VSK-94

The VSK-94 (Voyskovoy Snayperskiy Kompleks, Military Sniper Complex) was designed in 1995 by Vasily Gryazev at the KBP Instrument Design Bureau and is manufactured by the Tula Arms Plant. This 9×39mm sniper rifle, derived from the 9A-91 assault rifle, was conceived as a more economical alternative to the VSS "Vintorez". Unlike the VSS, the suppressor of the VSK-94 is not an integral component.

The VSK-94 incorporates a gas operated, rotating bolt with 4 lugs, and a long stroke gas piston operating system inherited from the 9A-91. It features a stamped steel receiver, a synthetic handguard, and a skeletonised polymer stock integrated with the pistol grip, and feeds from detachable 20-round box magazines. Primary sighting is achieved via a 4× PSO-1 optical sight optimized for use with subsonic ammunition, supplemented by back-up iron sights from the 9A-91. The barrel is threaded for a specifically designed suppressor. The 9×39mm cartridge's muzzle energy is approximately double that of a subsonic 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge fired from an HK MP5SD.

Users of the VSK-94 include:

• Special forces units in Belarus

• MARCOS in India

• Various Spetsnaz units

• The Federal Security Service (FSB) and OMON in Russia

• The Syrian Republican Guard and special forces in Syria.