Small-sized assault rifle SR-3 SR-3M “Whirlwind” (Russia)

TSNIITOCHMASH presented a version of a small-sized assault rifle chambered for 9x39 mm (sniper SP-5 and armor-piercing SP-6).

Borisov A.D. and Levchenko V.N. based on the AS "Val" assault rifle, they developed a shortened version called the MA "Whirlwind" with the index SR-3

Automation is based on the use of the energy of powder gases removed from the barrel through a gas tube to the piston of the bolt frame. The channel is locked by turning the bolt with five lugs. The trigger mechanism allows for both single and automatic fire. The high penetrating ability of the SP-6 cartridge bullet ensured the destruction of protected targets at a range of up to 200 meters. At this distance, the SR-3 penetrates a 6-mm steel plate while maintaining its lethal effect behind an obstacle. Therefore, reliable destruction of targets wearing body armor of protection classes 1-3, as well as those in vehicles, is ensured. At a distance of up to 150 meters, a bullet can pierce a car engine block.

Small dimensions and weight allow you to covertly carry the SR-3 in a case. Its bullet has a fairly high muzzle energy, more than 600 J, which, thanks to its large mass (16.1 grams), retains it for a long time, ensuring reliable destruction of living targets at a distance of 200 meters, while far surpassing all similar models in stopping effect and penetration ability .

The magazine capacity is insufficient for short-range automatic weapons. The large steepness of the trajectory makes it difficult to select an aiming point, especially when shooting at maximum range. The cartridges used are very scarce. Their large mass limits the ammunition they can carry. SR-3 is simple in design and can be easily disassembled. The trigger mechanism allows for single and automatic fire. The fire mode switch is located next to the trigger; its switching is possible without removing your hand from the fire control handle. The trigger guard is large enough to allow shooting with gloves. The folding shoulder rest increases the stability of the weapon. The machine is quite reliable and resistant to contamination.

Elastic deformation of an insufficiently rigid butt when firing in bursts increases the dispersion of bullets. A high rate of fire contributes to the barrel moving away from the aiming line and rapid consumption of ammunition.

• Caliber 9 mm
• Cartridge 9×39 mm SP-5, SP-6, PAB-9
• Weight with empty magazine 2 kg
• Weight with loaded magazine for 10 rounds 2.1 kg
• Length with butt folded down 610 mm
• Length with stock folded 360 mm
• Height with magazine for 10 cartridges 160 mm
• Height with magazine for 20 cartridges 218 mm
• Barrel length 156 mm
• Width 40 mm
• Rate of fire 900 v/m
• Muzzle energy 600 J
• Combat rate of fire 40-60 v/m
• Initial bullet speed 270 m/s
• Magazine capacity 10.20 rounds
• Sighting range 200 m

Small-sized assault rifle SR-3 / SR-3M "Whirlwind"

At the end of the 1980s, the state security agencies of the USSR, along with standard models of special weapons, for carrying out various security actions, required a new small-sized machine gun that would ensure the defeat of enemy personnel wearing individual armor protection.

In the early 1990s, TsNIITOCHMASH (Klimovsk) presented a version of a shortened assault rifle chambered for 9-mm SP-5 and SP-6 cartridges, developed by A.D. Borisov and V.N. Levchenko on the basis of a special silent assault rifle AS “Val”, with which it was unified in its main parts.

The SR-3 stock is complicated.
In the process of long-term testing of the new weapon, which bore the symbol “small-sized automatic machine “Vikhr”” (MA “Vikhr”), by 1994 the designers managed to make a simple, reliable and very effective weapon. The machine gun had a very small size, comparable to the size of submachine guns, but noticeably surpassed them in firepower due to the use of special armor-piercing cartridges SP-6 (9x39mm), thanks to which it made it possible to successfully fight the enemy in individual armored equipment up to class 3 protection. ranges up to 200 meters. The small size and shape made it possible to carry the weapon secretly, under outer clothing, and use it in limited spaces - narrow passages of buildings, basements, underground passages, and in vehicle interiors.

In 1996, after a year and a half of trial operation of the small-sized Vikhr assault rifle in the FSB of the Russian Federation and other law enforcement agencies, the Russian state security agencies adopted a new weapon under the designation SR-3.

The small-sized SR-3 Vikhr assault rifle is primarily intended for use as a concealed weapon by special units involved in the protection of government officials, the fight against organized crime and terrorism, and also as a potential self-defense weapon for military personnel.

SR-3 incomplete disassembly
The structure of the main mechanisms of the SR-3 is generally similar to the AS “Val” machine gun. SR-3 uses the same automation scheme with a gas exhaust engine and locking by rotating the bolt with 6 lugs.

The barrel of the SR-3 "Val", in contrast to the special silent assault rifle AS "Val", does not have holes for venting powder gases into the muffler, as well as the muffler itself. There is also no provision for mounting the silencer itself, which made it possible to significantly reduce the size of the weapon. However, due to the use of special 9-mm cartridges, the sound pressure level when shooting allows you to comfortably use this weapon even when shooting in confined spaces.

The SR-3 striker-type trigger mechanism provides single and automatic fire and is similar in design to the trigger of the AS assault rifle. However, the USM controls have been slightly changed. In particular, the safety lever is placed on both sides of the weapon and made more convenient to use. The fire mode selector is made in the form of a transverse button located at the rear of the trigger guard, behind the trigger.

The SR-3 stock is folded.
The bolt handle is replaced by two sliders located in the front part of the weapon, above the fore-end. The shutter is cocked by grasping these sliders with your fingers and pulling them back. This design was adopted to reduce the thickness of the weapon and make concealed carry more comfortable, although it makes reloading somewhat less convenient.

The SR-3 Vikhr is fed with ammunition from box-shaped plastic double-row magazines with 10 or 20 rounds from the VSS Vintorez sniper rifle or the AS Val assault rifle. Both the SP-6 “armor-piercing” cartridge and the SP-5 “sniper” cartridge can be used for shooting.

The pistol grip and forend are made of impact-resistant plastic.

The stock is stamped from steel, folds up and forward, and when folded is located on top of the receiver.

Open-type sighting devices consist of an adjustable front sight in the front of the weapon and a reversible rear sight at 100 and 200 m on the receiver cover. The height of the front and rear sight posts is such that it allows the use of sighting devices with the stock folded.

After the adoption of the SR-3 Vikhr into service, the Russian FSB established a new tactical and technical task, which required combining the qualities of the SR-3 Vikhr, AS Val, and VSS Vintorez.

The SR-3M stock is complicated.
As a result, a modification of the SR-3 was developed, designated SR-3M, which is maximally unified with the AS and VSS and has the advantages of a small-sized machine gun.

The new model of weapon, with its compact use, has the ability to install a silencer. At the same time, the design of the large-volume muffler differs from that of the AS and VSS, since the barrel of the SR-3M, like the SR-3, does not have holes for the removal of powder gases into the muffler. The length of the SR-3M with a silencer installed and the stock unfolded is 970 mm, and with the stock folded – 700 mm.

From the AS "Val" a framed metal stock folding to the left and forward was borrowed.

Open-type sighting devices, designed for targeted shooting up to 200 m, are inherited from the SR-3. At the same time, on the left side of the SR-3M receiver there is a mounting bracket for using various optical and night sights, which increased the possibility of aimed shooting to 400 m with an optical sight and up to 300 m with a night sight.

The trigger mechanism of the SR-3M is similar to that of the AS, allowing firing with single shots and long bursts. The safety catch is made according to the SVD type and, in the on position, covers the groove for the weapon’s loading handle. A separate two-position firing mode switch is located inside the trigger guard, immediately behind the trigger.

The SR-3M received a new handguard with a folding additional handle installed.

To supply the SR-3M with ammunition, in addition to plastic magazines with a capacity of 10 and 20 rounds, it became possible to use metal magazines with a capacity of 30 rounds.

History of creation

There is great interest in this type of weapon due to the specific application. Successful solutions for developed types of miniature assault rifles, characterized by lethal power, exist in Russia and abroad. Interesting models at the turn of two centuries were produced by the Tula Instrument Engineering Design Bureau, characterized by their simplicity of design, low cost and excellent characteristics. At the same time, a small-sized assault rifle (MA – that was the original name) SR-3 “Whirlwind” was released. The beginning of its development falls on the nineties of the 20th century. The order was entrusted to TsNIITochMash from Klimovsk near Moscow. The first samples were produced in 1994. The project was developed by the designer V.N. Levchenko, A.D. Borisov and, who joined later, A.I. Tashlykov. The “Whirlwind” series entered the series in 1996. The prototype was the AS “Val” model, also developed in Klimovsk in the mid-eighties. After numerous inspections in the same year, 1996, the SR-3 was adopted into service by the security forces of the Russian Federation.

Design Features

The location of the machine's controls is considered by many to be successful, although there is also the exact opposite opinion. The two safety levers are on opposite sides. The switches are quite large, so they can be operated even when wearing thick gloves. The button under the safety switch lever regulates the fire modes. Despite its small size, its location is quite ergonomic, although it does not stand out at first glance.

Replacing the standard bolt handle with a pair of forward-facing sliders raises a lot of controversy regarding ease of use. With their help, the shutter is retracted, but the whole process becomes longer and still less convenient. Although this design solution had a positive effect on the ease of carrying and reducing the final size of the machine.

Modification

The SR-3M stock features a lightweight, skeletal design. It conveniently folds to the side for covert transportation of weapons. The forend contains an additional built-in handle, which allows you to securely hold the weapon in your hands while firing in long bursts.

The left side of the receiver contains fastenings for mounting a specialized bracket, which opens up the possibility of equipping the weapon with night vision devices and sighting optics. On the muzzle there is a coupling where a quick-release muffler is attached.

The SR-3M model can be used with metal magazines with a capacity of 30 rounds and 10 or 20-round chambers made of plastic.

Design Features

SR-3 "Whirlwind" has a separated translator and fuse. The first is located behind the trigger. As for the double-sided safety, the element is located on the receiver.

The bolt handle in the machine's design is replaced by several engines that are installed above the fore-end. The latter are pulled back manually using your fingers.

The butt of the machine gun folds upward and then forward. The element is made of lightweight stamped steel. The forend and handle of automatic weapons are made of high-strength plastic that can withstand increased shock loads.

Special Specialization

When creating the machine gun, the designers primarily focused on the armor-piercing indicator, which directly depends on the firing distance, even when using heavy-duty cartridges. The high characteristic of defeating armor protection is mainly limited to a distance of 200 meters, so the compact SR-3 assault rifle was designed specifically for this distance. As a result, the sample was equipped with a very short barrel and a butt that folds up. At the same time, the location of the folded butt does not interfere with the use of sighting devices, which include the front sight and rear sight.

Visually, the small-sized Whirlwind assault rifle does not pose a serious threat, although in its case appearances are deceptive. Despite its modest size, the weapon is more dangerous than it might seem. Light in weight and compact, the SR-3 can be used directly from vehicles and in small spaces (if circumstances justify the ability to forget about the ricochet of fired bullets).