Special sniper rifle “Vintorez”: the history of the creation of famous weapons

In the seventies of the twentieth century, the intensity of the confrontation between the Western world and the countries of the socialist camp intensified, more and more “undeclared wars” and local conflicts arose and expanded their geography. Soviet gunsmiths were faced with the need to develop new types of weapons, in particular those that could more effectively inflict damage on enemy personnel equipped with modern means of defense at that time at short distances. The USSR arms industry began to fulfill its task.

At that time, Soviet special forces used modernized models of existing weapons. For example, “Silence” and “Canary”, created on the basis of the AKS-74u and AKM, were equipped with an integrated silencer and had a special cartridge with a subsonic bullet speed. However, the presence of certain shortcomings of these samples made it necessary to create new drawings of special weapons of this type.

The new weapon was required to perform the following tasks:

• The weapon must covertly destroy enemy personnel at a distance of up to four hundred meters;
• Pierce an army steel helmet at the same distance;
• Be able to use an optical sight during the day and an electro-optical sight at night;
• The weapon should be light and compact;
• In order to ensure concealed transportation, the ability to quickly assemble and disassemble the weapon into its main components was required.

The first version of such a weapon was an assault rifle with the RGO36 index chambered for 7.62 caliber cartridges. Having a simplified design, which was ensured by the original gas exhaust system, the machine was far behind in reliability. After finalizing the drawings in 1981, an automatic machine with the RGO37 index saw the light of day, the reliability of which was an order of magnitude higher than that of its predecessor. Tests showed that the weapon ensured the completion of the assigned tasks, and its technical characteristics were satisfactory.

However, in 1985, the requirements for the rifle became stricter, and it was already required to hit the enemy wearing 6B2 body armor at a distance of four hundred meters. The result of tightening requirements was the decision to redesign the rifle chambered for 9x39 mm. And already in 1987, the KGB and the GRU received the Vintorez sniper rifle.

Sniper rifle “Vintorez”

general description

VSS Vintorez has classic proven design solutions, which made it possible to achieve high performance characteristics. The automatic rifle operates by using the energy created by powder gases that move from the barrel bore into the gas chamber, resulting in the kinetic energy necessary for the operation of the automatic. The barrel of the Vintorez rifle is unlocked and locked by turning the bolt, which has six lugs, and the striker-type firing mechanism is the same as that of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, and allows firing both single shots and burst fire. The cartridges are fed from the magazine, which has a double-row sector design, and the cartridges in it are arranged in a checkerboard pattern. The bolt forces the cartridge into the chamber. The bolt has a spring-loaded swinging ejector that removes the spent cartridge case. The cartridge case is reflected by a spring-loaded reflector placed in the bolt.

VSS Vintorez consists of the following main parts:

• From the barrel that is connected to the receiver;
• From the bolt and butt;
• Bolt frame with gas piston;
• Return mechanism;
• Drummer;
• Mainspring and guide;
• From the trigger mechanism;
• Covers and receiver;
• Muffler housings;
• The handguard is also one of the main parts of the rifle.

Rifle parts

The chrome-plated barrel of the rifle has a right-hand thread with six grooves. The barrel length is two hundred millimeters. Preliminary rotation of the bolt when locking is ensured by the presence of beveled protrusions on the barrel stump. The middle part of the barrel is equipped with a gas chamber, and the presence of a cylindrical surface on which annular grooves are located allows the installation of a muffler housing.

The muzzle has 54 holes, which are made according to the rifling of the barrel. Due to the holes, gases are not retained in the barrel bore, and the expansion chamber of the muffler serves as their discharge point. A separator spring located on the muzzle of a specially shaped barrel centers the muffler with the axis of the barrel bore. The centering unit has an original design and is protected by a RF patent.

Holes on the barrel for powder gases

SHP sniper rifle VSS (Vintorez) 7.62x39

Special sniper rifle VSS (Vintorez) - from the Molot Armz plant - a cold rifled hunting carbine with the ability to simulate a shot.

The cooled MA-Vintorez fires light-sound cartridges of 7.62x39 caliber. Blank cartridges are similar in appearance to real cartridges and consist of a cartridge case containing gunpowder devoid of a bullet; when fired, they emit a loud sound and emit a flame. Such cartridges can be purchased in special weapons stores or in the “blank cartridges” section of our store, and sometimes they come complete with the purchased SHP weapon model.

A number of changes have been made to the MA-Vintorez-7.62 PS to prevent the use of a live cartridge:

• 3 pins are installed in the barrel bore;
• the barrel is welded to the receiver;
• metal is welded onto the shutter cylinder;
• The feed path has been changed to allow the use of cartridges with exclusively light and sound effects.

Features of MA-Vintorez-7.62 PS:

• deactivation from a new hunting rifle - a new, unused product + the highest possible authenticity with a combat model;
• high quality workmanship, identical to the hunting analogue of a rifled carbine;
• a working silencer that reduces the sound of a shot by 90% - a complete imitation of the original shot from the VSS;
• work only in semi-automatic mode;
• original wooden stock;
• side fastening bar;
• completely disassembled;
• available light and sound cartridge of 7.62x39 mm caliber;
• is on free sale - does not require a license to purchase;
• does not require registration after purchase.

Purpose: chilled Vintorez is used to study the material part of weapons, is used in reconstructions, theatrical productions and filming, and is also valued by collectors and weapons lovers.

Equipment:

Together with the MA-Vintorez-7.62 PS the following is supplied: a magazine for 10 places (the limiter is removable), a carrying bag and documents (passport and certificate).

Depending on the configuration, the following can be added: PSO-1M2-1 sight, standard belt, additional magazines, blank cartridges, oils and tools for cleaning and lubrication, etc. The rifle can also be packaged in a gift box.

VSS Vintorez in a gift box

Information about the VSS (Vintorez) combat rifle

VSS (aka "Vintorez") - a special sniper rifle, for reconnaissance and sabotage groups of the FSB, GRU, Airborne Forces; special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (now the Russian Guard). This is a light, compact and silent weapon, allowing you to covertly hit targets at a distance of up to 400 m, day and night.

A special unit fighter armed with a silent VSS "Vintorez" (photo from open sources)

About development and operating experience

The VSS was developed in the early 1980s at the Tochmash Research Institute, in parallel with the Val silent assault rifle. The name “Vintorez” was used in project documentation and became firmly established in everyday life. This is a highly specialized silent weapon. Previously, special forces of the Soviet Army and the KGB used pistols with silencers: PB (based on the Makarov) and APB (based on the Stechkin); silencers “Silence” for AKM and “Canary” for AKS-74U.

In order for the VSS to be able to penetrate body armor and helmets, a special 9x39 mm cartridge was developed (it was originally intended to equip it with a serial cartridge of 7.62 mm caliber). In 1987, the VSS was put into service. It is believed that the first experience of its combat use was the suppression of an armed riot of prisoners in Sukhumi (August 1990). These weapons were not used in the Afghan war. It was used in both Chechen wars and proved to be very effective.

About the design and principle of operation

VSS are standardly equipped with a daytime optical sight and a sight with a night vision device. For concealed transportation, the rifle is quickly disassembled into 3 units (barrel + silencer, receiver + trigger mechanism, stock), and, together with day and night sights, as well as 3 magazines, is placed in a briefcase or bag. Assembly time and bringing into combat position is less than a minute.

The resource declared by the manufacturer is 1.5 thousand shots. But with proper care, the VSS can withstand up to 5 thousand shots at the shooting range. The removable stock is wooden, similar to the SVD stock.

The silencer is an integrated one, of a more advanced design than on previous Soviet silent weapons. When a bullet flies past multiple holes in the walls of the barrel, gases sequentially escape through them into the expansion chamber. The sound exhaust is split into many waves, which, reflected from the oblique partitions of the separator, overlap each other and are mutually absorbed. The silencer is removed when cleaning the rifle, but you cannot shoot without it.

Some characteristics in numbers: Weight: 2.6 kg; 3.7 kg – with sight and loaded magazine. Length: 89.4 cm; Barrel length – 20 cm. Magazines: box-shaped, 10 or 20 rounds. Caliber: 9 mm, cartridge 9x39 mm. Sighting range: up to 400 m.

In 2014, the modernized VSSM rifle was introduced, and in 2015, adopted. It is no longer equipped with a wooden butt, but made of composite materials; transparent magazines for 10, 15 or 25 rounds; a new universal rail guide for installing any domestic or imported optics; The service life of the barrel is increased by 2 times. At the same time, the silent assault rifle “Val” was also modernized.

Why our store?

Our store is popular among a large number of customers who appreciate the positive aspects of working with us:

1. Product quality. The product is carefully checked, which allows us to offer customers high-quality and working samples.
2. Discount system. It makes it possible to prevent significant costs for regular customers when purchasing cold weapons.
3. Courier service. The purchased goods are delivered to the place designated by the buyer quickly and without incident.
4. Working with clients. Consultants do not intentionally try to persuade people to buy expensive goods. Advice on selection is given taking into account the wishes of the client.

Our store actively cooperates with state educational and sports centers DOSAAF, military-patriotic clubs, schools and many other commercial and non-profit organizations. For regular customers, we are always ready to offer individual prices and terms of cooperation.

To buy a cold SHP sniper rifle VSS Vintorez in Moscow or with delivery throughout Russia, make an application on our website or just call the phone. Our manager will advise you in detail on any product, delivery conditions and discounts.

Receiver

The mechanisms and parts of the Vintorez VSS are connected by a receiver. The process of its manufacture is labor-intensive, because The material for its manufacture is a steel billet, and the box is made by milling. As a result, the box also has a high cost. However, the high reliability and accuracy of fire fully justify its expensive cost, and besides, special forces are supposed to have weapons that are qualitatively superior to combined arms weapons. The lid that covers the box from above prevents contamination of the parts and mechanisms inside. The lid is made by stamping, and the material is thin sheet steel. The extrusions made in the lid give it rigidity. The cartridges are ejected through a window on the right side of the cover, and a special cutout allows movement of the bolt frame handle.

“VSS Vintorez” from TOZ: the legendary special forces weapon is now available to you

Russian military weapons have always been in great demand not only among military specialists around the world, but also among civilian shooters.

Today we present to you the “hunting” version of the VSS (special sniper rifle), which is known to many from cult computer games (Battlefield, Stalker) and films (“War” by A. Balabanov).

The original VSS was adopted by Soviet special forces in 1987, and its civilian modification became available to customers only recently.

Shotgun TOZ KO VSSL Lancaster 366TKM 94,000 ₽

Shotgun TOZ KO VSSL Lancaster 366TKM

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The VSSL hunting carbine from TOZ has a caliber of .366 TKM. This means that you won’t have to wait 5 years, as is the case with all rifled weapons in our country. Once you have completed the paperwork, you can immediately buy a VSL and go to the shooting range.

Detailed article about .366 TKM.

Shooting characteristics are good at a distance of up to 100 meters, and accuracy is comparable to rifled weapons of 7.62x39 caliber. This is achieved thanks to a special barrel design (drilling Lancaster Lancaster

- specifics of drilling the barrel. The channel profile is shaped like an oval in cross-section, and the oval is twisted along the entire length of the trunk. With such peculiar rifling, the bullet is stabilized by rotation. The result is excellent accuracy, precision and sharpness of combat, similar to rifled ones. More details). The cross-section of the barrel bore resembles an oval; it is twisted along its entire length. It turns out to be a kind of analogue of rifling, which gives the bullet rotation in order to stabilize it in flight.

Detailed article about drilling Lancaster

The VSS was created at TsNIITochmash as a silent weapon for special operations chambered for the original 9x39 subsonic cartridge (SP-5, etc.). To ensure silence, the barrel has perforations to discharge powder gases into the muffler.

In accordance with Russian legislation, the VSSL civilian hunting carbine does not have a silencer. Therefore, it is equipped with a solid barrel 403 mm long, which accelerates the bullet to 530 m/s and higher (depending on the brand of cartridge).

The carbine's automation works by removing powder gases from the barrel. The bolt has a rotating cylinder for locking.

Feeding comes from a detachable 10-round box magazine.

This design is common and reliable. It is used on automatic/semi-automatic weapons all over the world. In particular, the Kalashnikov assault rifle was built according to a similar design. For ease of installation of modern sights, the carbine receiver cover is equipped with a Weaver Weaver

— a weapon strap for attaching special optical sights. Read more.

As a result, Tula gunsmiths did an excellent job of adapting the legendary special forces weapons to the needs of civilian shooters.

The WSSL carbine is suitable as a first firearm. It is good at hunting medium-sized game and can be used for tactical training or sport shooting.

Attention! If the desired model of gun is not in stock, we can always bring it to order.

To solve your shooting problems, more than 550 models of hunting weapons are available in the World of Hunting chain stores. You will find smoothbore guns, rifled carbines (including small-caliber ones), and pneumatics from Russian and foreign manufacturers. Come and make your choice!

The reference article is based on the expert opinion of the author

Fuse

To prevent unnecessary shots during movement, falls and when the trigger is accidentally pressed, the Vintorez VSS is equipped with a safety lock, the activation of which prevents the trigger from turning. The relative position of the bolt frame and the bolt at the moment when the barrel bore is closed and the bolt is locked, together with the self-timer, blocks the possibility of unwanted shots when the bolt is not locked.

The left side of the receiver is equipped with dovetail lugs, which allows the use of optical sights. Daytime optical sights are mounted using two front and central protrusions, and night electro-optical sights are mounted on the central and two rear protrusions.

Despite the fact that the design of the trigger mechanism makes it possible to conduct both single and automatic fire, the main mode is still single. The fire mode is changed by a special translator attached to the receiver inside the trigger guard, behind the trigger. The single-fire mode is indicated by one dot, and the automatic fire mode by two dots. The translator is moved to the desired position with the thumb or index finger of the hand that holds the handle.

In order to avoid too much impact on the weapon from the operation of the mechanisms, and thereby increase accuracy, the bolt and bolt carrier are made lightweight. For the same purpose, there are six locking bolt stops. The stops and protrusions of the receiver interact with each other. Also, the lower lugs fire cartridges. Copying grooves on the bolt frame and the leading lugs of the bolt, interacting with each other, unlock and lock the bolt, turning it around the longitudinal axis. Thus, the barrel bore is locked firmly and symmetrically, and much less energy is required to unlock the bolt.

Receiver

Also, to improve accuracy, a striker-type impact mechanism is used. In addition to the fact that this solution greatly facilitates the operation of the automation, de-cocking provides the weapon with a small disturbing impulse. This and a specially arranged gas outlet unit ultimately reduce the “tossing” of the barrel during shooting, and also simplify the ability to see the results of the shot through an optical sight.

After a shot is fired or the weapon is loaded, the bolt carrier with the bolt returns to the forward position through a return mechanism. The receiver cover is also secured by a return mechanism. The telescopic design of the recoil spring guide and rod helps achieve the required stroke length of the bolt carrier. The presence of a polyurethane gasket reduces noise when the moving system in the rear position hits the return mechanism stop structure. The presence of an o-ring between the receiver cover and the protrusion of the return mechanism stop prevents powder gases from entering the shooter's face.

"Vintorez" takes off his shoulder straps

After the successful debut on the Russian market of civilian weapons “Saiga MK” and the “automatic” version of “Saiga-410”, the topic of conversion of the army “rifle” was enthusiastically taken up by Russian gunsmiths. This trend is developing in two directions: the creation of initially civilian weapons based on army models (Saiga MK, Tiger) and the “fencing” of army weapons by eliminating the automatic fire function and (or) installing ballistic marks in the barrel (VPO - 136, OP SKS, KO-44). It was the latter direction that led to the appearance in gun stores of such “monsters” as “hunting carbines” based on the “DP” and the “Maxim” machine gun.

It was the turn of the legendary VSS (special sniper rifle) “Vintorez”.

Let us recall that the AS/VSS silent weapon system, created by Soviet gunsmiths in the late 80s, according to many experts, is close to the ideal of special forces weapons, and enjoys well-deserved respect both in Russian law enforcement agencies and abroad.

The first combat use of weapons took place in Afghanistan. However, two Chechen wars brought this weapon worldwide fame.

This is how a soldier of the 45th Airborne Special Forces Regiment (now a brigade) described the use of Vintorez and Valov during street fighting in Grozny:

“The whole day the block that was to be cleared was watched, tracking every smallest detail. At night they began to act. The sappers were the first to move forward: they removed, if any, Chechen tripwires and installed their own, blocking the possible routes of retreat of Dudayev’s troops and the approach of reinforcements. Then the group quietly infiltrated the building, most often through some “unusual” opening, like a hole in the wall. They became quiet for a while, trying to determine by the sounds the location of the militants in the house, then they slowly began to move, destroying the “spirits” with the help of silent weapons. The Vintorez rifle, the Val assault rifle, and the PSS pistol—the whole silent complex—performed excellently. Dudayev's men, as a rule, did not understand what was happening - people were falling, communication was lost. More often than not, the matter was limited to silent weapons.”

Another participant in the events of this period told how, during close fire contact, a reconnaissance group fighter armed with the Val AS, suddenly encountering a column of rebels, managed to neutralize five militants, including the lead patrol, before Dudayev’s men realized that they were being fired upon.

And now all interested citizens, who have no medical or legal contraindications, can purchase almost real Vintorez.

The Russian one offered the civilian model of Vintorez in three calibers: “smooth” 366TKM, 7.62x39, and “standard” 9x39.

And in April, the official website of one of the most popular weapons stores in the capital region announced the availability of the Vintorez (9x39) hunting rifle (hunting carbine), manufactured by the Tula Arms Plant.

It is necessary to clarify that, unlike its combat prototype, which the Vintorez KO looks like two peas in a pod, it is deprived of its main function - flameless and silent shooting. The “silencer” pipe performs a purely decorative function. The KO also received a longer (410 mm, instead of 200 mm) barrel without perforation, changes in the trigger, and some other differences.

Of course, in the civilian version, they do not use subsonic special cartridges SP-5 and SP-6, as in combat models, but 9x39 hunting cartridges, produced at the Klimovsky Cartridge Plant, with a jacketed bullet with a lead core. Their initial speed is about 500 m/s.

It is clear that this weapon is aimed primarily at collectors, fans of “shooting games” combined with military reconstruction, who are not strapped for money (the cost of a carbine is more than 130,000 rubles, and one cartridge costs 70 rubles).

However, its ability to be used for hunting is interesting. Hypothetically, a heavy bullet weighing 18.5 grams can be successfully used in forest hunting for medium and large animals. Especially if the production of expansive and semi-sheathed bullets is established. The distances of such hunts rarely exceed 100 meters, at which the “steepness” of the trajectory is not particularly important.

O occupies 9x53, for which the Saiga carbine is produced. However, due to its “narrow specialization” it has not become widespread. And hunters prefer the more versatile 7.62x54, 308, 30-06.

Based on this, we can assume that the new cartridge is unlikely to gain popularity among hunters.

Most likely, due to its price and narrow “specialization,” KO “Vintorez” is unlikely to become a bestseller on the Russian arms market and will be in demand only among a relatively small circle of connoisseurs and collectors.

Muffler

The Vintorez muffler, which includes a separator and a muffler body, is integrated. The body consists of an expansion chamber, which provides preliminary release of gases, and a muzzle muffler chamber. The front part of the housing houses the separator.

The separator is made in the form of a stamped-welded structure, which includes a bushing, a washer, a holder and an insert. The alignment of the housing and the separator is ensured by a washer and a bushing with a cylindrical surface. The separator spring, which occupies the muzzle of the barrel, is connected to the separator by the conical surface of the sleeve.

Two cradle joints and a latch secure the suppressor to the rifle barrel and allow for easy removal and installation of the suppressor. When a bullet passes through the front perforated part of the barrel when fired, part of the resulting powder gases rushes to the expansion chamber of the muffler through the side holes in the barrel. In this case, there is a decrease in the pressure and speed of gases in the barrel after the bullet has already ejected. The separator “dismembers” the stream of powder gases that fall on it after passing the muzzle of the barrel. Such “dismemberment” results in the creation of numerous multidirectional flows, the speed and temperature of which are significantly reduced.

The subsonic speed and low temperature of the gases escaping from the muffler prevent the appearance of pop and muzzle flash, and the sound level is approximately 130 dB, usually characteristic of small-caliber rifles. Due to the fact that the silencer is integrated, the overall length of the weapon has also decreased. The muffler body houses the front sight and its base, as well as the sight block and the sighting bar.

Dreams Come True!

Carbine "Vintorez" 2.0 - civilian version of the VSS

Molot Arms LLC (www.molotarms.com) introduced me to plans for work on the topic “Vintorez” 2.0 about two years ago. To be honest, I had nothing in response except bewilderment and thoughts about project lighting. Skepticism diminished when a shooting product was shown at the 2016 “Weapons and Hunting” exhibition. From that moment on, I watched what was happening with objective interest.

Let's figure out what we're actually talking about. The main distinguishing feature of the special sniper rifle (VSS) developed in the USSR in the 80s of the last century is the integrated silencer, which provides effective suppression of the sound and muzzle flame of a shot with a special cartridge (SP-5/6, caliber 9x39). The silencer works together with a perforated and rather short barrel (length 200 mm). For ease of transportation, the rifle can be disassembled into three parts: the firing device, the stock and the silencer.

Externally, the civilian carbine "Vintorez" 2.0 is practically indistinguishable from a combat rifle, and this circumstance alone will certainly serve as an impetus for the purchase of a new product for some potential buyers who prefer a military style to the exalted beauty of a hunting weapon

Even at the design stage, the rifle received a stable unofficial name “Vintorez”, and thanks to its purpose (the hidden defeat of important targets in the combat work of various special forces of the KGB/FSB and the GRU General Staff of the Moscow Region), a certain aura of mystery appeared. It must be said that the VSS Vintorez, together with the special AS assault rifle (Val) and the PSS pistol (Vul), is an example of the brilliant execution of assigned tasks by domestic gunsmiths during the Soviet period. As a complex, this trinity at the time of its creation had no analogues in any foreign army, and to this day any of the samples is an adornment of the most respected weapons collections around the world. In general, if we speak in a modern manner, then “Vintorez” and its brothers are fine with the WOW effect. As well as with the number of potential owners who want to replenish their arsenal, if not with the original, then at least with a superficially similar analogue.

When partially disassembling Vintorez 2.0, a 410 mm long barrel without perforation is clearly visible

For obvious reasons (presence of a silencer, short barrel, automatic fire), the original VSS could not be allowed for civilian use. Realizing this, Molot Arms specialists initially planned to adapt the original to the requirements of the current Law of the Russian Federation “On Weapons”; this adaptation consisted of modernizing the trigger in order to eliminate the possibility of firing in bursts and with the butt separated (the weapon in the firing position must have a length of at least 800 mm ) and replacing the barrel with a longer one (length 410 mm, by law it must be more than 500 mm complete with receiver). In order to simplify production, the first version of the VSS bolt frame with a solid firing pin was chosen, and work was also carried out to modernize the locking unit. In this form, outwardly practically indistinguishable from the original Vintorez, the weapon under the symbol “Vintorez” 2.0 was demonstrated at last year’s exhibition in Gostiny Dvor in Moscow, where it caused a permanent stir at the stand of Hammer Arms LLC.

Left. So far, the forging machine in the new workshop is only ready for future “labor feats” and is not operating at full capacity. With its acquisition, Molot Arms took another step towards full-cycle weapons production. On right. Evolution of the Lancaster barrel for SKS at the Molot Arms barrel production from a drilled blank to a product ready for coating

At the beginning of August of this year, I visited the Hammer Arms production facility, where I got acquainted with the preparations for serial production of the new product, which were in full swing. Let me make a reservation right away that I do not plan to introduce you, dear readers, to either the technical intricacies of the civilian Vintorez or its characteristics. We'll talk about this when we get our hands on a production model that future owners will have to deal with. In the meantime, I’ll turn my attention to the barrel of the new product. First of all, it is unique in its origin, since it was entirely manufactured at the facilities of Molot Arms, and the blank for it was forged on our own rotary forging machine, one might say launched yesterday. Yes, yes - we have witnessed the emergence in Russia of the first private barrel production with its own forging machine! Its appearance in the Hammer Arms workshops is literally an investment in the future, since the cold rotational forging technology is intended for large quantities and is currently a deliberate burden for the company. The process of debugging auxiliary units is underway, the first batches of Lancaster barrels are being forged for Simonov carbines (SKS) chambered for the .366 TKM cartridge. In the future, this technology will completely cover Molot Arms’s own needs for high-quality barrels, and the company will be able to provide barrels and blanks to third-party customers who today have difficulty communicating with large enterprises due to the workload of their forging areas or reluctance to work with small runs.

Left. The bolt for the civilian Vintorez is made using a new technology from a forged billet (pictured above). On right. The design of the bolt and bolt frame in the civilian product has been redesigned

Taking into account the new galvanic section that has already been launched, the presence of a working forging machine clearly puts Molot Arms in a higher category among Russian weapon manufacturing license holders. Now it’s a matter of experience and gained reputation in terms of cooperation with other gunsmiths. However, let’s return to our civilian “Vintorez”. The pre-production model, which I had the opportunity to shoot at the Molot Arms shooting range during my visit, is a self-loading carbine chambered for the 9x39 civilian cartridge, which is a variant of the authentic SP-5/6 cartridges and is produced in Klimovsk. As a matter of fact, the advantages of the Vintorez 2.0 caliber 9×39 end with authenticity. And there is reason to talk about the high price of the cartridge and its lack of distribution in gun stores. And here the good old and, most importantly, cheap, automatic cartridge 7.62x39 comes to our aid. Adaptation of the 9-mm Vintorez system for it is minimal and the documentation for this option is already ready, a certificate has been received. I think that this will account for the bulk of sales of the rifled barrel carbine.

Left. The results of my shooting from Vintorez 2.0 at a distance of 50 m. I don’t know whether this is good or bad, since the accuracy of the Klimov 9x39 sporting and hunting cartridge remains a mystery. In the adjacent photo on the left is a standard magazine for AS/VSS, on the right is a 3D prototype printed by the Israeli company FAB Defense. It will produce cast magazines for serial carbines

The emphasis on barrel design in this case is not accidental, since Vintorez is approaching a Lancaster chambered for the .366 TKM smoothbore cartridge (a certificate has also already been received). Most likely, it will fly no worse from a smooth-bore Vintorez than from a Simonov with a Lancaster. And I was completely satisfied with the shooting results of this pair. Thus, perhaps not at the same time, but definitely in the near future, three Vintorez for every taste will appear in gun stores at once: a conditionally authentic carbine of 9x39 caliber, a great option to look cool and shoot a lot with a model for 7.62x39 and “ Vintorez-Lancaster" under .366 TKM. I think that by the October exhibition “Weapons and Hunting” 2022, the production plans of “Hammer Arms” will finally be settled and will be announced to trading partners and potential owners. Then it will be possible to talk in detail about the planned retail price of the new product.

In the meantime, returning to the title of the article, I will repeat - dreams come true! Thanks to private owners, legendary examples of the Soviet weapons school are given the opportunity to continue their journey in “civilian dress.” In the case of Molot Arms LLC, looking at the work already done by the company on Vintorez, taking into account the fact that commercial success depends solely on the intuition and professionalism of the managers, I simply take off my hat to their courage and confidence in success. I think if everything works out, their next project will surprise the arms community even more...

At “Hammer Arms” I met with a member of the FPSR Board of Trustees, Vadim Makheev (pictured on the right). He and I left just a few days ago from the FPSR courses in Suomussalmi, Finland, and he brought his “Aerka” to Vyatskie Polyany for service. On the left is Director of Hammer Arms LLC Ravil Nurgaleev

Butt and forearm

The rifle butt is made of multi-layer plywood, and, like the SVD butt, is a skeletal type butt. The receiver is connected to the butt using a dovetail lug and a latch. The original design of the clamp is protected by a Russian patent. The lock allows you to quickly remove and attach the stock, and there is no play when attaching.

The VSS Vintorez handguard is made of plastic, protects your hands from burns, and makes it easier to control the weapon.