The Special Automatic (AS) “Val” was created at the Central Research Institute of Precision Mechanical Engineering (TSNIITOCHMASH) by designers P. Serdyukov and V. Krasnikov. Adopted in 1987 by military special forces and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Designed to defeat manpower in conditions requiring silent and flameless shooting at a range of up to 400 meters. The machine gun was created on the basis of a special 9mm sniper rifle VSS “Vintorez”.
The machine is built on the principle of gas exhaust automation with a long working stroke of the gas piston. The gas piston is located above the barrel and is rigidly connected to the bolt frame. The barrel is locked using a rotating bolt, which has 6 lugs, through cutouts in the receiver. The receiver is made by milling and made of steel. The trigger mechanism allows for single and automatic fire. The safety lever is made like a Kalashnikov assault rifle and, in the on position, covers the groove for the weapon’s loading handle. A separate fire mode translator is located inside the trigger guard, behind the trigger, and provides single-shot and burst fire modes.
The short AC barrel has in its front part (after the gas outlet) a number of groups of holes made along the bottom of the rifling and designed to divert part of the powder gases from the barrel into the rear expansion chamber of the integral muffler. The silencer is easily separated from the weapon and disassembled for cleaning, but firing from a weapon with the silencer removed is not allowed.
A muffler integrated with the barrel provides sound suppression of about 130 dB and a flash of flame. There are no replaceable parts in the muffler, which guarantees its survivability. The AC is easily disassembled into large units: barrel with receiver, automatic parts, firing mechanism, fore-end, muffler, sighting device, magazine and butt. All units can be placed in a special briefcase measuring 450x370x140mm. Assembly is carried out in 30-60 seconds. A carrying case can also be used for carrying. Sights include a front sight and a sector sight, marked from 25 to 400 meters, mounted on the muffler casing. In addition, on the left wall of the receiver there is a bar for attaching brackets for optical or night sights.
Thanks to the use of powerful SP-5, SP-6, PAB-9 ammunition, at a distance of 100 meters a bullet penetrates class 3 body armor, from 200 meters 6mm steel sheet, and from 500 meters 2mm steel sheet. A bullet from the SP-6 armor-piercing cartridge is capable of disabling a car and even lightly armored military equipment. The pistol grip and forend of the machine gun are made of plastic, the stock is made of steel tubes, and the left side folds. Standard magazines have a capacity of 20 rounds and are made of black plastic; The use of 10-round magazines from the VSS Vintorez rifle is also allowed. The short length of the magazines allows the shooter to press closer to the ground for better camouflage.
Disassembly and assembly of the special AS “Val” machine gun:
Weapons of the VSS and AC type have an expansion type muffler and are subject to heavy contamination by powder deposits during firing. For cleaning and lubrication, as well as eliminating minor malfunctions of the VSS and AC, they are partially disassembled. It is carried out without the use of a special tool and is similar for both types of weapons in terms of the operations performed, with the exception of separating and attaching the butt of the rifle. The procedure for partial disassembly of the VSS and AC:
1. Disconnect the magazine (hold the rifle with your left hand by the fore-end, grab the magazine with your right hand, press the latch and, pushing the lower part of the magazine forward, separate it from the weapon), remove the weapon from the safety lock and, moving the bolt frame back, check if there is a cartridge in the chamber . Release the bolt and control release the hammer.
2. Prepare accessories.
3. Grasping the forend with your left hand, press the housing latch with your index finger, turn the silencer clockwise with your right hand, and, pushing it forward, separate it from the weapon.
4. Using a screwdriver, press the separator latch, push the separator into the housing with your finger and then, pushing it with a cleaning rod, separate it from the housing. Separate the separator spring by moving it forward along the barrel.
5. Press down the lock of the receiver cover, press the protrusion of the return mechanism stop with your finger and, lifting the rear end of the cover, separate it from the receiver.
6. Holding the rifle, push the return mechanism stop forward until its protrusion comes out of the groove of the receiver; lift the stop and remove the mechanism from the bolt frame channel.
7. While holding the rifle, push the guide forward until it comes out of the receiver socket, then remove it while holding the firing pin.
8. Pull the firing pin back all the way and, lifting it, separate it from the receiver.
9. Pull the bolt frame and bolt back as far as it will go and move them upward to separate them from the receiver.
10. Holding the bolt frame in a vertical position, lifting and simultaneously turning the bolt clockwise, remove it from the bolt frame.
11. Having pressed the housing latch with your thumb, remove the forend, moving it forward.
12. Turning the tube clockwise until the protrusion of the box aligns with the slot on the receiver, separate it from the barrel, moving it back.
13. To separate the butt of the VSS rifle , push in the butt lock and, moving the butt back, separate it from the receiver.
The weapon is assembled in the reverse order. To maintain weapons, gun lubricant RZh OST 38.01439-88 is used. It is strictly forbidden to lubricate cartridges. After cleaning and lubricating the weapon, all surfaces should be wiped dry.
- Caliber 9mm
- Cartridge 9×39 mm (SP-5, SP-6, PAB-9)
- Weight without cartridges 2.5 kg
- Weight with loaded magazine 2.96 kg
- Length 875 mm
- Length with compound stock 615 mm
- Barrel length 200 mm (without silencer)
- Initial bullet speed 295 m/s
- Muzzle energy 665 J
- Rate of fire 900 v/m
- Magazine capacity 10.20 rounds
- Sighting range 400 meters
"Point" purpose
Journalist Konstantin Lazarev, who specializes in preparing materials about the work of special forces units, in a story on his YouTube channel Lazarev Tactical, gives the opinion of one of the fighters of the Russian special forces regarding the shortcomings of Vintorez and Val (due to their structural similarity, the officer does not note these types of weapons are fundamentally different): “This weapon is a police weapon, not a military one. Bullets fly slowly (the initial bullet speed of the Vintorez is 2.5 times lower than that of the AKM). The problem with cleaning the VSS is that if the Vintorez is not cleaned within an hour, the barrel can be thrown away. If someone hasn’t cleaned “Val” or “Vintorez”, they have no idea about cleaning small arms: a rifle takes a very long time to clean. If at first you want to “play” with the VSS, shoot with it, then after the second or third cleaning of this weapon you already take the AKMS for shooting.”
The author of the book “The Art of the Sniper,” Alexey Potapov, confirms: the VSS is really a “point tool” designed to work on the “bite and disappear” principle - the Vintorez is not suitable for frequent and prolonged shooting. When three magazines are fired, powder deposits appear in the barrel of the VSS, which affects the quality of subsequent shooting. Even after cooling down, the VSS may “stumble” when firing. And when the weather is damp, the soot, having collected moisture, “swells” and does not allow high-precision shooting. Therefore, Vintorez requires frequent cleaning, which, as already mentioned, is a very labor-intensive task.
Also among the shortcomings of the Vintorez, experts note the low maximum sighting range of the VSS - 400 m, the relatively short service life of the muffler, and the fragility of the receiver cover. The rifle's stock is not adjustable, and it takes time for a newbie to get used to it. Special forces on their Internet forums also note the relatively low destructive power of VSS cartridges - at close range the Vintorez does not penetrate class 3 body armor, but a bullet from the 5x45 mm AK-74 caliber cartridge pierces this protection. When firing quickly, the VSS barrel heats up and the rifle begins to “spit”, a bullet can pierce the barrel; when more than 20 rounds are fired, the Vintorez barrel and separator become clogged, and the weapon jams. In addition, the noiselessness of this rifle is relative - in silence the sound of a VSS shot can still be distinguished - the clap resembles a shot from a small gun. In addition, the lever for switching the fuse-translator of fire modes is switched from single to regular firing modes and back with a characteristic click. The special forces call non-standard rifle cartridges another problem with the Vintorez VSS in combat conditions - in Chechnya, snipers more than once found themselves in situations where they did not have enough ammunition.
What was required from the weapon?
The VSS Vintorez sniper rifle was created specifically to hit enemy personnel. She must have the following qualities:
- Sighting range is not less than 400 meters. From this distance, the fired bullet should pierce the enemy's helmet. For the Dragunov sniper rifle (SVD), the firing efficiency was up to 800 meters.
- Compact and light. The Vintorez VSS weighs up to four kilograms with full ammunition and sighting devices. The Dragunov sniper rifle has a mass of 4.68 kg. Compared to the SVD, the new VSS is more compact. Dimensions of the "Vintorez" VSS: 20 cm - the length of the barrel, and no more than 894 mm - the length of the entire weapon. The size of the SVD is 1 m 22 cm. Its trunk length is 62 cm.
- Possibility of quick disassembly and assembly.
Feedback from an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs
“Great rifle. Compact, handy, accurate. In our division it is used with AS machine magazines. Standard SP-5 and SPP cartridges have, to a small extent, different ballistics, so our snipers, depending on preferences, bring their rifles to normal combat under the type of cartridge they like. The only depressing thing is the absence of a cheekpiece on the butt, which apparently was done for the sake of a quick transition, when shooting, to mechanical sighting devices.”
KardeN is an employee of a special unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs who has extensive combat experience in “hot spots”
First Chechen War
The first combat use of VSS rifles dates back to the first Chechen war, when special forces began to be armed with these rifles.
The Chechen separatists, who encountered the VSS and suffered heavy losses from it, quickly appreciated the quality of the new Russian weapons.
Chechens are very annoyed by the silent sniper rifles of the Russians. “We just can’t figure out where they’re coming from,” the militia spat in their hearts.
E. Abdulaev. "Roars above the formidable city." Magazine "Soldier of Fortune", No. 4 1995
Vladimir Olgin, commander of one of the special forces companies of the federal forces, described the VSS Vintorez/AS Val combination as an ideal system for special forces, the skillful use of which can work wonders. The author especially noted the quality of using the VSS when solving the problem of “removing the sentry” - there was a case when the detachment’s fighters destroyed 5 militants from the VSS even before the main enemy group realized what was happening.
In the city it is an irreplaceable thing, even the night is not a hindrance to it. The enemy does not hear or see. The main thing is more ammunition (but there was tension with it). You shoot up to 300 meters as if at a shooting range, the main thing is to align the sight, at night the result is similar.
Sh. Aliyev. “Where did the bloody experience go?” Magazine "Soldier of Fortune", No. 11 1997
On January 7, 1995, a special forces detachment of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) from the 22nd Special Forces Brigade was surrounded. The militants captured 48 people; the Chechens also captured Vintorez sniper rifles.
After the VSS entered the army, all AKMS with silent and flameless firing devices were sent to warehouses as unnecessary.
Notes
- ↑ V. Korablin and V. Krasnikov.
Special issue 1, dedicated to VSS "Vintorez" and AS "Val" // "Russian Small Arms". — “Technology of Youth.” - ↑ (inaccessible link). Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
- ↑ Maxim Popenker.
. world.guns.ru. Retrieved August 31, 2010. - (unavailable link). Yandex dictionaries. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
- ↑
- ↑ Vladimir Olgin.
How we fought in Chechnya // “Soldier of Fortune.” - M., 1997. - T. 8 (35). — P. 51-52. — 60 s. — 50,000 copies. — ISBN ISSN 0201-7021. - Jonathan Ferguson & N. R. Jenzen-Jones.
.
Armament Research Services Pty. Ltd. (November 2014). — “In at least one case, later-production designated marksman rifles were documented in the hands of a separatist group, notably two VSS rifles (Pseush, n.d.). These Russian-produced weapons are analogous to those seen in the hands of presumed Russian forces during the annexation of Ukraine[ sic
], and are not known to be in the inventory of any Ukrainian security forces. Their appearance at this later stage of the conflict is noteworthy.” - . Vestnik Kavkaza (July 14, 2014).
Error in footnotes?: The tag named "osinform" defined in is not used in the preceding text.
Equipment
“Val” is a reliable machine, however, it also requires some care, and sometimes repairs. Therefore, it comes with the so-called “ZIP-O” - a single set of spare parts and accessories.
It includes the following elements:
- Standard oiler (same as for Kalashnikov assault rifles);
- Ramrod;
- Standard accessory in the pencil case (again a complete match with the AK);
- Scraper knife. This is not a weapon, but another tool for cleaning weapons, namely the gas mechanism and barrel. Using a knife, remove carbon deposits;
- Belt.
General view of spare parts for the silent machine gun “Val”.
The scraper knife is shown as number 8, the bag for carrying sights is shown as number 12, the magazines are shown as number 14. In addition, the machine gun comes with a set of stowage tools:
- A bag in which additional sighting devices are placed when carrying;
- Transport vest. It contains ammunition (6 plastic magazines), a PSS silent firing pistol, flares and grenades (3 pieces);
- A case designed to carry the machine itself.
A standard magazine holds 20 rounds (for Vintorez - 10).
Incidents
Illegal armed groups began to use it to carry out terrorist attacks. Ossetian journalists believe that the VSS could have reached both the Georgian special services and the militants through the American side, which officially purchases these rifles; the Izvestia newspaper also names the countries of the Middle and Near East as options for supply routes. In particular, on a videotape provided by American journalists, one of the terrorists who seized a school in Beslan can be seen in the hands of the VSS
On June 5, 2009, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Dagestan, Adilgirey Magomedtagiro, was killed with a Vintorez rifle.
Operating principle of a special sniper rifle (VSS)
Soldier with VSS "Vintorez"
The firing principle of the VSS "Vintorez" is based on automatic gas exhaust. Locking is ensured by turning the bolt cylinder, for which six lugs are provided. This mechanism provides for the removal of powder gases into a special chamber and the conversion of their energy into kinetic energy.
The key aspect of the VSS that ensures silent shooting is the silencer. Its design includes ring elements that ensure redistribution of shock waves. To do this, pressure in the barrel is released through holes into the rear of the muffler. As the bullet passes through the barrel, the powder gases enter the expansion chamber of the muffler gradually, and not all at once. Due to this, their temperature drops, which reduces the pressure and volume during automatic firing.
At the same time, the single sound of the shot is divided, and the fragmented sound waves are reflected from the oblique partitions of the separator and redirected to each other. Due to this, they overlap each other in opposite phases and corresponding self-absorption.
Equal attention is paid to the assembly of the rifle. For convenience and secrecy of transportation, it is divided into a barrel with a silencer, a trigger mechanism and a butt. This aspect was specially refined by order of the KGB special forces. Assembling the weapon to full combat readiness, which takes no more than a minute, makes it convenient and mobile during urban operations.
Design Features
VSS barrel
The barrel with six right-hand rifling is made of chrome-plated steel and has a length of 200 millimeters. In the middle part there is a cavity for exhaust gases (gas chamber), as well as a platform for attaching a device that reduces the noise from a shot. There are 54 holes cut into the barrel, which allow the powder gases to be diverted into the expansion compartment of the muffler. Using a special separator spring, the muffler is centered relative to the barrel channel guide.
Butt
The skeletal type stock is made of plywood with a large number of layers. It is attached to a special receiver trim that has a lock. This design makes it possible to quickly disconnect the elements if necessary.
Receiver
This part of the design allows you to connect weapon components. The receiver is produced by milling from steel. This scheme significantly increases structural rigidity, but at the same time the labor intensity and cost of Vintorez production increases.
A special cover helps protect weapon mechanisms and components from dust and dirt. On the right side there are holes for ejecting spent cartridges and a special cutout so that the bolt handle can move. On the left side there are protrusions for attaching optics.
Muffler
An integrated silencer and separator complex ensures a silent shot. The muffler consists of a muzzle compartment and an expansion chamber, which allows the discharge of powder gases. Inside the body there is an aiming block with a bar and a retainer for the separator.
The separator itself is installed in the front part, which includes: a washer, an insert, a clip and a bushing mounted on the separator spring.
Fuse
The mechanism prevents the possibility of accidental shots during impacts or other unforeseen situations. This is ensured by the fact that the fuse closes the windows for moving the reloading handle.
Sights
Depending on the time of day, night or day optical sights can be installed on Vintorez.
PSO-1-1 is equipped with a convenient sighting reticle, designed specifically for the use of the SP-5 cartridge. The distance scale allows the sniper to calculate the necessary correction and determine the distance without rotating the flywheels. The sealed housing, filled with nitrogen, completely eliminates fogging when the air temperature changes from 50 degrees cold to 50 degrees warm. It is also possible to use another day sight - 1P43 (PSV), with fourfold magnification and illumination.
For night time, MBNP-1 (1PN75) and NSPU-3 (MBNP-18) can be used.
There are newer modifications, in particular 1PN93. If daytime optics break down, you can use a mechanical device consisting of a sector sight and a front sight with a front sight. Adjustment occurs in horizontal direction and height.
Design advantages
Compared to other Vintorez models, the following advantages:
- high accuracy and accuracy of fire is ensured by a modernized barrel design;
- thanks to the integrated silencer, the VSS can fire silently with no flash when fired;
- the muffler is used throughout its entire service life without replacement;
- the bullet has high speed and a powerful damaging effect;
- design features allow for quick dismantling and assembly of weapons;
- disassembling the rifle into three parts makes it possible to carry it concealed; double-row mechanism in which the cartridges are staggered;
- safety of use is ensured by a safety lock that completely prevents a shot from being fired when the trigger is accidentally pressed (during impacts and falls).
