AS Val, VSS Vintorez, OTs-14 Groza, and more: 9x39mm with Max Popenker

Published on September 10, 2019
Duration: 34:48

This video delves into the history and development of the Soviet/Russian 9x39mm subsonic cartridge and its associated firearms, including the AS Val, VSS Vintorez, and OTs-14 Groza. It highlights the cartridge's design goals for suppressed use, armor penetration, and compares it to modern alternatives like .300 Blackout. The discussion emphasizes the unique role these weapons play in special operations due to their specialized capabilities.

Quick Summary

The 9x39mm cartridge was developed in the Soviet Union for suppressed firearms, aiming to outperform standard calibers with suppressors. Key firearms include the AS Val assault rifle and VSS Vintorez sniper rifle, both featuring integral suppressors and sharing a common action. The SP-6 variant offers significant armor penetration capabilities.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to 9x39mm Subsonic Cartridge
  2. 01:11Early Suppressed AKM Rifles & Subsonic Ammo Issues
  3. 03:20The Search for Accuracy and Sonic Crack Problem
  4. 05:18Body Armor Penetration Requirements for 9mm
  5. 07:08The Vintorez Program: Developing a Suppressed Sniper Rifle
  6. 09:37SP-5 and SP-6 Ammunition Explained
  7. 12:53AS Val and VSS Vintorez Rifle Designs
  8. 18:22OTs-12 Tiss and OTs-14 Groza Bullpup
  9. 20:30SR-3 Vikhr Compact 9x39mm Platform
  10. 23:38Modern 9x39mm Developments & .300 Blackout Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary purpose of developing the 9x39mm cartridge?

The 9x39mm cartridge was developed in the Soviet Union specifically for suppressed firearms. Its main goal was to provide better performance than standard calibers when used with suppressors, offering effective subsonic ballistics for covert operations.

What are the key differences between the AS Val and VSS Vintorez rifles?

Both the AS Val (assault rifle) and VSS Vintorez (sniper rifle) share the same gas-operated action and integral suppressor. The primary differences are the AS Val's side-folding steel stock and its role as an assault rifle, while the VSS features a fixed wooden stock and is designed for precision shooting.

How does 9x39mm compare to .300 Blackout for armor penetration?

The 9x39mm cartridge, particularly the SP-6 variant with its hardened steel core, offers superior armor penetration capabilities compared to .300 Blackout. While .300 Blackout may have better ballistic coefficients for target shooting, 9x39mm excels in its ability to defeat body armor.

What historical issues led to the development of the 9x39mm caliber?

In the 1960s, Soviet Spetsnaz used suppressed AKM rifles with subsonic 7.62x39mm ammo. This setup suffered from low pressure, short suppressor life, and poor accuracy, creating a demand for a dedicated suppressed weapon system with a more effective cartridge.

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