The VSS fired from 10- or 20-round detachable box magazines. The magazine fits into the magazine well ahead of the trigger unit with the magazine release noted just aft of the well itself. The trigger loop is large enough to fit a gloved hand which is always an important consideration when supplying special forces elements. The trigger unit is large and very Kalashnikov in its function and styling. The parts are contained in a provided hard case. The VSS can, however, be broken down into key components for scheduled travels. It is fixed so there is no prospect of making the VSS more compact during maneuvers but it makes for a more sturdy and stable platform in the long run. The hollowed nature of the stock lightened the weapon's overall weight. The pistol grip is integrated with the hollowed stock which features two large loops, the forward most one being for the firer's hand. It sports a boxy receiver with the charging handle and ejection port set to the right side of the body. However, the actual audible sound produced by the VSS is something akin to a whisper in actual operation - perfect for taking out unsuspecting sentries.īeyond its silenced capabilities, the VSS is more or less a conventional rifle system. While this also lowers the audible frequency of the weapon, it also restricts its range - the trade off of silenced weapons. As in the AS Val, the VSS utilizes a permanently fixed silencer over the barrel and this serves to lower the muzzle velocity of the exiting rounds. The AS Val assault rifle follows this same design initiative in its use of the 9x39mm SP-6 round though the VSS cartridge is an armor-piercing grade cartridge which sets it apart. It is a heavy cartridge and categorized as 'subsonic'. The cartridge is the 9x39mm SP-5 which essentially breaks down as a rifle-caliber 7.62x39mm case with a widened neck to accept a 9mm bullet. The VSS primarily relies on two key factors in its success - the specialized cartridge and the integrated silencer.

Its inherent nature allows for quiet operation of the system against targets at range whereas the aforementioned AS Val assault rifle is useful at closer ranges. The silenced sniper rifle certainly has its value on any battlefield.

Design of the VSS is attributed to Petr Serdjukov with manufacture being handled by the fabled Tula Arms Plant. Involvement in combat has been noted in the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the 1st and 2nd Chechen Wars and, most recently, the 2008 war against Georgia. The VSS entered service with Soviet/Russian special forces in 1987 and has since seen broadened use by internal security forces as well as a regular army. Key markers between the two systems is the VSS's use of a slightly different subsonic cartridge, a fixed, skeletal wood shoulder stock and a long range scope. The type shares nearly the same contours as the AS Val silenced assault rifle which was developed at the same time. The VSS 'Vintorez' is a silenced sniper rifle that makes use of a permanent silencer assembly as well as specially-developed subsonic ammunition.

Inherently subsonic rounds