PSS Silent Pistol

Infobox Weapon
name= PSS
origin=flagcountry|Soviet Union
type= Pistol
is_ranged=yes
service= 1983—
used_by= Soviet Union
designer=KGB
design_date= unknown
manufacturer=
number=very few, exact numbers unknown
variants=none
weight= 700 g (1 lb 9 oz)
length= 165 mm (6.50 in)
part_length= ca. 60 mm (2⅜ in)
width=
height=
crew=
cartridge= 7.62×42mm SP-4
caliber=
action= Recoil-operated
rate=
velocity= 200 m/s (660 ft/s)
range= 50+ m
max_range=
feed= 6-round detachable box
sights= Fixed blade sights

History

The PSS silent pistol 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 OSNAZ under the command of the KGB in 1983. Intended for assassinations and reconnaissance, it was produced in the special weapons foundry at Tznitochmash. PSS pistols are still in use by elite Spetsnaz 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. 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 50 or more meters. The piston then seals the cartridge neck, preventing noise, smoke, or blast from escaping the barrel. [*cite book |last= Hogg |first= Ian V. |coauthors= John Weeks |title= Military Small Arms of the 20th Century |year= 2000 |publisher= Krause Publications |id= ISBN 0-87341-824-7]

Action

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

Resources