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VSS Vintorez - Detailed Review
Price Range:
$4,000 - $6,000
Specification
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Name | Izhmash (now part of Kalashnikov Concern) |
| Country of Origin | Russia |
| First Build Date | 1980s |
| Action | Semi-Automatic |
| Caliber | 9x39mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 10/20 rounds (detachable) |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm |
| Overall Length | 945 mm (with stock extended) |
| Weight | 3.2 kg |
| Price Range | $4,000 – $6,000 |
Overview
The VSS Vintorez is a Russian-made, suppressed sniper rifle chambered in the 9x39mm caliber. Developed in the 1980s by Izhmash (now part of Kalashnikov Concern), this rifle was designed for special forces and military units requiring a weapon that could effectively engage targets at medium ranges, all while maintaining a low signature due to its integrated suppressor. The VSS Vintorez’s unique blend of high-velocity subsonic ammunition, compact size, and integrated suppression makes it a highly effective and discreet weapon.
Unlike traditional sniper rifles, the VSS Vintorez is semi-automatic, and its suppression system makes it ideal for covert operations. The 9x39mm cartridge delivers substantial stopping power at relatively short to medium distances, while the rifle’s design allows for quick follow-up shots in tactical situations.
Strength and Quality
The VSS Vintorez is built with precision and durability in mind. Its construction consists of high-quality materials, including a steel receiver, robust bolt, and a precision-machined barrel. The rifle is designed to endure in harsh environments, offering reliability in both desert and frozen conditions. The suppressor is permanently attached to the barrel, ensuring that the weapon remains discreet while maintaining consistent accuracy and performance.
Safety Features
The VSS Vintorez is equipped with a manual safety that blocks the firing pin from striking the primer, ensuring the rifle cannot discharge unless intentionally activated. The safety is easy to manipulate and located within reach of the shooter’s thumb. The safety mechanism is simple but effective, ensuring that the rifle can be carried safely when not in use without the risk of accidental discharge.
Test Results
- Accuracy: The VSS Vintorez offers impressive accuracy for a suppressed, short-barrel sniper rifle. Typical groups of 2-3 MOA can be expected at 100 meters using high-quality ammunition.
- Effective Range: Its effective range is approximately 300-400 meters, although the 9x39mm cartridge is optimized for closer engagements, especially with the integrated suppressor.
- Recoil: Recoil is minimal due to the low-powered 9x39mm round and the rifle’s weight, making follow-up shots quick and precise.
- Strength: The VSS Vintorez’s construction is robust, designed to handle both extreme conditions and combat scenarios, while the integrated suppressor ensures quieter shots.
Merits
- Excellent Suppression: The integrated suppressor reduces muzzle flash and noise significantly, making the VSS Vintorez highly effective for stealth operations.
- Effective Range for Close to Medium Distances: Though not a long-range sniper rifle, it excels at engagements up to 300-400 meters, perfect for tactical operations.
- Compact Design: With its short barrel and overall compactness, the VSS Vintorez is easier to maneuver in tight spaces compared to traditional sniper rifles.
- Low Recoil: The 9x39mm round and suppressor combination results in very manageable recoil, making rapid follow-up shots easier.
- Reliability: The rifle is designed to operate in harsh environments, maintaining functionality even under extreme conditions.
Demerits
- Limited Effective Range: The VSS Vintorez is not designed for long-range engagements beyond 400 meters, unlike other sniper rifles.
- Price: The VSS Vintorez can be quite expensive, especially due to its status as a military-grade weapon, which limits its accessibility for civilian buyers.
- Heavy for Its Size: Weighing 3.2 kg, it is heavier than some might expect for a compact, short-barrel sniper rifle.
- Limited Magazine Capacity: The magazine holds only 10 or 20 rounds, which can be restrictive in high-intensity situations.
Maintenance
- Regular cleaning is necessary to ensure that the suppressor and the gas system remain free of carbon buildup.
- The barrel and suppressor should be inspected and cleaned regularly to maintain optimal performance.
- Lubrication of the moving parts, such as the bolt carrier and trigger assembly, ensures smooth operation and minimizes wear over time.
- It’s recommended to inspect the magazine and ensure proper functioning, as the VSS Vintorez’s proprietary magazine can be prone to feeding issues if not well maintained.
Comparison with Other Guns
VSS Vintorez vs Other Rifles
| Feature | VSS Vintorez | AS Val | Dragunov SVD | Heckler & Koch MP5SD | AK-12 | FN SCAR-H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9x39mm | 9x39mm | 7.62x54mmR | 9x19mm | 5.45x39mm | 7.62x51mm NATO |
| Effective Range | 400 meters | 400 meters | 1,200 meters | 150 meters | 600 meters | 800 meters |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 2.6 kg (5.7 lbs) | 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) | 4.3 kg (9.5 lbs) | 3.4 kg (7.5 lbs) | 3.3 kg (7.3 lbs) | 3.6 kg (7.9 lbs) |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 620 mm (24.4 in) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 415 mm (16.3 in) | 406 mm (16 in) |
| Action | Gas-Operated | Gas-Operated | Gas-Operated | Blowback | Gas-Operated | Gas-Operated |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 or 20 Rounds | 20 Rounds | 10 Rounds | 30 Rounds | 30 Rounds | 20 Rounds |
| Primary Use | Special Operations, Close-Range Stealth | Close-Range Stealth | Long-Range Sniping | Suppressed Submachine Gun | Standard Infantry Rifle | Battle Rifle for Medium to Long Range |
| Price Range (USD) | $4,000–$6,000 | $4,000–$5,500 | $2,500–$4,000 | $2,000–$3,000 | $1,500–$2,500 | $3,000–$4,500 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Due to its military designation, the VSS Vintorez is not typically available for civilian purchase, and in many countries, it is considered a restricted firearm.
The VSS Vintorez is highly suppressed, making it one of the quietest firearms available, especially with the 9x39mm subsonic rounds. Its noise level is significantly lower than standard rifles.
The VSS Vintorez excels in stealth operations due to its suppressed design and compact size, but it has a limited range compared to larger sniper rifles like the Barrett M82 or Accuracy International AW.
