VSS "Vintorez" - a special sniper rifle, is part of the BSK complex (silent sniper complex), consisting of a rifle, a 9-mm sniper cartridge SP-5 (armor-piercing cartridge SP-6), an optical sight 1P43 (PSO-1-1 and night sights MBNP-18 and 1PN75).

The VSS Vintorez sniper rifle was developed by designers P. Serdyukov and V. Krasnikov at the Klimovsky TsNIITochMash.

In 1987, the new VSS Vintorez complex was adopted by special forces units of the KGB of the USSR and reconnaissance and sabotage units of the Soviet Armed Forces and units internal troops Ministry of Internal Affairs under the designation "special sniper rifle" (VSS) index 6P29.

The new one, which is a group means of covert attack and defense, was intended to hit 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 disabling devices observations, elements military equipment and the destruction of unarmored vehicles at ranges up to 400 m during the day with an optical sight and 300 m at night with a night sight.

The design of "Vintorez" is extremely simple. The peculiarity of its trigger mechanism, consisting of a firing pin and two sears - one for automatic, the other for single fire.

The BCC rifle consists of a barrel with a receiver, a silencer with sights, a stock, a bolt carrier with a gas piston, a bolt, a return mechanism, a percussion mechanism, a trigger mechanism, a forearm, a gas tube, a receiver cover and a magazine.

The principle of automation and locking of the barrel is the same as that of the Kalashnikov assault rifle.

VSS automation works on the principle of removing powder gases from the bore into the gas chamber located on top of the barrel under the plastic forearm, the bore is locked by turning the bolt with six lugs. The gas piston is rigidly connected to the bolt carrier. Inside the piston is hollow, and a reciprocating mainspring enters it with its front end. USM - striker type, allows for both single and automatic fire.

The fuse box, displayed on the right side of the receiver, at the same time closes the groove for the reloading handle, protecting the box from dust and dirt 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 consist of an open sector sight mounted on the muffler body and designed for a firing range of up to 400 m, and a front sight in the front sight. The VSS Vintorez can be equipped with a PSO-1 sight, any regular night sight (NSPUM, NSPU-3), as well as PO-3x34 sights with a special adapter.

Food is supplied from a plastic box magazine with a two-row arrangement with a capacity of 10 or 20 rounds.

The butt is wooden, made like the SVD and equipped with a rubber nape.

The rifle VSS "Vintorez" is equipped with an integrated device for silent-flameless firing (PBS), worn on the barrel. The action of the PBS rifle is associated with an unusual device of the barrel itself. Its front part, closed by a silencer, has six rows of through holes made along the bottom of the rifling. When fired, as the bullet moves along the bore, powder gases exit through these holes into the muffler cylinder, and then sequentially dissipate, pass through expansion chambers, a separator, break into mutually extinguishing flows, and are cooled by a grid-radiator rolled into a roll. The separator includes several baffles installed at different angles to the axis of the bore. Such a silencer design, along with the use of the SP-5 cartridge with optimal ballistic characteristics, made it possible to significantly reduce the level of unmasking signs (the sound and flame of a shot).

Shooting from the VSS "Vintorez" is carried out with special cartridges SP-5 and SP-6.
The 9-mm sniper cartridge SP-5 with a heavy bullet weighing 16.2 g was created by the designers of TsNIITOCHMASH N. Zabelin, L. Dvoryaninova and Yu. Frolov based on the sleeve of the intermediate cartridge mod. 1943. The subsonic muzzle velocity of this cartridge (270 - 280 m/s) provides the necessary reduction in the sound level when using a silencer, and the increased mass of the bullet with a steel core provides sufficient penetration at ranges up to 400 m. The mass of the SP-5 cartridge is 32 .2 g, cartridge length - 56 mm. The relatively low speed of a heavy bullet is partly offset by its high energy and lateral load, which provides stability on the trajectory and sufficient penetrating action. Based on the SP-5, the "armor-piercing" cartridge SP-6 was developed. The SP-6 has a bullet with a tungsten carbide core and a powder charge reinforced by 20% compared to the SP-5 cartridge, which allows it to penetrate a 6 mm steel plate at a distance of 100 meters. At a distance of 200 meters, a bullet of the SP-6 cartridge pierces a steel sheet 6 mm thick, at a distance of 500 meters - 2 mm thick, with an unconditional defeat of living targets located behind these shelters. However, it is not recommended to shoot only SP-6 cartridges without the need, as they cause increased wear on the barrel and mechanism of the weapon. For shooting at unarmored targets and for training, the SP-5 cartridge is used. The ballistics of the SP-5 and SP-6 cartridges are different in terms of the height of the trajectory, so the rifle must be sighted separately for each of these ammunition.

The VSS Vintorez sniper rifle can be disassembled into three units (a barrel with a silencer, a receiver with a trigger mechanism and a butt) and, together with a scope and magazines, is packed in a diplomat-type case measuring 450x370x140 mm, and the time required to transfer the weapon from the transport position to the combat position, is no more than 1 minute.

The service life of a VSS rifle is officially 1,500 shots, but with timely care, cleaning and lubrication, this weapon can withstand up to 5,000 shots without compromising the quality of combat.

The BCC rifle is designed to perform accurate, accurate and quiet "bite and run" work. You should not get carried away with frequent and prolonged shooting from it. For the accuracy of the battle, the backlashes between the working surfaces of the working parts are left to a minimum, and after shooting three full magazines, deposits of powder deposits adversely affect the flawless operation of the mechanism. In continuous mode, the weapon withstands more shots, but after cooling down after that, the Vintorez begins to give delays. This phenomenon is especially evident in wet weather, because at high humidity powder deposits tend to "swell". Therefore, the rifle must be cleaned as often as possible.

The disadvantages of this rifle, according to the experience of its combat use in the army, include the low strength of some parts, especially the receiver cover, as well as a click when switching the lever of the fuse-translator of fire modes. The VSS rifle, like any other sniper weapon, requires especially careful handling, which is not always possible to observe in combat conditions.

AT combat use"Vintorez" is an order of magnitude more effective than all known types of weapons of this class and purpose.

The VSS Vintorez sniper rifle is produced at the Tula Arms Plant and is in service with special forces of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, as well as the FSB and the presidential security service. In addition, it is exported to the countries of the Middle East and South America and also in the USA.

The design of the rifle was recognized as so successful that on its basis they created the Special Automatic (AS) "Val" and the small-sized SR-3 "Whirlwind" assault rifle.

Special sniper rifle "Vintorez" is a Soviet and Russian rifle system, characterized by low noise and designed to equip special forces units. "Vintorez" together with a special cartridge SP5 (caliber 9 mm) form a silent sniper complex (BSK).

BSK "Vintorez" is capable of providing covert group destruction of enemy personnel protected by body armor type 6B2 (protection class 2 and 3), as well as steel army helmets at a distance of up to 400 m. The Vintorez sniper rifle entered service in 1987. The first to test it were reconnaissance and sabotage units of the Soviet army and special units of the KGB. Today, the Vintorez sniper rifle occupies a worthy place in the arsenal of special forces.

History of VSS "Vintorez".

Until the 1970s divisions special purpose The USSR mainly used modified models of combined arms small arms, equipped with integrated silencers and loaded with special cartridges with subsonic bullet speed. For example, these were the Canaryka and Silence complexes, built on the basis of the AKS74U and AKM, respectively. However, such solutions had their drawbacks, so it was decided to develop a completely new weapon.

The following requirements were formulated for the future rifle:

• covert destruction of manpower at a distance of up to 400 m;
• penetration of an army steel helmet at a distance of no more than 400 m;
• the possibility of using electron-optical sights at night and optical sights during the day;
• lightness and compactness;
• the possibility of quick disassembly and assembly, suitability for covert transportation.

To achieve the compliance of the weapon with these conditions, gunsmiths had to develop ammunition.

The first version of the weapon chambered for 7.62 U appeared under the index RG036. The machine had an original gas exhaust system, which facilitated and simplified the design of the weapon, but had a negative impact on its reliability. As a result, the drawings had to be modified. In 1981, a second version appeared chambered for RG037, and it turned out to be more reliable. A review of the rifle showed that, in general, the weapon meets the assigned tasks and has satisfactory characteristics.

The new weapon passed preliminary tests, but in 1985 the requirements for a silent rifle were tightened. Now the machine was supposed to hit the enemy at a distance of no more than 400 m in body armor 6B2. As a result, it was decided to remake the machine chambered for 9 × 39 mm. In 1987, the Vintorez sniper rifle entered service with the GRU and the KGB. The machine began to master at the arms factory in Tula.

TTX "VSS" Vintorez.

• Caliber - 9 mm
• Cartridge - 9x39 (SP5, SP6)
• Length - 894 mm
• Barrel length - 200 mm
• The weight of the rifle without cartridges, as well as the optical sight - 2.45 kg
• Muzzle velocity - 290 m/s
• Rate of fire - 800-900 rounds / min
• Combat rate of fire - 30/60 rounds / min
• Sighting range using an optical sight - 400 m
• Sighting range using a night sight - 300 m
• Sighting range using an open sight - 400 m
• Magazine capacity - 10 or 20 rounds.

Design features

When creating VSS "Vintorez", classical design solutions were applied. This made it possible to obtain good results and achieve high performance weapons.

Rifle "Vintorez" has the following main parts:

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

The operation of the VSS automation is based on the use of the energy of powder gases, which are discharged into the gas chamber from the bore, and then converted into the kinetic energy of the automation system. The barrel is unlocked and locked by turning the bolt. The trigger mechanism is of a striker type, with the possibility of automatic and single fire.

The supply of cartridges is carried out from a two-row sector store with a staggered arrangement. The sending of the cartridge is carried out by the shutter. A spring-loaded swinging ejector removes the spent cartridge case.

BCC trunk

The barrel of the rifle is chrome-plated, it has six right-hand rifling. In the middle part of the barrel there is a gas chamber, including a cylindrical surface with grooves for attaching a silencer. The muzzle of the barrel contains 54 holes drilled along the rifling. Their purpose is to discharge gases into the expansion chamber of the muffler. To center the muffler, a special separator spring is put on the muzzle.

Butt

The detachable buttstock of the VSS rifle is of a skeletal type (similar to the buttstock of the SVD) and is made from multilayer plywood.

The butt of the rifle is attached to the receiver with the help of an overlay, which has dovetail protrusions and a lock. The design of the latch allows you to quickly detach the butt from the receiver.

Muffler

The effectiveness of the rifle is provided by another unit - a silencer integrated with the barrel, which consists of a separator and the silencer itself.

The separator is a die-welded structure consisting of a bushing, a holder, a washer and an insert. The cylindrical surface of the sleeve and the washer serves to ensure the alignment of the housing and the separator, the conical surface of the sleeve - to install the separator on the separator spring, which is located on the muzzle of the barrel.

The muffler body is made of a muzzle muffler chamber, as well as an expansion chamber for discharging gases. A separator is placed in front of the case. On the silencer body, a sight block with an aiming bar, a separator latch with a spring and a front sight base with a front sight are installed.

sights

Various optical and electron-optical sights are used for firing from a machine gun and a rifle at various ranges. The PSO-1-1 daytime optical sight is similar to the PSO-1 SVD, but it has remote scales for the ballistics of the SP-5 cartridge.

In addition to the PSO-1-1 sight, the 1P43 day optical sight can also be used, which allows you to increase your field of view. For shooting in the dark, the weapon is equipped with a night sight MBNP-1 or NSPU-3.

Recently, new generation sights have been developed - for example, the 1PN93 family of sights. Some of them can also be used at night. If a daytime optical sight fails, then a mechanical sighting device is used, which consists of a sector-type sight, as well as a front sight in the front sight, adjustable in lateral direction and height.

Placing the front sight and sight on the muffler requires strict control during the operation of the weapon for the correct connection of the muffler, to protect it from shock and mechanical damage.

Equipment

Each weapon is equipped with an individual ZIP-O kit, which includes:

• ramrod;
• belonging;
• butter dish;
• scraper;
• five 10-round magazines;
• belt.

Stowage equipment includes: a separate bag for carrying VSS, as well as a bag for carrying four stores, an optical sight and ZIP-O.

MMG VSS "Vintorez"

Mass-Dimensional Models (MMG) in Russia are the only legal way to have VSS Vintorez at home. MMG can be of two types:

1. MMGs, originally produced as mock-ups, they, with their external identity, as well as the similarity of the mechanisms, are made of materials other than military weapon. Therefore, they cannot be converted into military weapons.
2. MMG made from deactivated weapons. Such a weapon was made as a combat weapon, but a little later it was deactivated (a welded chamber, a drilled barrel, etc.). Conventionally, almost all Russian-made MMGs performed at arms factories can be attributed to this type of MMG.

Vintorez - Silent killer!

Caliber: 9mm (9x39 SP-5, SP-6)

Mechanism: automatic, gas outlet, locking by turning the shutter.

Length: 894 mm

Barrel length: 200 mm

Weight without scope and ammo: 2.6 kg with cartridges and sight PSO-1: 3.41 kg

Score: box-shaped detachable for 10 or 20 rounds

9-mm special sniper rifle (VSS, "Vintorez", Index GRAU - 6P29)- silent sniper rifle.

The rifle is intended for arming special forces units.

VSS (Special Sniper Rifle) "Vintorez" created to carry out special operations requiring low-noise weapons. The rifle was developed at the Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering (TsNIITOCHMASH) in the city of Klimovsk under the leadership of Peter Serdyukov. Together with the rifle, special ammunition was also developed with a subsonic bullet speed, capable of reliably hitting targets at ranges up to 400 meters. Such ammunition was the cartridges 9x39mm SP-5 (with a conventional bullet) and SP-6 (with an armor-piercing bullet), created on the basis of the cartridge case 7.62x39 mod 1943. The initial speed of the bullets of the SP-5 and SP-6 cartridges is about 280 m / s, the weight of the bullets is about 16 grams. It has been in service with the VSS since the late 1980s. The VSS rifle is widely and successfully used by various special forces in the power structures of Russia, including in Chechnya.

The VSS rifle is built on the basis of automation with a gas engine and a rotary bolt. The gas piston is located above the barrel and is rigidly fixed to the bolt carrier. The butterfly valve has 6 lugs. The receiver is milled from steel to increase the strength of the structure. The shutter handle and fuse are made according to the type of a Kalashnikov assault rifle, however, the fire mode translator is made in the form of a transverse button located behind the trigger. The trigger mechanism is also very different from the USM AK, and has a striker design.

The barrel in the front part (after the gas chamber) has several rows of holes, which removes part of the powder gases from the bottom of the rifling into back integrated muffler. In the front part, in front of the muzzle of the barrel, the silencer has a row of steel diaphragms with a hole for a bullet, which slow down the powder gases inside the silencer. For cleaning and compact storage, the silencer can be removed from the weapon, but firing without a silencer is prohibited.

The VSS sights include a side rail for mounting optical or night sights, as well as a reserve open sight mounted on the muffler casing and consisting of a rear sight, adjustable in range up to 400 meters, and a front sight. The standard optical sight for the VSS is the 4x PSO-1, re-marked for the ballistics of the 9x39 SP-5 cartridge.

The butt of the VSS rifle is wooden, of skeletal construction. If necessary, it can be easily removed from the weapon for storage in minimum dimensions.

Application history

First Chechen War

The first combat use of VSS rifles dates back to the first Chechen war, when special forces began to arm these rifles.

The Chechen separatists, who faced the VSS and suffered heavy losses from it, quickly appreciated the quality of the new Russian weapons.

Chechens are very annoyed by silent sniper rifles Russians. “We can’t detect where they are shooting from,” the militias spat in their hearts.

E. Abdulaev. "Rumbles over the formidable city." Magazine "Soldier of Fortune", No. 4 1995

Vladimir Olgin, the commander of one of the special forces companies of the federal forces, described the VSS Vintorez / AS Val combination as an ideal system for special forces, the skillful use of which allows you to work wonders. The author especially noted the quality of the use of the VSS in solving the problem of "removing the sentry" - there was a case when the fighters of the detachment destroyed 5 militants from the VSS even before the main enemy group realized what was happening.

In the city - an irreplaceable thing, and the night is not a hindrance to it. The enemy does not hear or see. The main thing is that there is more ammunition (but there was tension with them). You shoot up to 300 meters, as in a shooting range, the main thing is the alignment of the sight, at night the result is similar.

Sh. Aliev. "Where did the bloody experience go?" Magazine "Soldier of Fortune", No. 11 1997

On January 7, 1995, a special forces detachment of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) from the 22nd Special Forces Brigade was surrounded. 48 people were captured by the militants, the Chechens also captured Vintorez sniper rifles.

After the arrival of the VSS to the troops, all AKMS with silent and flameless firing devices were sent to the warehouses as unnecessary.

Second Chechen War

During the second Chechen war a sniper from one of the Russian special forces, being in an ambush, took a position in the crown of a dense tree. Finding a group of militants, he waited until they all went out into the open and, opening fire at effective range, destroyed the entire group before they figured out where the fire was coming from.

Georgian-Ossetian conflict

During the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, the VSS was used by both sides (both Ossetian and Georgian), and during the war in South Ossetia - by Russian troops.

In particular, on January 29, 2007, Georgia attacked South Ossetian policemen using AKM and VSS. Three policemen were wounded.

Incidents

Illegal armed groups began to use it in carrying out terrorist attacks. Ossetian journalists believe that both the Georgian special services and the VSS militants could get through the American side, which officially purchases these rifles, the Izvestia newspaper also names the countries of the Middle and Near East as options for delivery routes. In particular, on a videotape provided by American journalists, one of the terrorists who seized a school in Beslan is seen in the hands of the VSS

On June 5, 2009, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Dagestan, Adilgirey Magomedtagiro, was killed with a Vintorez rifle.

AT modern wars and local military conflicts, a significant role is assigned to special reconnaissance and sabotage operations conducted 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, disrupt 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.

*****

One of such 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 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 at short distances, equipped with 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 general purposes, 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 essential condition Since the performance of combat missions by special forces units on enemy territory was secrecy of actions, then the use of weapons with small unmasking factors of a shot - sound, flame and smoke, i.e. "silent" weapons - became of particular importance in carrying out such operations. In addition, when by the end of the 1970s the combat missions special forces, 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 conducting a number of various research work 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 lethality 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 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 lower its damaging 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 7 H1 sniper rifle cartridge 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. Her external form was determined taking into account the requirements of external ballistics for bullets with subsonic speed. 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 new cartridge RGO37 did not allow confidently hitting enemy manpower in anti-fragmentation body armor at a direct shot range of 400 m. A silent sniper rifle was designed under the 7.62 mm RGO37 cartridge, 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 silencer, 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 stopped, 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.

*****

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 butt 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. Considering 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 nighttime non-illuminated 1 PN75 (MBNP-1), in the dark, designed for a range of up to 300 m; 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, a receiver with a trigger mechanism and a 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 motorized rifle company one of the regiments that operated in 1995 in the mountainous region of Yarysh-Mordy south of Grozny, now Major V. A. Lukashov, 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 body armor up to and including protection class III (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 for 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 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 gets him, simultaneously penetrating any bulletproof vest from those that real person can wear without assistance. And not too long a burst can cause enough damage to disable a truck, launcher or 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 requiring silent, flameless firing at protected enemy 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 shooting 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 stock that folded onto 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, landing 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 operation of 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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The Val family of weapons has long been famous for the use of advanced technologies and truly unique developments. Take, for example, the brand new, but already famous "Whirlwind" - a silent and compact assault machine that has managed to fall in love with the special forces. His colleague AS "Val", a member of many military companies, has already become famous even outside the Russian Federation, easily bypassing many analogues. A worthy company is also made by Vintorez - a rifle that combines the advantages of a sniper and an assault rifle.

Pedigree

Echoes of the Cold War between the States and the Union reverberate even today. was developed by special government order in the 1970s. Successfully conducted tests contributed to its adoption. Back in the 80s, she fell into the hands of the KGB, intelligence officers and some units of the special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. "Vintorez" VSS made it possible to hit targets almost silently. And all thanks to the unique structure of the muffler. Moreover, with its help it was possible to destroy not only the manpower of the enemy, but also his unarmored equipment.

The use of the new rifle turned out to be so successful that the developer of the rifle, TSNIITOCHMASH, began to create an assault high-precision machine gun on its basis. The novelty was liked not only by reconnaissance and attack aircraft, but even by snipers. "Vintorez" VSS and AS "Val" are designed for the same cartridge, their structure is largely similar, most parts are interchangeable. It is not surprising that these two go shoulder to shoulder for almost their entire combat path.

The device and its features

The design of the rifle is quite simple. The trigger mechanism consists of a firing pin and two sears. One of them is responsible for automatic fire, the second - for single fire. The principle of automation is in many ways similar to that used for the VSS "Vintorez" rifle, which has the following parts in its structure:

• barrel with receiver;
• wooden butt;
• Group sights;
• bolt carrier with piston;
• gate;
• shock, return and trigger mechanisms;
• gas tube;
• handguard;
• receiver cover.

In addition to the above, there is a regular magazine for 10 rounds.

Automation works on the principle of removing powder gases through the barrel channel into the gas chamber. The channel itself is locked by turning the shutter. The gas piston has a rigid connection with the bolt carrier. A reciprocating mainspring is located in its cavity. The flag fuse is located on the right, in addition to the direct task, it also protects the box from dust and dirt. The fire modes are switched using a mechanism located in the trigger guard: its horizontal position allows firing single shots, while its position to the left allows firing bursts.

The sights of the rifle consist of a sector sight and a front sight mounted on a muffler. The front part of the barrel with six rows of holes is completely covered by a silencer. It is with the help of these holes that the removal of powder gases is carried out. After passing through them, they enter the muffler cylinder, and there they are successively dispersed into mutually extinguishing flows, leaving for the expansion chambers.

The rifle can be equipped with PSO-1, NSPU-3 optics, a collimator.

Full unmasking

The VSS Vintorez sniper rifle has two undeniable advantages that distinguish it from its analogues. First of all, it is the ability to shoot almost silently.

This useful option is complemented by a structural feature and small dimensions. Standard optics, a silencer and even a buttstock are removable parts, dismantling which, you can easily hide the rifle in a small

ammunition

Like all representatives of the VAL family, Vintorez fires 9x39 cartridges - SP-5 and SP-6. These fairly serious ammunition is capable of destroying even light armor of military equipment.

It is noteworthy that they have different ballistics, you need to shoot weapons separately for each of them. Experts do not recommend using SP-6 cartridges without special need, as they accelerate the wear of the weapon, thanks to the steel-reinforced core.

Killing power and aiming range

The SP-5 cartridge can penetrate two-millimeter steel and hit living targets behind it. SP-6 exceeds this figure by 20%. This weapon cannot boast of a long range of aimed fire, and its specificity is not such. Still, "Vintorez" is a universal weapon, suitable primarily for attack aircraft. Therefore, in order to get into the head of the enemy, you will have to get close to him at least 200 meters. The body can be hit from twice the distance. Installation of additional sighting devices is designed for maximum range half a kilometer.

"Vintorez" in battle

Despite a number of advantages, one should not think that Vintorez VSS is superior to all analogues. The weapon is designed primarily for assault, anti-terrorist, reconnaissance and sabotage activities. This weapon is ideal where the fighter cannot reveal his location, but at the same time it is possible to get close enough to the target. Perhaps, in some cases, it is more logical to use the good old SVD, although large-sized, but striking targets at a distance of almost a kilometer. In addition, "Vintorez" is not designed for long-term battles. But where you need to appear imperceptibly, quickly and quietly carry out an operation, and then just as silently retreat, the VSS Vintorez rifle is simply irreplaceable. The price of a combat rifle is relatively low, which makes it possible, if necessary, to arm special forces units with it.

"Vintorez" in civilian life

Love for weapons is often experienced not only by the military and law enforcement officers. It also attracts peaceful adventure lovers. Therefore, non-combat analogues of the VSS "Vintorez" were developed specifically for this purpose. Airsoft, laser tag, paintball are sports where you can meet the civilian version of this rifle. Of course, the design of the weapon has been greatly changed, but the shape resembles the original as much as possible. Saved and special shape butt, and a silencer, and a kind of body. "Vintorez" in a specialized store can be bought for 500-600 dollars, depending on the configuration.

Participation in wars and armed conflicts

For the first time, the Vintorez rifle showed itself during the First Chechen campaign. Then some special forces of the Russian army were armed with it. She also took part in the Second Chechen War. Widespread fame got the case when Russian sniper single-handedly destroyed the entire enemy sabotage group, and even before the militants had time to understand from which side they were being fired at.

During the Georgian-Ossetian conflict, both sides were armed with the Vintorez.

This rifle was also noted in the infamous terrorist operation in Beslan. In the subsequent analysis of the films filmed by journalists, it was found that at least one militant was armed with a Vintorez.

"Vintorez" in service

Currently, not only Russian soldiers and law enforcement officers have this rifle. It is also exported abroad. It is noteworthy that not only the countries of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and post-Soviet space but also the USA.

Does the Vintorez project have a great future?

It is difficult to imagine what fate awaits this rifle. To date, it does not have a single worthy analogue in its class, but it is not necessary to talk about its mass production, which could compete with the legendary SVD in any way. This is primarily due to the use of a fairly rare ammunition with special ballistics.

But in any case, one thing is clear - with the execution of the task "Vintorez" VSS copes "excellently". And those who have ever tested it in battle unanimously call this weapon "silent Russian death."