SR-3M Vikhr

TsNIITochMash · Personal Defense Weapon · In Production · 2000

Also known as: SR-3M, Vikhr-M

Overview

The SR-3M Vikhr (Whirlwind) is an improved compact assault weapon developed by TsNIITochMash, derived from the SR-3 Vikhr and chambered for the subsonic 9x39mm cartridge. Built on the same gas-operated, rotating-bolt action as the AS Val and VSS Vintorez family, the SR-3M adds a detachable sound suppressor, a revised handguard with a folding vertical foregrip, side mounting rails for optics, and a skeletal folding stock. With its suppressor removed and stock folded it becomes extremely compact, while the heavy subsonic SP-5/SP-6 rounds deliver strong terminal performance and armor penetration at close range. It is fielded by Russian special forces and protective services.

Specifications

Weight (empty)2200 g (77.6 oz)
Weight (loaded)3200 g (112.9 oz)
Overall Length675 mm (26.57")
Folded Length410 mm (16.14")
Barrel Length156 mm (6.14")
Action TypeGas Operated Short Stroke
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity30 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity290 m/s (951 fps)
Muzzle Energy681 J (502 ft·lbf)
Effective Range200 m (219 yd)
Rate of Fire900 rpm
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialSteel
FinishPhosphate

Calibers

Features

Variants

Base model

Sr-3-Vikhr

Service history

Operators

Conflicts

Production

Production years: 2000-present

Produced in limited numbers for Russian special operations and protective services

Origin

Country of origin: Russia

Notes

Distinct from the base SR-3 by the removable suppressor, folding foregrip, optics rails, and 30-round magazines (the original SR-3 used 10/20-round magazines). Overall length reaches roughly 970 mm with stock extended and suppressor fitted.

Background

The SR-3M shares the AS Val family's heavy subsonic 9x39mm round, so it punches through body armor at close range while staying quiet enough to use suppressed, all from a package that folds down to barely over 40 cm.