VSS Vintorez sniper rifle - the silent companion of special forces snipers

In many people's minds, a sniper rifle has a long barrel. Yes, it is. But there are models that are designed to "work" in urban environments and at short ranges, capable of literally with one shot to permanently "silence" the enemy. One of such representatives is a special sniper rifle "Vintorez".

History of creation

The Soviet army and special units have always strived to have in their arsenal weapons that are maximally suitable for specific tasks. In the mid-1980s, designers were given the task of developing a new sniper weapon that could work almost silently and effectively at close ranges.

The Central Design and Technology Bureau of Sporting and Hunting Weapons (TsKIB SOO) in Tula was in charge of the development. Under the leadership of the outstanding designer P. I. Serdyukov, a team of specialists worked on the new weapon. The work was based on the existing 9x39mm cartridge, which had proven its effectiveness in previous models of the weapon.

And in 1987, the new rifle, called VSS "Vintorez", was successfully tested and adopted by special forces of the USSR Army.

Prerequisites of appearance

Before the appearance of the "Vintorez" in the arsenal of the Soviet special forces there were sniper rifles and automatic rifles of various caliber. But most of them were designed for action at ranges and in conditions of standard general military combat, not assuming covert use.

Taking into account the vector of development towards the confrontation of nuclear powers and the threat of terrorism, there was a need for special weapons for covert operations in urban or forested areas.

Before the emergence of the silent weapons complex, AK rifles with silent and flameless firing devices and special cartridges of reduced power were used - for example, the "Tishina" and "Canary" rifle-grenade launcher complex. But the development of special design solutions would allow special units to operate more comfortably and covertly.

Several competitive designs developed in other countries were used as a basis. For example, the American Knight's Armament Company SR-25 rifle and the British L96A1.

But the Vintorez ended up with a number of unique features that set it apart from these competitors. First of all - an integrated silencer and the use of a specialized cartridge.

Scope of application, purpose

As already mentioned, the "Vintorez" was created primarily for use in specialized units, such as special forces, reconnaissance groups and sniper teams. Its main purpose is to stealthily eliminate targets at close and medium ranges.

Unlike traditional sniper rifles, the "Vintorez" is designed to perform tasks in conditions where stealth is important: urban areas, forests, mountains.

Design features

Let's take a closer look at the design features of this rifle:

• Principle of operation: automatic rifle with short stroke gas tube.
• "Vintorez" has an integrated silencer, making the shot practically silent.
• Special cartridge with subsonic muzzle velocity was used to reduce the noise of the shot.
• Materials: steel barrel, wooden buttstock, polymer body parts.

The cartridge should be emphasized separately. The main sound from the shot occurs at the moment of bullet exit from the barrel - the flow of powder gases rushing out behind it and the sudden change in pressure creates a strong "pop".

The designers' idea is to reduce the muzzle velocity to remove these factors. But then how should this bullet, flying at low velocity, hit the target? The solution is quite nontrivial - the mass of the bullet was significantly increased, so that its kinetic energy at close ranges is not inferior to "ordinary" AK-74 automatic cartridges.  

For comparison, a 5.45x39 caliber AK-74 bullet with a mass of 3-4 grams leaves the barrel at a speed of 910 meters per second. VSS bullets with a mass of 16 grams (4 times more!) fly out of the barrel at a speed of 290 meters. Even a PM has an initial velocity of 315 meters.

Such a bullet flies relatively short and on a very arched trajectory. But hitting the target at distances up to 200 meters it penetrates armored vests even better than AK rifle. 

By the way, about automatic rifles - on the basis of the VSS, a special AC "Val" automatic rifle was developed.

They are very similar in design, the main difference is the form factor of the stock, which is folding metal instead of fixed wooden. Also, the AC was equipped with a 20-round magazine instead of the 10-round VSS, but they are interchangeable and there is nothing to prevent using the 20-round magazine with the Vintorez.

Tactical and technical characteristics

Parameter	Value
Caliber	9 mm
Ammo	9x39 mm SP-5, SP-6, PAB-9
Length (with/without stock)	894 mm / 615 mm
Weight (without ammunition)	2.6 kg
Magazine capacity	10 or 20 bullets
Firing range	up to 400 meters
Rate of fire	700 rounds/minute

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• Silent firing due to integrated silencer and special cartridge.
• Good striking and penetrating effect.
• Effective at short and medium ranges.
• Versatility of the 9x39mm cartridge
• Ability to use different types of ammunition.
• Compactness and lightness.

Disadvantages:

• Limited range of fire when compared to other sniper rifles.
• Difficult to maintain silencer and need to replace it regularly.
• Relatively low penetration capability of the cartridge compared to large caliber rifles.

Despite a number of drawbacks, the VSS "Vintorez" has not been replaced by other weapons in special forces, as it meets the requirements of most of the tasks faced by special forces and snipers.

In which countries and units is the VSS "Vintorez" in service?

VSS "Vintorez" is primarily a product of the Russian military industrial complex and is in service with Russian military and specialized units:

• Russia. In service with special units of the FSB, Interior Ministry, Airborne Troops and other structures.
• Ukraine. Some units received the Vintorez after the collapse of the USSR or captured it in the course of military operations.
• Belarus. Similar to Ukraine, some units received the weapon after the collapse of the USSR.
• Azerbaijan. Some quantity is in service with special operations forces.

In addition to the above countries, there is data on the supply or use of "Vintorez" in a number of other countries. But this information is not officially confirmed.

In which conflicts participated

The VSS "Vintorez" was used in a number of military conflicts:

• First and Second Chechen Wars. "Vintorez" was actively used by Russian special forces for covert liquidation of commanders and militants.
• War in Donbass. There is evidence of the use of "Vintorez" by both sides of the conflict.
• Military conflicts in the North Caucasus. During anti-terrorist operations "Vintorez" was used to eliminate leaders and militants of various groups.
• SWO in Ukraine. Used by both the Russian army and the AFU.

In movies and games

The VSS "Vintorez" has become a popular object in culture due to its unique design and features:

Movies:

• "War". in this Russian war drama, "Vintorez" is used by the main character.
• "Wuthering Gates" (Russian mini-series). A sniper rifle is used in a special forces unit.

Video games:

• "S.T.A.L.K.E.R.". "Vintorez" - one of the most popular and effective weapons in the game. By the way, it is "Vintorez" armed stalker Zvezdochet, who rescues Sword from the truck of death.

• "Escape from Tarkov": in this tactical shooter, the "Rifles" are presented with great realism.
• "Battlefield 4". "Vintorez" is available to players as one of the sniper rifles.

How many manufactured

The main production is carried out at the Tula Weapons Factory in Russia. Until now, the "Vintorez" remains in production, although in limited quantities. And the exact number of weapons produced is difficult to establish, since this information is a military secret.

As for the price of the Vintorez, it is not disclosed for government procurement. However, estimates based on various sources say that its cost for government agencies fluctuates around several thousand dollars per unit. This, of course, depends on the volume of the batch, additional equipment and contract terms.

Interesting facts

Many people do not even realize that in official documents it is referred to as "9 mm sniper special rifle". The word "Vintorez" was originally a working term, which later became generally accepted.

The sights for the "Vintorez" were specially modified. The famous PSO-1, used on other rifles, was renamed to PSO-1-1 for the "Vintorez", taking into account the ballistics of the new cartridges.

Although the Vintorez can use SP-5 and SP-6 cartridges, it is the SP-5 that is recommended for the Vintorez. This is due to the fact that its narrow gaps are quickly clogged by fouling when using armor-piercing SP-6.

The Vintorez magazine is unique in that it can be loaded directly from the clip. This simplifies the process of preparation for firing.

With proper care and handling, "Vintorez" resource reaches up to 5000 rounds, with standard 1500 rounds).

"Vintorez" is effective at a distance of up to 400 meters. But if you need an accurate headshot, the optimal distance does not exceed 250 meters.

Modifications

Over time, various modifications of the "Vintorez" were developed:

VSSM. Modernized version with improved sights and the ability to install additional accessories.

KO VSS 308. A version designed for export and firing standard .308 Winchester caliber ammunition.

"VSS Vintorez" is a unique weapon that combines the advantages of a sniper rifle and a silenced firearm. Due to these characteristics, it deservedly occupies one of the leading places in the arsenal of Russian special forces and is of interest to gun enthusiasts around the world. It is also deservedly considered one of the symbols of the Russian special forces.