Val

   The AS Val silenced assault rifle was designed in the mid-1980s for the Soviet special operations forces. It was intended to replace the previous AK-47s and AKM assault rifles, fitted with silencers. Currently the Val assault rifle is commonly used by the Russian special forces.

   It is a gas-operated selective fire weapon, fitted with integral silencer. The AS Val is chambered for 9 x 39 mm cartridge. This rifle uses the SP-5 and SP-6 subsonic ammunition. Primary is the SP-6 armor piercing round. It has a hardened steel penetrator. It penetrates 6 mm steel plate at a range of 200 m and 2 mm steel plate at a range of 500 m. This round can defeat most military body armors at ranges of 300 - 400 meters. The SP-5 is a ball round, fitted with heavy bullet. The actual effective range of the AS Val is limited to 200 - 300 meters due to the shaped trajectory of subsonic bullets.

   Safety switch and charging handle are AK-style. A fire mode selector is located inside the triggerguard, behind the trigger. It is capable of firing single rounds and in full-auto mode.

   The AS Val silenced assault rifle is fitted with collapsible metal stock, which folds to the left. It is fed from detachable box-type magazines, holding 20 rounds. Magazine release button is located behind the magazine. Integral silencer is easily removed for storage and maintenance.

   The Val assault rifle has iron sights, as well as a standard AK-style side mount for various scopes and night vision sights. It is compatible with the PSO-1 scope (4x magnification).

   It is worth mentioning that this weapon is not compatible with bayonet or underbarrel grenade launcher.

Variants

   VSS Vintorez, silenced sniper rifle, fitted with a wooden stock and a smaller capacity magazine;

   SR-3 Vikhr a compact assault rifle, based on the AS Val. It lacks suppressor and has a new stock. It is intended for concealed carrying. In many respects it is similar to submachine guns.