SR-3 Vikhr
TsNIITochMash · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1994
Also known as: Vikhr, Whirlwind, SR-3M
Overview
The SR-3 Vikhr is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 9x39mm, produced by TsNIITochMash since 1994.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2000 g (70.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 2400 g (84.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 640 mm (25.20") |
| Folded Length | 396 mm (15.59") |
| Barrel Length | 156 mm (6.14") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 681 J (502 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 900 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Black |
Calibers
- 9x39mm · primary — also known as 9x39, SP-5, SP-6
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Folding Stock, Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Compact Design, Suppressor Compatible
Variants
- SR-3M — Modernized
Service history
Operators
- Russian FSO (Federal Protection Service) · adopted 1996 · as SR-3
- Russian FSB (Federal Security Service) · adopted 1996 · as SR-3
- Russian MVD Special Forces · adopted 1998 · as SR-3M
Conflicts
- Second Chechen War (1999-2009)
Production
Production years: 1994-present
Production numbers undisclosed. Manufactured in limited quantities for Russian special services and law enforcement agencies. Not available for export or civilian sale.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: A.D. Borisov / V.N. Levchenko
Notes
The SR-3 was designed alongside the AS Val and VSS Vintorez as part of a family of 9x39mm weapons. While those weapons prioritize suppressed fire, the Vikhr trades the integral suppressor for extreme compactness. The modernized SR-3M variant introduced a detachable suppressor, vertical foregrip, side-folding skeletal stock, and compatibility with 30-round magazines. The effective rate of fire in practice is approximately 40-60 rounds per minute despite the 900 RPM cyclic rate, owing to the small magazine capacity. The weapon shares magazines with the AS Val and VSS Vintorez family. Production occurs at the Tula Arms Plant.
Background
The Vikhr was developed specifically for Russia's presidential security service (FSO) who needed a weapon compact enough to conceal under a suit jacket but powerful enough to defeat body armor at close range. Its 9x39mm SP-6 armor-piercing rounds can penetrate 8mm of steel plate at 100 meters, making it far more lethal than any conventional submachine gun of similar size.