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The VSS "Vintorez", (Russian: ВСС «Винторе́з» Винто́вка Сна́йперская Специа́льная, romanized: Vintóvka Snáyperskaya Spetsiálnaya «Vintorez», lit. 'Special Sniper Rifle' «Thread Cutter»), (GRAU index 6P29), is a Soviet suppressed sniper rifle firing the subsonic 9×39mm cartridge. It was designed at the same time as the AS "Val" special assault rifle, for similar purposes and with similar construction. Both weapons were not identified by Western forces until the early 1990s.

History[]

Its development began in the late 1980s, when the Spetsnaz command requested the development of specialised weapons to suit their undercover and clandestine operations. Before that time, the Spetsnaz had used Kalashnikov rifles with detachable silencers and special subsonic ammunition and Stechkin APB pistols. In the 1980s, however, it was decided that those weapons were not adequate.

Design details[]

The VSS "Vintorez" had been designed around a proprietary subsonic 9×39mm cartridge, the SP-5 and SP-6 which was meant for stealth operations. The SP-5 is a conventional lead core FMJ bullet, while the SP-6 is a special armour-piercing round. It is a heavy round that travels at subsonic speeds thus carrying considerable more energy than smaller and faster rounds.

The VSS "Vintorez" is a gas-operated integrally suppressed sniper rifle. It features a separate safety lever and fire mode button like the AS "Val". However, automatic fire is intended only for emergency situations, and puts inordinate strain on the gun.

The VSS "Vintorez" is intended for sniper duty, and therefore, is usually equipped with a scope. The scope is mounted on a side rail to facilitate easy replacement of the scope to fit the current environment. The rifle is usually fitted with 10-round magazines, but can accept a 20-round magazine often found on AS "Val".

Currently, the VSS "Vintorez" is employed by Spetsnaz, MVD, and FSB. It had been employed against Chechen separatists, and operators affirm that it is a formidable and reliable weapon if used correctly.

Variants[]

VSSM[]

The VSSM, GRAU index (6P29M) is a modernised variant of the VSS "Vintorez". It features an aluminium buttstock with an adjustable cheek and butt pad. It is outfitted with a Picatinny rail on the top of the dust cover, and on both sides and bottom of the suppressor which is located after the handguard. Is is primarily equipped with the 1P86 optic. The mounts which shroud the suppressor can be removed.[1]

Gallery[]

References[]

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