VSS (USSR/Russia)

Caliber: 9mm (9x39 SP-5, SP-6) Action: auto, selective fire, gas operated, striker fired. Length: 35in(894mm)Barrel length: 8in(200 mm)Weight: w/o cartridges without scope 6lbs(2.6kg),loaded w. scope PSO-1 8lbs(3.41kg)Magazine: 10 rds detachable box Muzzle bullet velocity: 290-300 m/s (900 fps)

VSS (Vinovka Snaiperskaja Spetsialnaya = Special Sniper Rifle) was designed for special operations. Adopted by Russian Military and Special Law Reinforcement units in 1987. This rifle has integrated silencer and uses special subsonic ammo - 9mm cartridges SP-5 (special subsonic sniper cartridge) and SP-6 (special subsonic AP cartridge). With more precision SP-5 loads VSS provide a 3in(75mm)5 shots groups at 100 meters. SP-6 AP loads can pierce 8mm steel plate at 100 meters with heavy (16g) bullet with hardened steel core. VSS is intended for use at short and medium distances (up to 400 meters with telescope or up to 300 meters with night (IR) sight). Noise level of VSS is as low as 130dB, and is equivalent to noise of a .22 unsurpressed rifle. VSS was (and is) used in all local conflicts that Russian Army was involved in last decade.