Soviet suppressor cartridge designed from the ground up for subsonic operation. Fires .36-caliber bullets weighing 246-278 grains — heavy enough to remain lethal while permanently below the speed of sound.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1987, Soviet Union
Parent case: 7.62x39mm Soviet
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.364" (9.24 mm)
Case length: 1.535" (38.99 mm)
Overall length: 2.165" (54.99 mm)
Max pressure: 56,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: Small Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:9.45
Muzzle velocity: 875–970 fps
Muzzle energy: 418–580 ft-lbs
Effective range: 300 yd
Common bullet weights: 246, 278 gr
Primary use: Military, Tactical
Production status: Active
Also known as: 9x39mm Soviet · 9x39
History: Developed by TsNIITochMash in the 1980s for Spetsnaz special forces. The VSS Vintorez ('thread-cutting saw') and AS Val were purpose-built rifles for this cartridge. All are integrally suppressed. Standard military loads remain subsonic, making the combination essentially hearing-safe and extremely difficult to locate by sound.
Notable firearms: VSS Vintorez, AS Val, SR-3 Vikhr, 9A-91
Military use: {"country":"Russia","years":"Spetsnaz, FSB"}
Similar cartridges: .300 AAC Blackout, 7.62x39mm