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

Published on September 10, 2019
Duration: 34:48

This comprehensive entry delves into the Russian 9x39mm subsonic cartridge and its associated firearms, including the AS Val, VSS Vintorez, OTs-14 Groza, and SR-3 Vikhr. Expert Max Popenker and Ian McCollum discuss the historical development driven by the need for effective suppressed weapons, detailing the evolution from early AKM setups to specialized rifles. The entry covers the technical specifications of the 9x39mm SP-5 and SP-6 rounds, their penetration capabilities, and comparisons with other calibers like .300 Blackout. It highlights the design philosophies behind each firearm, their intended roles, and modern advancements in the platform.

Quick Summary

The Russian 9x39mm subsonic cartridge, developed for firearms like the AS Val and VSS Vintorez, offers superior mass and armor penetration compared to calibers like .300 Blackout. It was designed to overcome the limitations of early suppressed weapons by using heavy subsonic projectiles, ensuring effectiveness in covert operations.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to 9x39mm
  2. 01:11Historical Context and Early Suppressed AKs
  3. 03:20The Search for Accuracy and the Sonic Crack
  4. 05:18Caliber Selection and Body Armor Requirements
  5. 07:08The Vintorez Program
  6. 09:37SP-5 and SP-6 Ammunition
  7. 12:53AS Val and VSS Vintorez Rifles
  8. 18:22OTs-12 Tiss and OTs-14 Groza
  9. 20:30SR-3 Vikhr and Compact Designs
  10. 23:38Modern Developments and .300 Blackout Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary advantage of the 9x39mm subsonic cartridge?

The 9x39mm subsonic cartridge was designed to offer superior performance for suppressed firearms, providing better penetration and effectiveness than standard calibers when used with suppressors, particularly for special operations.

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

Both the AS Val and VSS Vintorez share the same gas-operated, rotating bolt action and integral suppressor. The primary differences are that the AS Val is an assault rifle with a side-folding steel stock, while the VSS Vintorez is a sniper rifle with a fixed, Dragunov-style wooden stock.

How does 9x39mm compare to .300 Blackout?

The 9x39mm cartridge excels in mass and armor penetration capabilities. In contrast, .300 Blackout generally offers better ballistic coefficients, making it more suitable for long-range target shooting applications.

What was the historical motivation behind developing the 9x39mm round?

The development was driven by the limitations of early suppressed Soviet firearms, such as the AKM with PBS-1 suppressor, which suffered from poor accuracy and limited component lifespan, necessitating a dedicated system with heavy subsonic projectiles.

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