VSS Vintorez Russian 9mm Sniper Rifle

The VSS Vintorez Russian 9mm Sniper Rifle is a silenced sniper rifle of Soviet origin. It is a unique weapon that was conceived in the 1980's to silently engage personnel with body armor out to 400 m. The name VSS stands for "Vintovka Snayperskaya Spetsialnaya", which is Russian for "special sniper rifle". The nickname "Vintorez" means "thread cutter". The VSS stems from the same project as the AS Val silent assault rifle and has a 70% parts commonality. The VSS is based on a Kalashnikov receiver that is modified to fire the 9x39mm round. The gas mechanism allows for both semi-automatic and automatic fire. The most striking feature of the AS Val is the long integrated silencer with small polymer forearm. A fixed wooden stock is fitted. The PSO-1 4x scope is fitted as standard although other optics and the iron sights may be used instead.