A special machine gun ace "val" and a special sniper rifle VSS "vintorez. Sniper rifle "Vintorez" VSS: comparison with competitors and specifications What is better shaft or screw cutter

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

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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 equipped with weapons at short distances. personal protection.

A significant drawback of domestic samples of silent small arms the first generation, by this time in service with the Soviet special forces, were relatively low, in comparison with weapons for general purposes, combat and service and operational characteristics - effective range shooting, 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 by this time, in accordance with the state program for the development of weapons and military equipment, refers to the beginning of research and development work (R&D) 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 with the 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 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; Shop;

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 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 firing position arrow. 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

Receiver VSS and AC

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 conditions operation. 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 him were discontinued, since by the end of 1985 the Ministry of Defense Industry of the USSR approves 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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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 corking cardboard boxes for 10 rounds was the inscription "Sniper". Already in 1987 new pattern special sniper weapon, created on the basis of the RG036, and chambered for the 9mm 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 characteristics. 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

Day optical sight 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.

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).

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".

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.

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 machine gun, unlike the rifle, received a new 20-round magazine (fully interchangeable with a 10-round magazine from the BCC) and a metal frame stock that folds onto left side 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.

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.

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

Echo cold war between the States and the Union makes itself felt even in our time. 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 of sighting devices;
• 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 counterparts. 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. The installation of additional sights is designed for a maximum range of 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 move away - 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. The special shape of the butt, the silencer, and the original case have been preserved. "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. The case when a Russian sniper single-handedly destroyed an entire enemy sabotage group with a Vintorez rifle was widely known, and even before the militants had time to understand 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 countries showed interest in it. Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and the post-Soviet space, but also the United States.

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."

Small arms of Russia. New models of Catshow Charlie

SPECIAL AUTOMATIC AS "VAL" AND SPECIAL SNIPER RIFLE VSS "VINTOREZ"

It is not clear how the Russians choose the names for their small arms systems, but the fact that these names are at least strange is a fact. Evidence of this are the names of these two rifles. In essence, the "Val" and "Vintorez" are the same rifle in two different modifications to perform various tactical tasks. Both systems have a receiver common with the small-sized MA "Whirlwind" assault rifle, also designed for a 9x39 mm cartridge. According to Russian sources, the AS assault rifle and the VSS rifle have been in service with special forces and special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for several years. As already noted, both systems are the same except for two differences: the machine gun cannot be completely disassembled for carrying in a briefcase, and it has a folding metal stock similar to the one that is equipped with an SVDS rifle, and a pistol fire control grip, rather than a rigid skeletal wooden butt "in the style of Dragunov", which is equipped with a VSS rifle. Having listed these rachpichs, I will further describe both systems together.

The weapon was developed at TsNIITochmash, located in the city of Klimovsk, by a design bureau led by Pyotr Ivanovich Serdyukov. According to Russian sources, Serdyukov carefully studied ballistics before starting work on a silent rifle, which allowed him to develop a silencer that not only reduced the noise level, but also suppressed the flash. As it was written in the newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda, the official organ Russian Ministry defense:

“This weapon owes its amazing success to the right balance between the two main enemies of silent shooting: pressure and heat. Powder gases, as soon as the bullet flies out of the muzzle, immediately begin to disperse in all directions; as a result, a sharp increase in pressure occurs in the immediate vicinity. But here - in the first chamber of the muffler, where the gases expand - the simultaneous decrease in temperature also affects the pressure. Finally, a part called a separator forcibly "breaks" the wave following the bullet, passing it through numerous flaps that direct the shock wave in different directions. These shutters provide cooling gases. These are the basic principles of how a silencer works.”

Although the note hardly explains how the AC/BCS silencer works, judging by the little it reveals, its construction is quite conventional. But whatever the technology used to create the silencer, it works very effectively. The author was able to fire several hundred rounds in a row from both systems without a noticeable reduction in noise suppression. Unfortunately, the Russian military did not allow the silencer to be dismantled and refused to answer detailed questions about its construction.

With the exception of the mufflers, both systems are conventional in design. The principle of operation of automation is based on the removal of gases; there is a choice of fire mode; ammunition is supplied from a removable box magazine. The rifles are compact, with a very short ventilated barrel, covered with an integrated silencer. Apparently, this weapon is not designed to be used without a silencer. Both systems are undoubtedly created on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, but they have some significant differences. So, for example, the cover of the receiver is non-removable. When a latch at the back is released, the cover pivots on a hinge at the front, exposing the internal mechanisms of the rifle, similar to those of an AK. However, the gas system has significant differences; in addition, the trigger mechanism is not of the trigger type, like all weapon systems of the AK family, but of the striker type. Apparently, without a silencer installed, the automatic rifle will not work, since it is an integral part gas system and without it, the pressure of the gases will be insufficient.

Special machine AS "Val" chambered for 9x39 mm.

Special sniper rifle VSS "Vintorez" chambered for 9x39 mm with a night sight of the second generation 1LX51.

BCC rifle, disassembled for covert transportation.

As noted above, the term "sniper" in the Russian army has a different meaning from that used in the West. With this in mind, one should not be surprised that the target range of the VSS is 400 meters. The author fired this rifle at distances up to 200 meters, and at this distance the accuracy is approximately two minutes of arc. There is every reason to believe that with this ammunition the rifle will retain such accuracy at the next 200 meters. Such a weapon can hardly be considered a sniper rifle in the understanding of the West, but it is more than satisfying Russian snipers, whose targets (and the distances at which they fire on those targets) differ significantly from Western standards.

The VSS rifle is offered as part of the VSK sniper system (not to be confused with the VSK-94 rifle described below) and comes in an aluminum case containing the disassembled VSS rifle, a PSO-1 daytime optical sight with 4x magnification (apparently with sighting system other than that used in sights intended for use with the SVD rifle), a 1PN75 night optical sight, empty magazines and a pencil case with cleaning accessories. Shops are made of polymer materials and are offered in capacities of 10 and 20 rounds. The 10-round magazine is for the VSS sniper rifle, and the 20-round magazine is for the special AS machine gun, but both magazines are interchangeable.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SPECIAL AUTOMATIC AS AND BCC SNIPER RIFLE

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VSS "Vintorez" AS "VAL" SR-3M "Whirlwind" and VSK-94

Father of VAL and Vintorez RG036.

In the early eighties, a group of designers from the Klimovsky Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering began to develop a fundamentally new weapon for snipers.
When creating a silent sniper rifle, it was necessary to find a solution that would ensure high accuracy and confident defeat of various targets at a distance of up to 400 meters. The development of weapons was carried out under the 7.62-mm automatic cartridge US (reduced speed). IN
At the end of 1981, a prototype rifle was ready under the symbol RG036. The military was struck by its appearance: with a total length of 815 mm, it weighed only 2.2 kg. It is not surprising that the nickname “toy” immediately stuck to the rifle. This "toy" at a distance of 400 meters easily pierced an army helmet and a 25-mm pine board. However
new requirements that emerged around the same time pushed for the invention of a more powerful cartridge capable of penetrating standard army body armor. Therefore, the design idea, which had calmed down, worked again.
The result was not long in coming. In the mid-eighties, new 9mm ammunition was created.

The SP-5 sniper cartridge, which provided 75 mm accuracy at a distance of 100 m in a group of five shots, and the increased penetration cartridge - SP-6, which was able to penetrate an 8 mm steel plate at a distance of the same 100 m. The RG036 rifle was redesigned for new cartridges and in 1987 entered service with special units of the KGB reconnaissance detachments Soviet army called VSS (special sniper rifle).

In the silent VSS sniper rifle (the designers of Klimovsk call it "Vintorez"), the main role is played by an integrated silencer, which extinguishes both the sound of the shot and the flame. The reduction in the sound of the shot occurs due to the cooling and dispersion of powder gases, as well as the elimination of the supersonic wave from the bullet. VSS has automation based on the removal of powder gases. The barrel bore is locked by turning the bolt. In contrast to the SVD, the Vintorez uses a striker type impact mechanism. The light striker gives the rifle little push when fired, which contributes to good accuracy at a high rate of fire.

The main mode of firing from a rifle is single fire, but the possibility of automatic fire is provided.

Shops are made of plastic and are designed for 10 and 20 rounds. The Air Force is easily disassembled into 3 main units: a barrel with a receiver, automation parts, a trigger mechanism and a forearm, a silencer with sights and a stock. These parts fit easily into a specially made case. A PSO type sight is attached to the rifle, as well as any regular night sight. It should be noted that the noiselessness of firing is achieved thanks not only to the silencer, but also to a special cartridge. Therefore, Vintorez is not called a sniper rifle, but a sniper complex.

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

The silent assault rifle system, which includes a special assault rifle (AS "Val", index 6P30) and the SP6 cartridge, which entered service in 1989, constitutes one "family" of weapons with a silent sniper complex. 70% of the parts and assemblies of the VSS rifle and the AS assault rifle are unified.
The assault rifle has a left-folding skeletal metal butt of steel tubes, a plastic pistol grip, and is used with a magazine with a capacity of 20 rounds.
The St. Petersburg cartridge designed by Yu. S. Frolov and ES Kornilova is equipped with a bullet of increased penetrative action. A hardened steel core longer than that of SP5a protrudes from the shell. The SPb cartridge, with a slightly worse accuracy than that of the SP58, allows you to hit live targets at ranges up to 400m, protected by class 2-3 body armor and an armored helmet, or unarmored vehicles - the bullet pierces a 4-mm steel sheet. The similarity of the ballistics of the SP5 and SPb bullets allows them to be fired on the same sight setting.
For an assault rifle, noise reduction serves not only for secrecy of use, but also to reduce the acoustic load on the shooter and provide the possibility of voice communication during combat in a cramped room, underground structures, etc.
VSS and AS are produced by the Tula Arms Plant for special forces units of several law enforcement agencies.

SR-3 "Whirlwind" is a compact Russian assault rifle developed in Klimov TsNIITOCHMASH by designers A. D. Borisov and V. N. Levchenko in 1994. It was brought to production by the designer A. I. Tashlykov and was put into mass production in 1996. It was created on the basis of the AS Val silent assault rifle, with which it is unified in terms of its main details, which has a positive effect on the production and operation of weapons.

When using special armor-piercing cartridges SP-6, the machine allows you to successfully hit opponents in bulletproof vests of protection class 5 at a distance of up to 50 m, class 4 - up to 120 m, class 3 - up to 200 m, class 2 - up to 300 m, class 1 - up to 500 m. small size CP-3 promotes covert wearing.

Later, a modernized version of the SR-3M was developed, which was supposed to combine the advantages of the SR-3, VSS and AS.

The financial problems of our defense industry in a market economy in the 90s opened the way for many of the latest developments abroad. VSS "Vintorez" was acquired by the countries of the Near and Middle East, South America. For the creation of the VSS designers - A. Deryagin, P. Serdyukov, N. Zabelin and other specialists a few years ago became the owners of the State Prize.

Successor

The military sniper complex VSK-94, built on the basis of the 9A91 assault rifle, incorporated all the best that could be taken from its predecessor - light weight, traditional reliable design and already proven subsonic ammunition of 9x39 mm caliber. If almost nothing is known about the use of VSK-94 by special forces units during the first Chechen campaign, then in the second Chechen campaign, all the silent weapons that the Russian army then possessed showed their best side.

From June 23 to 24, in the village of Alkhan-Kala, a joint detachment of special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the FSB carried out an operation, during which one of the field commanders of Chechen militants, Arbi Baraev, was liquidated along with his group. It was in this special operation that the leading role was played not only by the special forces soldiers who stormed the positions of the militants, but also by the snipers of the Russian special forces, who worked on the positions of the militants from silent weapons.

Nikolai Rychkov, one of the participants in those events, in an interview with the Zvezda TV channel, told how it was: “The work of silent weapons in Chechnya, in general, it seems to me, is a topic for writing a scientific dissertation. So many applications and almost 100% efficiency. Why almost? Well, because sometimes weather interfered, sometimes the situation did not allow. The rest of the weapon has always worked like clockwork. As for Baraev's gang, the snipers, whose work I observed, literally crawled along the ground. Later I found out that they worked from VSK-94. The silhouette of the weapon is unusual. The height and overall dimensions are so thought out that only later, when I personally took this weapon to see, I realized that it can only give such an effect - hitting the target and silence. As far as I remember, snipers shot at one magazine in total. That is, about twenty rounds, or even less. And the deed was done."

A special role in the liquidation of the Baraev gang, in addition to the competent actions of the special forces and operational intelligence reports, was played by the VSK-94, which was equipped with the usual PSO-1 sniper scope. The armor-piercing cartridge SP-6, with the help of which Russian special forces snipers hit the enemy, “closed” by body armor, deserves special mention in the course of this carefully conducted operation.

In addition to participating in the elimination of Baraev, the Tula complex had a chance to participate in a good dozen operations of the second Chechen campaign. The liquidation of the field commander Movsan Suleimenov, the special operation in Argun, the operation to liberate Urus-Martan ... a dozen or even a hundred operations were successfully carried out thanks to silent weapons, and it was the VSK-94 complex that made a big contribution to the overall victory.

During the hostilities, almost no field changes were made to the design of the VSK-94 by the military forces, which usually occur with combined arms weapons. Almost not a single detail was finalized, with the exception of a small lining near the sight, which was responsible for mounting a more powerful optical sight.

The trigger mechanism, devices for silent and flameless firing of the VSK-94 complex in combat conditions were not finalized at all and in no way caused any complaints from the military. "Kalashnikov sniper rifle" - such a nickname was given to the VSK-94 in the special forces for its reliability.

The results of silent operation

VSK-94 and its predecessor 9A91 during the course of real combat work proved that weapons chambered for 9x39 mm can be much more deadly and useful than conventional sniper and other special weapons. During the hostilities, the military, who had a chance to work with Tula weapons, noted that the resource of the VSK-94 and 9A91 barrel and the overall survivability and reliability of the scheme would soon make it possible to almost completely abandon the use of the SVD rifle during special operations.

According to the confessions of the military, both the earlier 9A91 and the modernized VSK-94 have enough range to hit the enemy and guarantee the secrecy of the sniper's work. One way or another, the Tula weapon went through all the stages of silent armament: from the drawing board to real, harsh operation in battle and in thirty-degree frost and in forty-degree heat.

The design engineers of the Tula design bureau were once again able to prove in practice that silent sniper weapons are perhaps the main tool for treating a disease called international terrorism. As for the Tula 9A91 and VSK-94, they gained well-deserved respect and honor among the military, along with other silent weapons, such as the special VSS sniper rifle and the small-sized VAL machine gun from TSNIITOCHMASH. The entire range of silent weapons with minor modifications and improvements is used by Russian special forces to this day.

VSS "Vintorez" and AS "Val"

Armed conflicts in modern world- are fundamentally different from those that were half a century ago. And if earlier the word battle meant “trench” skirmishes during the Second World War, now, full-scale military operations are a rarity. This fact is closely related to changes in the military doctrines of many countries, as well as to the goals that such missions set for themselves. The command, as a rule, prefers to deliver a preemptive strike and prevent the kindling of a large center of resistance, paying for it with several accurate shots. In such conditions, the importance of anti-terrorist and other special forces, as well as their weapons, is growing, as an effective tool designed to facilitate the fulfillment of assigned tasks.

Often, upon reaching the goal set by the fighters of the special forces, it is necessary to eliminate one or more opponents. In order for the task to be completed as efficiently as possible, with minimal or no losses, a weapon is needed that can shoot far, quietly, accurately and surely. This is how you can characterize our today's guests - VSS Vintorez and AS Val.

Prerequisites

Until the early 80s of the last century, special forces soldiers had at their disposal combined arms samples firearms, somehow adapted for conducting silent and flameless fire. The whole point was that screwing a silencer to a standard weapon was not enough - extensive improvements were required. So, for example, the silent firing device (PBS-1), developed for the AK line, had a drawback that adversely affected the subsonic cartridges used and, as a result, blocked the operation of automation. After the necessary improvements were made to the design of the silencer, the effective range of the machine gun, with the PBS-1 installed on it, was no more than 100 meters.

Also, to the aforementioned technical problem, very banal ones were added: increased dimensions and weight of the weapon, reduced reliability and changes in firing, due to wear of the attachment points for flameless and silent firing devices. At the same time, a decrease in range, accuracy, and firing efficiency was a general rule for all weapons modified to use silencers.

Given this state of affairs and the growing needs of special forces, in the late 1970s, it was decided to create a single set of silent small arms, which would include an assault rifle, a grenade launcher, a pistol and a sniper rifle. As a result of painstaking work, the VSS "Vintorez" saw the light, and then the AS "Val" - a weapon that was in many ways ahead of its time, both in the region performance characteristics, and appearance. But first things first.

First steps

During the development of the legendary Vintorez, the designers faced a huge number of difficulties. First of all, this concerns the fact that such a weapon was created for the first time, so to speak "from scratch", and therefore there were practically no own developments in this area. Another snag was that new complex was supposed to enter service with several types of special forces at once, subordinate to various law enforcement agencies, which formed the requirements for future weapons. Often, the put forward conditions contradicted each other and were submitted late.

A group of engineers, led by designers V.F. Krasnikov and P.I. Serdyukov, began to develop a rifle complex back in the 70s - as soon as the idea arose to create a quiet and inconspicuous weapon for special forces. However, it was not until 1983 that it was possible to agree on some aspects of the future sniper rifle, which made it possible to proceed with more constructive development. The project received the working title "Vintorez".

Among the stated requirements, it was possible to single out the most significant:

Combat power - not lower than the AKS-74U.

A covert defeat of enemy manpower at a distance of 400 m, while at the same distance, breaking through a steel army helmet.

Light weight and dimensions, as well as the ability to quickly disassemble and assemble into component parts, which would make it possible to covertly transport weapons.

Possibility of using optical (day) and electron-optical (night) sights.

Ups and downs

Already at the development stage, one significant difficulty was revealed that prevented the creation of a new weapon - the lack of the necessary cartridge. The fact is that during the design of the Vintorez, one type of ammunition, caliber 7.62x39 US, with a subsonic bullet speed, was used for effective covert shooting. This sample was the only one and did not meet the requirements for effective firing range. Therefore, engineers created a new cartridge of 7.62 mm caliber, which received the index RG037. Based on the test results, it turned out that the cartridge, although far from perfect, still has every chance of being used in Vintorez, since it provided acceptable accuracy at the required distances.

Curious in this story is the fact that the designers created two prototypes of the rifle - under the old cartridge 7.62x39 US, and the new RG037. In this case, both guns had the index RG036. It was assumed that the version chambered for RG037 would undergo further refinement, since general requirements the created weapon corresponded - it had a length of 85 cm, a weight of 1.8 kg and was capable of penetrating a steel sheet 1.6 mm thick at a distance of 400 m.

However, further refinement of the RG036 was prevented by the requirements for the machine gun, received in 1985. Since the machine gun and the sniper rifle were, in fact, part of one whole, another important point was added to the already existing conditions - the defeat of enemy manpower, protected by bulletproof vests of the 3rd protection class, at a distance of 400 meters. The RG037 cartridge used in the Vintorez prototype no longer met the stated requirements, so all work on the RG036 was suspended until the development of a new cartridge, caliber 9x39 mm.

Breakthrough

The 9x39 mm cartridge was developed by designers N. V. Zabelin and L. S. Dvoryaninov, by the mid-80s. The new ammunition received the index SP-5, and during the tests showed compliance with all the stated requirements. RG036 was redesigned for a new cartridge, successfully passed the tests and in 1987 entered service with the special forces. In the same year, the AS (special automatic machine) "Val", created on the basis of the VSS "Vintorez", saw the light. It is curious that the SP-6 cartridge was created for the machine gun, which has improved armor penetration, but lower accuracy than the SP-5.

Interesting Facts

In addition to their unusual appearance and impressive performance characteristics, VSS Vintorez and AS Val boast several remarkable facts from his biography:

The most curious thing is that the name "Vintorez" is absent in the official terminology - it was a working term that was firmly established in everyday life. In the documents, the following is stated: "9-mm special sniper rifle."

The assault rifle and the sniper rifle are 70% unified, which allows them to use separate elements borrowed from each other: from magazines to internal nodes. This fact positively affects the production of weapons.

Optical sights installed on this weapon system have new markings and an improved reticle that takes into account the ballistics of new ammunition. So, the famous PSO-1 in this case is called PSO-1-1.

"Vintorez" and "Val" can use both cartridges - SP-5 and SP-6. At the same time, due to the design features of the rifle, it is not recommended to use the SP-6 unless absolutely necessary. Unlike the assault rifle, the VSS has minimal gaps and backlashes, which quickly become clogged with soot when firing armor-piercing ammunition - this structure of internal components was made to achieve higher accuracy of the rifle.

Cartridges SP-5 and SP-6 are placed in a cartridge case from a 7.62x39 cartridge, with a recompressed muzzle for a new bullet. In addition to these ammunition, there are also: SP-6UCH - for training in loading the store, as well as SP-5UZ, used to test the strength of the weapon locking assembly and used strictly in the factory, since it has an enhanced charge.

Shop machine gun or rifle has the ability to load from clips.

The resource of the VSS "Vintorez" is 1500 shots, however, with proper care and high culture of the owner, this figure increases to 5000.

The maximum effective range of the sniper rifle is 400 meters, while an accurate headshot is possible at a maximum distance of 250 meters.

Results

The effectiveness of the VSS "Vintorez" and AS "Val" was proved by numerous armed conflicts, including two Chechen wars, in which the weapon coped with the tasks set perfectly. The practice of military operations has shown that guns are especially deadly in urban confrontation at night. Special forces say that in combat practice it often happened that the enemy lost about five people before they understood where they were firing from. However, a skilled sniper is able to kill an entire enemy squad without even revealing himself.

The shooting complex, created more than twenty years ago, still has no world competitive analogues. This is largely achieved thanks to a narrowly focused segment in which VSS and AS are used. It was an integrated approach, in order to create the ideal weapon for saboteurs, that provided the weapon with an enviable popularity among elite units special purpose around the world.

Game realities

It would be strange if the Combat Arms arsenal did not include a domestic masterpiece of engineering weapons, so on the virtual battlefield you can use:

AS "Val"- is classified as an assault rifle and has the following characteristics:

Damage - 43.

• Rate of fire - 285.

  Accuracy - 65.

  Recoil - 27.

• Distance - 3750.

VSS "Vintorez" - automatic sniper rifle. Real exotic on the battlefield:

Damage - 93;

• Rate of fire - 100;

  Accuracy - 98;

  Recoil - 21;

  Distance -4950.

VSS "Vintorez" Zoya - epic version of the weapon, owned by the famous Russian specialist. A real gift for fans of remote combat:

Damage - 100;

• Rate of fire - 120;

  Accuracy - 99;

  Recoil - 20;

  Distance -5550.