VSK-94
ВСК-94
Overview
VSK-94
Right side view of VSK-94 with PSO-1 scope.
Source: KardeN -
© copyright lies with original owner
No longer in production
VSK-94 / Voyskovoy Snayperskiy Kompleks
Russian for "military sniper rifle"
6V8 (GRAU index)
Description
Introduction
The VSK-94 is a suppressed sniper rifle of Russian origin. It was developed in the early 1990's to complement the 9A91 sub machine gun. It was intended as a more cost effective and lighter alternative to the VSS Vintorez.
Design
The VSK-94 nearly identical to the 9A91. It is a gas operated weapon with long stroke gas piston and rotating bolt. It is a steel frame weapon with the stock, pistol grip and forearm made of polymer. Whereas the 9A91 doesn't allow for a cheek weld, the VSK-94 has a fixed thumbhole style stock that connects to the pistol grip. A suppressor is standard issue on the VSK-94. However, it is not an integral part of the design, as it screws onto the threaded barrel. The VSK-94 is reported to be noisier than the VSS, which has a higher volume suppressor and vent holes in the barrel.
Firepower
The VSK-94 fires the 9x39mm subsonic ammunition from a 20 round magazine. This round is very effective at short range. The magazine identical to the one used on the 9A91 and is not compatible with AS Val and VSS. Although intended to be used as a semi-automatic weapon, the full automatic capability is retained. The cyclic rate of fire is 700 to 900 rpm. The PSO-1-1 scope supports bullet drop compensation out to 400 meters. The practical range is reported as 200 to 300 meters.
Users
The VSK94 was acquired in limited quantity by law enforcement units in Russia. Some are probably in use with several nations that have close ties with Russia. Although cheaper, the VSK-94 is seen as less capable than the similar VSS Vintorez.
Details
Related articles
VSS Vintorez
The VSK-94 was developed to compete with the VSS Vintorez suppressed sniper rifle, which entered service several years earlier.
9x39mm Soviet
The VSK-94 is chambered for the subsonic 9x39mm Soviet round.