The MSP Groza silent pistol (Russian: Малогабаритный Специальный Пистолет «Гроза», romanized: Malogabaritnyy Spetsial'nyy Pistolet "Groza", lit. 'Compact Special Pistol "Thunder"') is an over and under, double-barrel, derringer-type firearm designed in the Soviet Union in 1972.[1] The firearm is chambered for the silent 7.62×38 SP-3 cartridge which can be loaded via a two-round clip. The weapon was designed at the request of the Soviet special services. It is no longer in production, having been superseded by more modern designs.
| MSP Groza silent pistol | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Type | Silent, derringer |
| Place of origin | Soviet Union |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Soviet Union Russia |
| Wars | Cold War Soviet–Afghan War |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1972 |
| Manufacturer | Tula Arsenal |
| Produced | 1972–2002 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 530 g |
| Length | 115 mm |
| Barrel length | 2×66 mm |
| Cartridge | 7.62×38 SP-3 |
| Caliber | 7.62 mm |
| Barrels | 2 |
| Action | Break-action, Double Action Only |
| Muzzle velocity | 200 m/s |
| Feed system | Manual, break open |
| Sights | Fixed, iron sights |
The weapon was used operationally in Afghanistan and in Central America during the Cold War.[2] An FMLN supplied MSP is believed to have been the weapon used to assassinate Contras leader Enrique Bermúdez.[3]
Design
editThe Groza uses a specialised cartridge. When fired, an internal piston within the cartridge launches the bullet forward and retains all the gases within the case, thus making a near silent weapon with almost no flash.[2]
To load the weapon the user would depress a button, allowing the barrels to tilt forward and exposing the breech for manual loading either by individual cartridge or with the use of a disposable 2-round clip.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Woodard, W. Todd (24 October 2016). Cartridges of the World: A Complete and Illustrated Reference for Over 1500 Cartridges. Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media, Inc. p. 428. ISBN 978-1-4402-4642-5.
- ^ a b Cutshaw, Charles Q. (2006). Tactical Small Arms of the 21st Century. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. pp. 101–102. ISBN 0-87349-914-X.
- ^ Medina, Fabian. "LA MUERTE DE ENRIQUE BERMÚDEZ, EL COMANDANTE CONTRARREVOLUCIONARIO 3-80". La Prensa Magazine. No. July 07, 2010.
- Gander, Terry (2002). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2002–2003. Jane's Information Group. p. 298. ISBN 0-7106-2434-4.
External links
edit- MSP silent pistol (USSR / Russia)
- Юрий Пономарёв "МСП. Русский «Дерринджер» или «карманный бокфлинт»?", КАЛАШНИКОВ. ОРУЖИЕ, БОЕПРИПАСЫ, СНАРЯЖЕНИЕ, 2006/3
- Video of MSP
- http://www.forgottenweapons.com/russian-silent-ammunition/
 | This pistol-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |