SR3 Vikhr: Russian 9x39mm PDW
Forgotten Weapons
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12m
The SR-3 Vikhr is mechanically based on the AS-VAL and VSS Vintorez rifles, but built to be a very compact personal defensive weapon instead of a silenced rifle. Still chambered for 9x39, the Vikhr is intended for roles like executive protection, where the priority is being compact and concealable. With elements like a top-folding minimalist stock and vz.61 Skorpion-like charging handle, the original model of SR-3 Vikhr fits this role pretty well. The later SR-3M model moved to a more traditional side-folding stock and regular charging handle.
Many thanks to the Royal Armouries for allowing me to film and disassemble this piece! The NFC collection there - perhaps the best military small arms collection in Western Europe - is available by appointment to researchers:
https://royalarmouries.org/research/national-firearms-centre/
You can browse the various Armouries collections online here:
https://royalarmouries.org/collection/
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