VSS "Vintorez" rifle and the AS "Val" submachine gun have a similar device (with the exception of the butt) and are automatic weapons, the operation of which is based on the use of the energy of powder gases discharged from the bore into the gas chamber, then converted into the kinetic energy of the mobile system automation. The locking and unlocking of the bore is carried out by turning the bolt around the longitudinal axis.
One of the requirements for a new rifle when it was created. - the possibility of hidden carrying and high readiness for combat use. Therefore, the rifle was made collapsible into three main units:

The maximum length of the disassembled rifle for concealed carry does not exceed 395 cm.
The time of its transfer to the combat position is no more than 1 min.
If necessary, the rifle can be carried disassembled to the main components in a 45x37x19 cm case or in a bag.
When assembled, the rifle and machine gun can be carried on a belt.

Trunk VSS and AS

A small barrel length (only 200 mm) with a chrome channel has six right-hand rifling. On the hemp of the barrel there are protrusions with bevels - for preliminary rotation of the shutter at the beginning of its locking. In the middle part of the barrel there is a gas chamber, as well as a cylindrical surface with annular grooves for attaching the muffler body. The muzzle has 54 holes (6 rows of 9 holes) drilled along the rifling of the barrel. They are designed to discharge gases from the bore into the expansion chamber of the muffler. A separator spring of a special shape is put on the muzzle of the barrel. It provides centering of the muffler relative to the axis of the bore.

Receiver VSS and AC

The receiver connects the parts and mechanisms of the weapon. During the design of the rifle, various options for the methods of its manufacture were proposed, including casting or stamping from sheet steel. However, on the recommendation of the Izhevsk Research Technological Institute (IzhNITI Progress), it was decided to manufacture it by milling from a steel billet. This gave significant advantages in structural rigidity, but at the same time led to an increase in the complexity of manufacturing and an increase in the cost of weapons. Nevertheless, at that time it was considered quite acceptable to have a more expensive weapon, but providing high accuracy of fire and reliability.
From above, the box is closed with a lid, which protects the parts and mechanisms of the weapon from contamination. It is made of thin sheet steel stamped. To give rigidity, with a small thickness of the metal, extrusions are made in it. On the right side, the lid has a window for ejected shells and a cutout for moving the bolt handle.

Fuse BCC and AC

Protection against accidental shots when falling, hitting a weapon, accidentally pressing the trigger is provided by a fuse that, when turned on, eliminates the possibility of turning the trigger. In the on position, the fuse box closes the cutouts for the movement of the reloading handle and thereby protects the receiver from sand and dust getting into it. Protection against premature shots when the shutter is unlocked is provided by the self-timer, as well as the relative position of the bolt carrier and the shutter when the bore is closed and the shutter is locked.

Mounting sights VSS and AS

On the left side of the receiver there are dovetail protrusions - seats for optical sights. The central and two rear protrusions serve as a base for attaching night electro-optical sights, and the two front and central protrusions for daytime optical sights.
The receiver also has a translator for the type of fire and a magazine latch with a spring.

Interpreter for the type of fire VSS and AC

The main mode of shooting from a rifle is single fire. Nevertheless, the design of the trigger located in the receiver provides for the possibility of automatic fire. The type of fire translator is attached to the receiver inside the trigger guard, behind the trigger. For single fire, the translator is set to the “Single shooting” position (designation - one dot), and automatic - “Automatic shooting” (designation - three dots).

Bolt and bolt carrier VSS and AS

Since a sniper rifle is a “precise instrument”, all its mechanisms during operation should have a minimal effect on the weapon, without shifting it from the guidance line. One of the main technical solutions to fulfill this condition was the use of light moving parts of automation (gate and bolt carrier). Another solution was the use of six bolt lugs in the locking mechanism, interacting with the protrusions of the receiver. In this case, the two lower lugs play the role of a rammer cartridges. The locking and unlocking of the shutter is carried out by turning it around the longitudinal axis, which occurs when the copier grooves of the shutter frame and the leading projections of the shutter interact. This made it possible to ensure a rigid symmetrical locking of the barrel bore and reduce energy losses for unlocking the shutter.

Trigger mechanism VSS and AC
The trigger mechanism is of the striker type of the original design, with the possibility of single and automatic fire.
The trigger mechanism is used to release the striker from the combat cocking and from the self-timer cocking, to ensure single and automatic firing, to stop firing, to prevent shots when the shutter is unlocked and to set the machine to safety. The trigger mechanism is placed in the receiver and includes a fuse, sear, disconnector, translator, self-timer, trigger, trigger spring, trigger axis, self-timer spring, sear spring and disconnector.

Impact mechanism BCC and AC
Another solution that contributed to accurate shooting was the use of a striker-type percussion mechanism. A light striker serves to break the igniter primer and, when lowered from the combat platoon, gives the rifle a slight perturbing impulse. In addition, such a constructive solution made it possible to facilitate the work of automation. This, as well as a specially designed layout of the vapor assembly, eventually made it possible to reduce the “tossing” of the weapon during a shot, which in turn made it easier to observe the results of firing through an optical sight.

Drummer VSS and AS
The strikers of the first series rifles have a striker and a tail, in which there is a hole for the mainspring guide, grooves for guiding in the receiver, protrusions for cocking and for setting the firing pin on the self-timer. In subsequent issues, the striker was moved to the bolt. The cylindrical surface of the drummer enters the shutter channel.

Return mechanism BCC and AC

The return mechanism is designed to return the bolt carrier with the bolt to the forward position after firing or loading the weapon, as well as to fix the receiver cover. The recoil spring guide, together with the rod, is a telescopic design that provides the necessary stroke length for the bolt carrier.

Mainspring BCC and AC
The mainspring is used to provide the drummer with enough energy to break the cartridge primer. The mainspring guide also has a telescopic design.

Silencer VSS and AC

Another assembly of a rifle and an assault rifle that ensures their effective use is a silencer integrated with the barrel (that is, an integral part of the weapon). It includes the muffler body and separator.
The muffler housing consists of an expansion chamber for pre-discharge of gases and a muzzle muffler chamber. A separator is installed in the front of the housing.
A sight block with an aiming bar, a front sight base with a front sight, a separator latch with a spring are attached to the silencer body.

Separator is a die-welded structure consisting of a bushing, insert, washer and clip. The cylindrical surface of the washer and bushing serves to ensure the alignment of the separator and the body, the conical surface of the bushing is used to install the separator on the separator spring located on the muzzle of the barrel.

Installing the BCC and AC silencer

The silencer is put on the rifle barrel and fastened to it with two crackers and a latch. This mount makes it easy to remove and install the silencer on the weapon.

The principle of operation of the silencer VSS and AC


After the shot, when the bullet passes through the front, perforated part of the barrel, part of the powder gases rush through the side holes in the barrel into the expansion chamber of the muffler. In this case, the pressure of the gases in the bore and their speed after the bullet takes off are reduced. A jet of powder gases flowing from the muzzle of the barrel enters the separator, which "dismembers" it into numerous multidirectional flows, intensively reducing their speed and temperature. As a result, the gases escaping from the muffler have subsonic speed and low temperature, that is, they do not create pop and muzzle flame, and the shot becomes almost silent (the sound level of the shot is about 130 dB, which corresponds to a sports small-caliber rifle).
The use of an integrated silencer made it possible to reduce (compared to a silencer that is worn on the muzzle of the barrel) and the overall length of the weapon.

The detachable butt of a rifle of the so-called skeletal type (similar to the butt of the SVD) is made of plywood.

The butt of the rifle is attached to the receiver using a lining with dovetail protrusions and a latch. The original design solution of the latch, which provides a quick detachment of the butt from the receiver and a rigid (no pitching) mount on the weapon.

Handguard VSS and AC
The forend of the rifle is made of plastic and is designed for easy control of the weapon when firing, protecting hands from burns and fixing the tube. The forearm is held by the muffler body. and with the muffler removed - by the latch of the body, which is automatically pressed during the assembly process by the inner inclined plane of the forearm.

The capacity of the regular store VSS "Vintorez" is 10 rounds, but a store from AS "Val" for 20 rounds can be used. Cartridges are fed from a detachable two-row sector magazine with a staggered arrangement. The sending of the cartridge is carried out by the shutter. The cartridge case is removed by a spring-loaded swinging ejector mounted on the bolt. To reflect the spent cartridge case is a spring-loaded reflector placed in the gate.

Sights VSS "Vintorez" and machine gun and AS "Val"
For aimed shooting from a rifle and machine gun at different ranges, various optical (day) and electron-optical (night) sights are used.

The daytime optical sight of the PSO-1-1 rifle is similar to the PSO-1 sight of the SVD sniper rifle, but with remote scales for the ballistics of the SP-5 cartridge.

The upper handwheel of the sight - for setting the range - has a scale with numbers from 5 to 40, with a division value of 25 m, which corresponds to aiming angles for firing at a distance of 50 to 400 m. Since the ballistics of the SP-6 cartridge is close to the ballistics of the SP cartridge -5, the sight scale is used when firing both cartridges. The side handwheel, as in the PSO-1 sight, serves to introduce lateral corrections. The reticle has one main square for aiming at the target. To the right and left of it is a scale of lateral corrections, below - a rangefinder scale for a target 1.7 m high (growth shield) with numbers from 1 to 40 in tens of meters of range. The PSO-1-1 sight has a 4x magnification and a field of view of 6°, its weight is 0.58 kg.
In addition to the sight, PSO-1-1, another daytime optical sight, 1P43, can also be used for firing from the VSS and AS.
For shooting at night, the NSPU-3 or MBNP-1 night sight is used.

The sniper rifle is a special support weapon designed for precise, aimed fire. A characteristic feature is the optical sight and the special design of the weapon. It is used both in attack and in defense, often used in the operations of special forces.

One of the features of a sniper rifle is the probability of silently hitting a target. This aspect complicates the disclosure of the position of the shooter, which increases its effectiveness. Especially this factor becomes necessary when carrying out fast or covert operations, for example, the removal of sentries.

A special sniper rifle (VSS) is considered an effective silent weapon. Thanks to the design documents, it received the name "Vintorez". The performance characteristics of weapons were developed by order and taking into account the specifics of the actions of special forces.

The history of the development and development of the Vintorez sniper rifle

The development of the VSS "Vintorez" is associated with the need for silent fire by the special forces of the USSR. Until the 1970s, Silence and Canary, as well as silent pistols PB and APB, were used in this direction. Such systems had disadvantages due to size and reduced service life.

To eliminate the shortcomings, highly specialized samples of silent small arms were developed. By 1983, customers from the special services set a number of conditions that the new sniper rifle had to meet:

• silent and imperceptible defeat of the enemy within 400 m;
• breaking through a steel soldier's helmet at the same distance;
• the use of optical and electron-optical sights in the daytime and at night, respectively;
• compactness, lightness, as well as disassembly for discreet transportation.

The first sample of the new RG036 rifle was created by V. F. Krasnikov chambered for 7.62 US. The design used an original system for removing powder gases: an annular piston was placed around the barrel and simultaneously became the rear wall of the muffler expansion chamber.

Such a system facilitated and simplified the design of weapons, but could not ensure its reliability and reliability. Taking into account this factor, a new sample was developed with a more familiar gas outlet. The new weapon was distinguished by good noise suppression of the PB level, small dimensions (815 mm) and weight (1.8 kg).

Despite such “lightweight” indicators, Vintorez RG037 showed good efficiency. At a given distance, penetration of army helmets, as well as steel sheets with a thickness of 1.6 mm, was ensured. However, after testing in 1985, new requirements were put forward for the rifle - breaking through 6B2 bulletproof vests within 400 m. Having assessed the capabilities of the rifle, the developers decided to change the design chambered for 9x39 mm.

Soon a prototype was presented, and already in 1987, the VSS Vintorez entered service with the KGB and the GRU. It was he who began to be actively used in special operations of subsequent armed conflicts.

Later, on the basis of the VSS, a silent automatic machine AS "Val" was developed. It differs from a rifle with a folding metal stock and a pistol grip. Designed for magazines for 20 rounds, however, the power supply is interchangeable: ten-round rifle chambers can also be used.

Rifle design features

The key distinguishing feature of the VSS "Vintorez" is a collapsible package. The rifle for ease of transfer is disassembled into three main parts:

• barrel with silencer;
• trigger mechanism;
• butt.

Assembling weapons from traveling to combat takes less than a minute.

"Vintorez" has a chrome-plated barrel with six right-hand grooves. In the middle there is a gas chamber, the cylindrical surface of which has grooves for docking with a silencer. For its centering, a separator spring is provided on the muzzle.

In the muzzle of the barrel along the rifling, there are also 54 holes for discharging gases into the expansion chamber of the muffler. It can be removed for cleaning, however, firing from a rifle without a silencer is not allowed.

Silencer VSS integrated with a stamp-welded design of the separator. The latter consists of a bushing, clip, washer and insert. The muffler barrel consists of an inflatable and expansion chamber, the separator is located in the front. On the outside there is an aiming bar, a separator latch and a front sight.

The butt of the VSS rifle is detachable, has a skeletal type, which is why it resembles the Dragunov sniper rifle (SVD). Made from plywood. It is attached to the receiver by means of a lining with protrusions of the dovetail type and a latch.

The principle of operation of a special sniper rifle (VSS)

The principle of firing VSS "Vintorez" is based on the automation of the gas outlet. Locking is provided by turning the larvae of the shutter, for which six lugs are provided. This mechanism provides for the removal of powder gases into a special chamber and the conversion of their energy into kinetic energy.

The key aspect of the VSS, which ensures noiseless firing, is the silencer. Its design includes ring elements that ensure the redistribution of shock waves. To do this, the pressure in the barrel is released through the holes in the rear of the muffler. As the bullet passes through the barrel, the powder gases enter the expansion chamber of the muffler gradually, and not all at once. Due to this, their temperature drops, which reduces pressure and volume during automatic firing.

At the same time, the single sound of the shot is separated, and the fragmented sound waves are reflected from the oblique partitions of the separator and redirected to each other. Due to this, they are superimposed on each other in opposite phases and the corresponding self-absorption occurs.

Equally important attention is given to the assembly of the rifle. For convenience and secrecy of transportation, it is divided into a barrel with a silencer, a trigger mechanism and a stock. This aspect was specially finalized by order of the special forces of the KGB. Assembling weapons to full combat readiness, which takes no more than a minute, makes them convenient and mobile during urban operations.

Basic equipment and additions to the rifle

The basic configuration of VSS Vintorez includes the following components:

• a barrel connected to the receiver;
• butt;
• gate;
• drummer;
• trigger mechanism;
• bolt carrier with gas piston;
• return mechanism;
• mainspring directing to it;
• receiver cover;
• muffler body;
• handguard;
• separator.

The following items are included in the general package of the rifle:

• ramrod;
• butter dish;
• scraper;
• belt;
• five stores of 10 rounds.

A key addition to the Vintorez sniper rifle is scopes. Optical and electron-optical devices are used for day and night shooting. The model depends on the range of the lesion and the specifics of the operation.

For daytime shooting, PSO-1-1 is more often used, an analogue of PSO-1 for SVD. A distinctive feature is the presence of a remote scale for calculating the ballistics of the special cartridge SP-5. In addition to this sight, the 1P43 device is used, which increases the view of the shooter. For night shooting, the night sight MBNP-1 or NSPU-3 is used.

In recent years, more modern samples of 1PN93 have been used, some of which are used at night. If the optical device is damaged, aiming is provided by mechanical devices. The latter consist of a sector sight and a front sight, adjustable in lateral direction and height.

A special bag is provided for carrying the rifle. Additional magazines, sights and spare parts are carried separately. The disassembled rifle itself, together with the sight, is also placed in a diplomat with dimensions of 450x370x140 mm.

Tactical and technical characteristics

The Vintorez rifle has the following technical characteristics:

• weight - 2.6 kg without magazine and sight, 3.7 kg with chamber and PSO-1-1;
• the total length of the rifle - 894 mm;
• barrel length - 200 mm;
• caliber - 9 mm;
• cartridges - 9x39 mm (SP-5, SP-6, SPP, BP);
• food - box magazines for 10 or 20 rounds;
• technical rate of fire - 700 rounds per minute, combat - 40-100;
• muzzle velocity - 280-295 m/s;
• effective range of destruction - 400 m, optimal - 250-300 m;
• the principle of operation is based on the removal of powder gases and a rotary valve.

The basic sight is a sector one, optical and electron-optical devices are additionally installed on the rifle. If necessary, they are supplemented with special components that allow you to effectively use weapons in different conditions.

Advantages and disadvantages of Vintorez

The advantages of VSS "Vintorez" are associated with the requirements presented to its designers. This weapon was originally developed for certain tasks - noiselessness, breaking through armor, compactness. It was they who became the distinctive features of the rifle in addition to its performance characteristics.

The silence of the weapon predetermined the effectiveness of its use in special operations. Already in the First Chechen War, the advantages of the VSS were revealed, which made it possible to conduct active fire on terrorists, while maintaining secrecy. Particularly successful was the combination of VSS Vintorez and AS Val, which allows for fast and noiseless operations.

As confirmation of the noiselessness, a case from the Second Chechen War is cited: a sniper, having taken a position in the crown of a tree, discovered a group of terrorists. After waiting for them to come out into the open area within the defeat, he destroyed all the opponents before they could determine where the fire was coming from.

One of the main advantages is the accuracy and reliability of the rifle, especially in urban areas. Within 300 meters, Vintorez hits targets both day and night.

An example is the case when one of the snipers was able, after three sighting shots, to shoot off the fuse from a non-retrievable grenade laid on a narrow path.

The compactness of the rifle is also its advantage during operations.

In Russia, the VSS is still in service with the special forces of the Airborne Forces, VNG, Air Force, GRU, Ministry of Internal Affairs, SSO, FSB and FSO. Lightness, convenience and compactness, combined with good performance characteristics of the VSS, allow the rifle to be used both in deployed combat operations and in special operations.

Of the shortcomings, a small effective range of damage is distinguished. Despite the superiority of the VSS over foreign counterparts, such indicators limit the use of a rifle, especially in open areas outside the city. Also considered a disadvantage is the short stock and its unregulated length. Because of this, shooting becomes uncomfortable, especially in the absence of practice.

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