MSP Groza silent pistol

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 It is no longer in production, having been superseded by more modern designs.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
TypeSilent, derringer
Place of originSoviet Union
Service history
Used bySoviet Union
Russia
WarsCold War
Soviet–Afghan War
Production history
Designed1972
ManufacturerTula Arsenal
Produced1972–2002
Specifications
Mass530 g
Length115 mm
Barrel length2×66 mm
Cartridge7.62×38 SP-3
Caliber7.62 mm
Barrels2
ActionBreak-action, Double Action Only
Muzzle velocity200 m/s
Feed systemManual, break open
SightsFixed, 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

The 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

References
  1. 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.
  2. Cutshaw, Charles Q. (2006). Tactical Small Arms of the 21st Century. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. pp. 101–102. ISBN 0-87349-914-X.
  3. 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.

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