9mm Sniper Rifle.Fantasy or reality?

[Jean-Pierre]

Does a 9mm sniper rifle exist?

I've never heard of a sniper rifle using a 9mm round - just wondering.

[Speed_Freak]

A quick search and I found this: VSS 'Vintorez' silenced 9mm sniper rifle (USSR/Russia)

http://www.gunslot.com/pictures/vss-...le-ussr-russia

VSS 'Vintorez' silenced sniper rifle (USSR/Russia)

Caliber: 9x39mm SP-5 and SP-6 subsonic cartridges
Action: auto, selective fire, gas-operated, striker-fired.
Length: 894mm
Barrel length: 200 mm
Weight: empty: 2.6 kg, loaded w. scope PSO-1: 3.41 kg
Magazine: 10 or 20 rounds detachable box

VSS (Vinovka Snaiperskaja Spetsialnaya = Special Sniper Rifle) was designed for special operations. Designed at TSNIITochMash (Central Institute for Precision Machine Building) by team lead by Petr Serdjukov, the new rifle was intended to replace some AK-47/AKM rifles, fitted with silencers, in the hands of various Special Operations (SpetsNaz) troops of Soviet Army, KGB and MVD. To achieve desired lethality against targets, protected with body armor, TSNIITochMash had to develop a new subsonic cartridge, based on the 7.62x39 case, necked out for 9mm bullet. The bullets used in new cartridges are long and heavy (about 16 gram), and of ball (SP-5) and AP (SP-6) type. The latter bullet features a hardened steel penetrator as the core, and can defeat most military issue body armors at ranges up to 300-400 meters. VSS is in use since late 1980s, and is widely used in Chechnya against separatists. VSS is quite popular among its users for its stealthy capabilities and great lethality of heavy 9mm bullets. The effective range of VSS is limited to 300-400 meters.

The VSS is a gas operated, selective fire weapon. The long stroke gas piston is located above the barrel. The rotating bolt has 6 lugs and locks into the receiver, which is machined from solid steel for greater strength. The trigger unit differs significantly from AK-47 type firearms, being striker-fired. The safety switch and charging handle are AK-style, but the fire selector is a cross-bolt button, located inside the triggerguard, behind the trigger.

The barrel at the front has a set of tiny holes, drilled in the rifling grooves, which lead into the integral silencer. The silencer is the integral part of the weapon, and while it could be easily removed for storage or maintenance, the VSS should not be fired with the silencer removed.

Standard sighting equipment consists of side rail on the receiver, which usually accommodates the 4X PSO-1 scope, graduated for 9x39 ammo. Any other scope or night vision sight can be mounted on appropriate mount. backup iron sights consist of tangent rear and blade front. Rear sight is graduated up to 400 meters.

The wooden, skeletonized buttstock is fitted with rubber buttplate and can be removed for compact storage and transportation, the compact forend is made from polymer.

Feeding is achieved from 10 or 20 round box magazines, made from polymer

[Bushboy]

I wonder what weight these bullets are that they can penetrate armour and still be subsonic.

[Sean Murphy]

I wonder what weight these bullets are that they can penetrate armour and still be subsonic.

It uses a 250gr Bullet.

Sean

[ikor]

It uses a 250gr Bullet.

Sean

Yes...while a '9mm' it is a 9x39 and not a 9x19 pistol caliber. The closest I have seen to a 9mmP caliber 'sniper' setup would probably be something like the MP5SD with scope used for sentry elimination or killing guard dogs, etc. For civilian use I would think the Beretta CX series might do OK if you can get a decent trigger on them

[Sean Murphy]

I would imagine that a 9mmP weapon like the MP5SD would make a nice little 'Urban Sniper' where close range shots are needed and stealth is of primary importance. I suppose it would not be too difficult to built a bolt action or single shot in 9mmP.

Used with heavy bullet at sub-sonic speeds it could be effective and very quiet.

Sean.

[414gates]

Bullet penetration is less dependant on weight and more dependent on a combination of shape and metallurgy.

The design of the Safari hunting bullet sums up the principles nicely.

[Jean-Pierre]

Thanx for the info guys,the MP5SD and VSS 'Vintorez definitely look like they could do the job.I'm particularly intrigued with the concept of a bold action 9mm,I have shot the Beretta CX4 Storm and think it could be up for the the task.

[DS]

9 x 39 ammo

Loads are based on M43 case (7.62x39mm), re-necked to accept heavy 9 mm bullet. SP-5 (OAL 55-56mm) was designed as "sniper" load and has Full Metal Jacketed bullet with small steel core and lead behind it. SP-6 (OAL 55-56mm) was designed as "assault" load with Semi-Jacketed bullet with pointed, hardened steel core exposed at the nose of the bullet. This cartridge is capable of piercing 8mm of steel at 100 meters (110 yards). At 400 meters SP-6 is still capable to pierce 2mm steel plate.

[SSP]

I'm particularly intrigued with the concept of a bold action 9mm,

Check out the De Lisle carbine. I think there is an American and Aussie company making them again.