AS "Val"

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AS "Val"
Production information
Country of origin	Soviet Union
Manufacturer(s)	TsNIITochMash TOZ
Designer(s)	Piotr Ivanovich Serdyukov V. Krasnikov
Production began	1987
Technical specifications
Weapon type	Assault rifle
Caliber	9×39mm (subsonic)
Action	Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Length	875/615 mm (open/folded stock)
Barrel length	200 mm
Weight	2.96 kg
Feed system	10-, 20- or 30-round detachable box magazine
Cyclic rate	900-960 rounds per minute
Effective range	400 m
Maximum effective range	~500 m
Muzzle velocity	280-300 m/s

The AS "Val", (Russian: АС «Вал»; Автома́т Специа́льный, romanized: Avtomát Spetsiálny «Val», lit. 'Special Automatic' «Shaft»), (GRAU index 6P30) is a special assault rifle designed by TSNIITOCHMASH in late 1980s as a specialised weapon for Spetsnaz forces. Due to the nature of operations that the Spetsnaz usually carry out, they are in need of silenced, low visible signature rifles.

History

A need for a suppressed, low-visibility rifle was in need by the Russian special forces. Initially, this niche was filled by AK-47/AKM rifles that were fitted with detachable silencers and supplied with subsonic ammunition, along with Stechkin APB pistols. However, those were not adequate enough for the intended goals, and Spetsnaz command had requested the development of specialised weaponry.

A special cartridge was developed. Existing in two versions, SP-5 and SP-6, this cartridge was, in essence, the 7.62×39mm cartridge of the AK, necked out to fit a 9×39mm cartridge. The powder charge was also replaced with a specific load to provide subsonic speed with high muzzle energy.

The team at TSNIITOCHMASH, lead by P. Serdyukov, developed a family of integrally suppressed 9mm rifles, which included the VSS Vintorez special sniper rifle and the AS “Val” special assault rifle. Both rifles are based on the same action and integrally suppressed barrel. They share about 70% of interchangeable parts.

The AS "Val" is currently used by Spetsnaz and reconnaissance divisions of the Russian Army, as well as MVD and FSB special forces.

Design Details

The AS "Val" is a gas-operated, internally-silenced weapon. The silencer could be detached for maintenance, but firing the gun without the silencer is not recommended, due to reliability and safety issues. The safety lever is separate from the fire-mode selector, and placed similarly to an AK safety lever, while the fire-mode selector is placed near the trigger. The magazines are made of plastic, for 10 or 20 round capacities, and interchangeable with the VSS "Vintorez". The skeleton metal stock folds to the left.

The default sights are marked up to 400 m, with a step of 25 m, but in practice, aiming beyond 250–300 m is difficult, due to the bullets' arcing trajectories. The AS "Val" has a rail on the side, allowing the user to mount various optic/night vision/red dot sights. It has no capabilities to mount a grenade launcher or a bayonet.

Variants

ASM

The ASM (GRAU index: 6P30M), is a modernized variant of the AS "Val". It features a new 30-round magazine, also compatible with the VSS. It is outfitted with a Picatinny rail on the top of the dust cover and on the sides and bottom of the suppressor, forward of the handguard. The mounts which shroud the suppressor can be removed.

Gallery

An ASM with 30-round magazine and a scope

A close-up look of the AS (Val)

References

• https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=580
• https://weaponsystems.net/system/373-AS+Val
• https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/russian_special_forces_to_get_new_asm_silent_assault_rifles.html

See also

• VSS Vintorez
• SR3 Vikhr