Vintorez

   The VSS Vintorez silenced sniper rifle was specially designed for the Soviet special operations forces. It was intended to replace the previous AK-47s and AKM assault rifles, fitted with silencers. The Vintorez was introduced in the late 1980s. Currently this rifle is commonly used by the Russian special forces.

   Design of this silenced sniper rifle is similar to that of the Val silenced assault rifle. It is a gas-operated selective fire weapon, fitted with integral silencer. It has a 70% parts commonality with the Val assault rifle.

   The Vintorez 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 penetrates most military body armors at ranges of 300 - 400 meters. The SP-5 is a ball round, fitted with heavy bullet.

   Comparing with the AS Val, the VSS Vintorez is fitted with a wooden stock and a smaller capacity magazine. The wooden buttstock is fitted with a rubber damper. The whole stock can be removed for compact storage and transportation.

   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 VSS Vintorez is fed from detachable box-type magazines, holding 10 rounds. It is also compatible with the 20-round Val magazines.

   This rifle is fitted with integral silencer, which is easily removed for storage and maintenance. The whole rifle is easily disassembled into 3 main parts.

   This silenced rifle has a side rail on the receiver and is compatible with PSO-1 scope (4x magnification), graduated for 9 x 39 mm ammunition. It is also compatible with NSPU-3 night sight (3.5x magnification). Effective range of the VSS at night is limited to 300 m. The Vintorez can be fitted with other scopes or night vision sights. This silenced rifle is also fitted with backup iron sights.