PSS silent pistol

PSS
Type	Pistol
Place of origin	Soviet Union
Service history
In service	1983–present
Used by	Soviet Union, Russia
Production history
Designer	TsNIITochMash
Designed	1979–1983
Manufacturer	Tula Arms Plant
Variants	PSS-2
Specifications
Mass	700 g (1 lb 9 oz), 850 g with cartridge
Length	165 mm (6.50 in)
Barrel length	35 mm
Cartridge	7.62×41 mm SP-4
Caliber	7.62 mm
Action	Recoil-operated
Muzzle velocity	200 m/s (660 ft/s)
Effective firing range	25 m
Maximum firing range	50 m
Feed system	6-round detachable box
Sights	Fixed blade sights

The PSS silent pistol or MSS "Vul" ("Вул") ^[1] 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 for assassinations and reconnaissance, the PSS was first issued to KGB Spetsnaz in 1983. It is under production in the special weapons foundry at TsNIITochMash. PSS pistols are still in use by some FSB and MVD units.

The original PSS was succeeded by the PSS-2 in 2011, using the more powerful silent 7.62×43 mm SP-16 cartridge.^[2]