u/davegoku12

It had a flame range of up to 15 feet. Its primary mission was to surprise the enemy, making it easier for the user to close in. In reality, however, it was quite heavy, and the user was more likely to be frightened by the weapon itself than the target was.

From left to right:

- VSSM / 6P29M

- ASM / 6P30M

- SR-3MP

- AMM / SR-3M

- AM / SR-3

- AS "Val" / 6P30

- VSS "Vintorez" / 6P29

- RG036 (Prototype/ancestor of the VSS Vintorez)

- RG044 (Prototype/ancestor of the AS Val)

- RG036 (version chambered in 7.62mm)

The first version of the rifle used a subsonic 7.62mm cartridge. Later the rifles used 9×39mm ammunition: SP5, SP6, SPP-7N9, BP-7N12.

Patent link: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/72/72/e0/7182424e00776c/RU2729773C1.pdf

The patent, filed in 2021 by the Military Academy of Logistical Support "General of the Army A. V. Khrulyov (Penza branch), describes a blowback-operated submachine gun designed for close and medium-range combat in confined spaces. Its key innovation is a radically different layout intended to make the weapon equally convenient for all shooters (ambidextrous), compact, and controllable.

* Main features and innovations:

- Top-mounted magazine: A straight, double-stack, L‑shaped 30-round magazine sits on top of the barrel. Cartridges are stored transversely and are rotated 90° before chambering. The magazine is transparent for visual ammo checks.

- Downward case ejection: Two L‑shaped deflectors on the receiver eject spent cases downward, making the weapon suitable for both left‑ and right‑handed users and for shooting from awkward positions (e.g., around cover, inside vehicles).

- In‑line return mechanism: The return mechanism uses two guide rods and springs placed directly on the bore line. This reduces muzzle rise and the recoil impulse, improving controllability.

- Ambidextrous controls: The weapon features a two‑way fire‑selector/safety and a quick‑release cocking handle that can be operated from either side.

- Calibre: Designed to use standard 9‑mm cartridges (e.g., 9×18 PM and 9×18 PMM).

Photo 1: A short-barreled SVCh (415 mm) chambered in 5.45×39mm, fitted with a scope, suppressor, and the GPR-20 grenade launcher.

This version of the SVCh would be more suitable as a squad designated marksman rifle (DMR) in 5.45×39mm than the AK-12+ rifle.

Photo 2: The current AK-12 Type 3 fitted with the heavy barrel from the AK-12+, a suppressor, and a grenade launcher. Adopting the AK-12+ heavy barrel aims to improve the rifle’s accuracy in semi-automatic fire and to allow longer periods of fully automatic fire—essentially similar to the M27 IAR used by the USMC.

Photo 3: An AM-17 with a 415 mm barrel, suppressor, and grenade launcher. Being significantly lighter than the AK and SVCh, this version is expected to be intended for Russian special forces, as well as Russian rapid-response units such as the National Guard (Rosgvardiya) or the MVD.

All three models can be quickly converted to the 6.02×41mm cartridge that Russia is currently developing, a round said to offer superior power and accuracy compared to the current 5.45×39mm.

Source: Kalashnikov.ru