PSS Vul
TsNIITochMash · Pistol · In Production · 1983
Also known as: MSS Vul, 6P28, PSS
Overview
The PSS Vul is a Soviet special-purpose silent semi-automatic pistol developed by TsNIITochMash and adopted in 1983. Rather than using a conventional suppressor, it fires the dedicated 7.62x42mm SP-4 captive-piston cartridge, in which an internal piston propels the bullet and then seals the cartridge case, trapping the propellant gases so the shot produces almost no muzzle blast, flash or noise. With a six-round magazine and an effective range of about 25 meters, it was issued to KGB Spetsnaz, military reconnaissance units and later FSB operators for clandestine and close-quarters work.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 700 g (24.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 850 g (30.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 165 mm (6.50") |
| Barrel Length | 35 mm (1.38") |
| Height | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Width | 30 mm (1.18") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 200 m/s (656 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 186 J (137 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x42mm SP-4 · primary — also known as 7.62x41mm SP-4, SP-4
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Integrally Suppressed Ammunition, Captive Piston Cartridge, Silent Operation, No External Suppressor
Service history
Operators
- KGB · adopted 1983 · as 6P28
- Russian Armed Forces Spetsnaz
- Federal Security Service (FSB)
Conflicts
- War in Donbas (2014-2022)
- Syrian Civil War (2011-present)
Production
Production years: 1983-present
Limited production compared to standard service pistols; issued to special services and reconnaissance units
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Victor Levchenko and Yuri Krylov
Notes
GRAU index 6P28. Also designated MSS Vul. The SP-4 cartridge is shared with the OTs-38 Stechkin silent revolver. Because the gases are sealed inside the spent case, the pistol is among the quietest firearms ever fielded and leaves no audible report at the muzzle.
Background
The PSS achieves silence not with a bulky suppressor but inside the cartridge itself: the SP-4's captive piston traps the propellant gases the instant the bullet leaves the case, so the only sound is the mechanical clack of the action. It was a signature tool of Cold War KGB special operations.