SR-3 Vikhr

   The SR-3 Vikhr (whirlwind) is a compact assault rifle. It is based on the successful Val silenced assault rifle. The Vikhr was developed in the early 1990s specially for the law enforcement forces. This weapon was originally intended for state security operatives and special VIP security teams. No wonder the original model was well suited for concealed carrying. Some sources report that production of this weapon commenced in 1996. Currently the SR-3, and its improved variant, the SR-3M, are used by the Russian presidential guard, FSB operatives, elite law enforcement and police units.

   The Vikhr is based on the Val, but lacks integral silencer. Furthermore the original SR-3 had no provision to mount one. As a result the Vikhr is much more compact than its predecessor. This weapon has a different stock and simplified sights. In terms of size and ballistics some even refer the Vikhr as a submachine gun. However it is a gas-operated weapon, which fires from the closed bolt. Such operating method is typically found on assault rifles, but not on submachine guns.

   This weapon uses the same ammunition as the Val. It is chambered for the 9x39 mm special subsonic ammunition. Primary is the SP-6 armor piercing round with a hardened steel penetrator. It penetrates 6 mm steel plate at a range of 200 m. Also there is SP-5 ball round with a heavy bullet and PAB-9 round, which is a lower cost version of the SP-6. At close ranges up to 100 m, the 9x39 mm ammunition is superior in terms of penetration to 9x19 mm pistol rounds used by submachine guns and 5.45x39 mm or 5.56x45 mm ammunition used by compact assault rifles. Also the 9x39 mm bullets usually do not ricochet. This feature is extremely important in urban environment, firing inside the buildings.

   A fire mode selector is located inside the triggerguard, behind the trigger. This weapon is capable of firing in semi-auto and full-auto modes. Ambidextrous safety lever is located above the pistol grip. The Vikhr has got a new charging handle, located over the foregrip, while the original Val has got an AK-style charging handle.

   This weapon uses the same 20-round capacity magazines as the Val assault rifle. It can also accept 10-round capacity magazines of the Vintorez silenced sniper rifle.

   Buttstock of the original Vikhr folds over the weapon, however its improved production model has similar buttstock to that of the Val silenced assault rifle.

   The Vikhr has got simple iron sights with a settings for 100 or 200 m. This compact assault rifle has a side-mounted rail for various scopes and night vision sights. This weapon has limited effective range due to short barrel and shaped trajectory of subsonic bullets.

   This weapon can not be equipped with bayonet or underbarrel grenade launcher.

Variants

   SR-3M Vikhr is a silenced assault rifle. Letter "M" in the designation stands for "Modernized". This weapon was designed to meet a FSB requirement. The FSB was looking for a weapon, that would combine features of the SR-3 Vikhr compact assault rifle, Val silenced assault rifle and Vintorez silenced sniper rifle in a single versatile weapon. The resulting SR-3M can mount a detachable suppressor. This weapon can be used with or without suppressor. It has a redesigned foregrip, with a collapsible vertical grip. This weapon comes with Val-style safety, fire mode selector and charging handle. The SR-3M uses a skeletal side-folding buttstock of the Val silenced assault rifle. Iron sights have been relocated to the foregrip. There is a side rail for various optics. This weapon is often seen with a PSO-1, 4x magnification scope, graduated for 9x39 mm ammunition. The SR-3M is fed from larger 30-round capacity magazines. These magazines are compatible with older 20- and 10-round magazines of the Vikhr, Val or Vintorez.