AS Val Russian 9mm Assault Rifle
AS Val
The AS Val Russian 9mm Assault Rifle is a silenced assault rifle of Soviet origin. It was developed in the 1980's to be used in urban combat and the reconnaissance role. The name AS stands for "Avtomat Special'nyj", which is Russian for "special automatic rifle". The nickname "Val" means "shaft" and refers to the prominent silencer. The AS Val stems from the VSS Vintorez silenced sniper rifle and has a 70% parts commonality. The AS Val is based on a Kalashnikov receiver and uses a similar long stroke gas mechanism. The large box magazine holds the 9x39mm round which was developed specifically for this weapon. The most striking feature of the AS Val is the long integrated silencer with small polymer forearm. A metal tubular folding stock sets the AS Val apart from the VSS Vintorez. Standard Kalashnikov type iron sights are fitted. Various type of optical sights may be fitted.