TSNIITochMash(Central Institute for Precision Machine Building)
Country Of Origin
Russia
Date Of Introduction
1980
Caliber
9 x 39 mm
Feed System
Magazine
Rate Of Fire
800 rounds per minute
Weights
2.96 kg
Length
875 mm, stock extended
More Information *
The AS "Val" (Avtomat Spetsialnij = special assault rifle) was developed by TSNIITOCHMASH under the leadership of P. Serdjukov during the late 1980s, as a part of the 9 x 39 family of silenced weapons for Soviet Special Forces. Its design is similar to one of VSS "Vintorez" sniper rifle, and differs only in the design of the buttstock and pistol grip. AS is widely used by Russian Army recon units, as well as by MVD (Internal Affairs Ministry) and FSB (Federal Security Bureau) Special Forces. The AS is a gas operated, integrally silenced weapon. The receiver is machined from steel forging for added strength. The long stroke gas piston is located above the barrel, and rigidly attached to the bolt carrier. The rotating bolt has six lugs and locks into the receiver. The front part of the barrel, ahead of the gas port, has several sets of holes, drilled at the bottom of the rifling grooves. These holes are used to bleed some of the gun gas into the integral silencer. The trigger unit is somewhat similar to that of the Czech-made Sa. Vz.58 assault rifle, and the gun is striker-fired. The safety lever is similar to the one found on all Kalashnikov-type rifles, but the fire mode selector is a separate cross-bolt type button, located within the trigger guard, just behind the trigger. The open sights are graduated up to 400 meters in 25 meter increments, but the actual effective range is about 200-300 meters due to the rainbow-shaped trajectory of the heavy subsonic bullets. The AS is optimized for high performance armor piercing 9x39mm ammunition, designated as SP-6 or PAB-9, but can also fire "ball" type SP-5 ammunition, intended for VSS sniper rifles. The pistol grip and the short forearm are made from polymer, the skeletonized, side-folding buttstock is made from steel tubing.
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