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The VSS Vintorez is a silenced sniper rifle of Soviet origin. It is a unique weapon that was conceived in the 1980's to silently engage armored targets out to 400 m. The name VSS stands for Vintovka Snayperskaya Spetsialnaya, which is Russian for special sniper rifle. The nickname Val means thread cutter. The VSS stems from the same project as the AS Val silenced 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.
The AS Val fires the powerful subsonic 9x39mm round that was specifically designed for this weapon. 10 round magazines are most common, although the 20 and 30 round magazines from the AS Val and SR-3M may be used as well. The fire selector allows for semi-automatic fire and automatic fire at 900 rpm. The maximum effective range is 400 meters, although 200 to 300 meters is the practical range.