Performance and specifications of VSS Vintorez sniper rifle developed by TsNIITochMash of the Soviet Union

 The VSS Vintorez is a Soviet/Russian suppressed sniper rifle that was first introduced into service in 1987. It was designed to provide the Soviet special forces with a silent and compact weapon that could be used in urban environments, as well as in rural areas. The rifle's name comes from its chief designer, Pyotr V. Teleshov, and the town of Vintorez, where the TsNIITochMash design bureau, which developed the rifle, is located.

The Vintorez is a gas-operated weapon that uses a unique cartridge, the 9x39mm, which was specifically developed for this rifle. The cartridge is essentially a scaled-up version of the 7.62x39mm cartridge used in the AK-47, but it is heavier and has a larger diameter bullet. The 9x39mm cartridge is optimized for subsonic velocities and is designed to be fired with a suppressor, which greatly reduces the sound signature of the weapon.

The Vintorez is a relatively small and lightweight weapon, with an overall length of 900mm and a weight of 2.8kg. It has a folding stock, which makes it even more compact, and a detachable 10-round magazine. The rifle features a heavy, free-floating barrel that is specially designed for accuracy and stability, and it is equipped with an integral suppressor that reduces the sound of the shot to a barely audible "puff" that is difficult to locate.

The Vintorez is a very accurate and effective weapon, with an effective range of up to 400 meters. It is designed to be used by highly trained snipers, and its accuracy and reliability make it a favorite among special forces units in Russia and around the world. The rifle has been used in a variety of conflicts, including the Chechen wars and the Syrian civil war.

One of the key advantages of the Vintorez is its ability to penetrate body armor. The 9x39mm cartridge is specifically designed to penetrate body armor at short to medium ranges, making it an ideal weapon for special forces units that may encounter armored targets. The rifle also has a low recoil, which allows the shooter to quickly acquire targets and make follow-up shots if necessary.

The Vintorez has undergone several upgrades since it was first introduced, including the addition of a folding stock, a new trigger mechanism, and an improved suppressor. These upgrades have made the rifle even more effective and reliable, and it remains a favorite among special forces units around the world.

Overall, the VSS Vintorez is a highly effective and reliable sniper rifle that has proven its worth in a variety of conflicts. Its compact size, accuracy, and low sound signature make it an ideal weapon for special forces units that operate in urban environments or need to engage targets at short to medium ranges. While it may not be as well-known as other sniper rifles, such as the M24 or the SVD, the Vintorez remains a highly respected and sought-after weapon among those who know its capabilities.