PSS Silent Pistol

PSS
PSS
Type	Pistol
Place of origin	Soviet Union
Service history
In service	1983–
Used by	Soviet Union, Russia
Production history
Designer	TsNIITochMash
Designed	1979–1983
No. built	very few, exact numbers unknown
Variants	none
Specifications
Mass	700 g (1 lb 9 oz), 850 g with cartridge
Length	165 mm (6.50 in)
Barrel length	35 mm
Cartridge	7.62×42 mm SP-4
Action	Recoil-operated
Muzzle velocity	200 m/s (660 ft/s)
Effective firing range	25 m
Maximum firing range	50 m
Feed system	6-round detachable box
Sights	Fixed blade sights

The PSS silent pistol (official GRAU index 6P28) is the last completed weapon system resulting from the Soviet development of silent pistols operating on a sealed cartridge system. Two previous designs were considered unacceptable for use due to their limitation to two shots. Earlier systems included the MSP and SP-4M double barreled pistols. Developed around 1980, the PSS was first issued to KGB Spetsnaz in 1983. Intended for assassinations and reconnaissance, it was produced in the special weapons foundry at TsNIITochMash. PSS pistols are still in use by elite special forces units of many nations, as well as by some FSB, MVD, and KGB elite units.

Purpose[]

The PSS was developed to give Soviet special forces and secret police an almost completely silent option for covert operations such as reconnaissance and assassinations. The weapon uses a unique cartridge with an internal piston to achieve this end. Otherwise, it is a fairly simple double action pistol. Few details are known about the pistol's performance, as only a few have entered western hands.

Operation[]

Cartridge[]

The PSS uses a specially developed 7.62x42mm necked round SP-4 (СП-4).^[1] The cartridge contains an internal piston and a propelling charge, with the stem of the piston against the base of the bullet. On firing, the piston delivers enough impulse to project the bullet from the barrel to an effective range of 25 meters. The piston then seals the cartridge neck, preventing noise, smoke, or blast from escaping the barrel.^[2]

Action[]

The action of the PSS can be described as "reaction", due to there being no blast indicative of a blowback action.

References[]

↑ SP-4
↑ *Hogg, Ian V.; John Weeks (2000). Military Small Arms of the 20th Century. Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87341-824-7.

External links[]

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[1] SP-4

[2] *Hogg, Ian V.; John Weeks (2000). Military Small Arms of the 20th Century. Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87341-824-7.

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