The AS VAL: How It REALLY Works

Published on February 17, 2020
Duration: 18:00

This guide breaks down the core mechanical features of the AS VAL, as explained by Brandon Herrera. It covers the unique 9x39mm cartridge, the striker-fired mechanism, the AR-15-like bolt design, and the integral suppressor. Herrera, a recognized expert in the AK firearm community, provides a technically detailed look at this Russian weapon platform.

Quick Summary

The AS VAL is a Russian firearm designed around the 9x39mm subsonic cartridge, featuring a striker-fired mechanism and a multi-lug rotating bolt similar to an AR-15. Its integral suppressor uses simple baffles, and it employs a short-stroke gas piston system adapted for the cartridge's lower pressure.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the AS VAL
  2. 02:05The 9x39mm Cartridge
  3. 04:23Trigger Mechanism: Striker vs. Hammer
  4. 07:00Bolt and Ejector Design
  5. 09:22Gas System Challenges
  6. 13:56Suppressor Design

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the AS VAL's firing mechanism differ from an AK-47?

The AS VAL utilizes a striker-fired mechanism, distinct from the hammer-fired system typically found in AK-pattern rifles. This involves a separate striker spring and a trigger catch that holds the striker after cycling.

What cartridge is the AS VAL designed for, and why is it significant?

The AS VAL is designed around the 9x39mm cartridge. This round is significant because it fires a heavy, subsonic projectile, allowing for substantial energy delivery without exceeding the speed of sound, making it ideal for suppressed use.

Describe the bolt design of the AS VAL.

The AS VAL features a multi-lug rotating bolt, which bears a resemblance to the bolt design found in AR-15 platforms rather than the traditional two-lug system of the AK-47.

What is notable about the AS VAL's gas system?

Due to the lower operating pressures of the 9x39mm cartridge, the AS VAL employs a short-stroke gas piston system. This design is specifically adapted to reliably cycle this particular caliber.

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