SR-2 / SR-2M Veresk submachine gun (Russia)

 First prototype of SR-2 Veresk submachine gun. It had an Uzi-type under-foldingshoulder stock and wooden furniture.
First prototype of SR-2 Veresk submachine gun. It had an Uzi-type under-foldingshoulder stock and wooden furniture.

 Early production version of SR-2.
Early production version of SR-2.

 SR-2M - the latest version of Veresk SMG, with collimating {Red Dot) sightattached and shoulder stock extended.
SR-2M – the latest version of Veresk SMG, with collimating (Red Dot) sightcattached and shoulder stock extended.

 SR-2M Veresk SMG with shoulder stock folded.
SR-2M Veresk submachine gun with shoulder stock folded.

 

Characteristics

 

Caliber: 9x21mm SP-10 / SP-11
Weight: 1.65 kg empty
Length (stock closed/open): 367 / 603 mm
Barrel length: 172 mm
Rate of fire: 900 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 20 or 30 rounds
Effective range: 100 meters

 

The SR-2 Veresk submachine gun has been in development since mid-1990s; It was developed by the Central Scientific-Research Institute of Precise Mechanical Engineering (TSNIITOCHMASH) under request of FSB (Federal Security Service of Russia). After the successful development of powerful 9×21 SP-10armor piercing ammunition and SR1 pistol to fire it, FSB also requested a submachine gun to fire same ammunition. The subsequent SR-2 submachine gun (SR-2 stands for Spetsialnaya Razrabotka 2 – Special development#2), also codenamed as Veresk (heather) was first displayed in 1999, and since early 2000’s is in use by FSB and other elite law enforcement forces of Russia. By modern standards, SR-2M submachine gun is quite powerful and provides users with great armor penetration at ranges up to 100-150 meters, as well with significant stopping power of 9mm ammunition. Yet, it is relatively compact and light, and even can be carried concealed in special shoulder harness.

Unlike most submachine guns, SR-2 is gas operated, and its action is based on a scaled-down version of the SR-3 Vikhr compact assault rifle. SR-2 uses long stroke gas piston, located above the barrel. Rotating bolt has six lugs. receiver is made from stamped and formed steel, furniture is polymer. Kalashnikov-type levers are made on either side of the gun; right lever acts as a safety switch, and left is fire mode selector (top position is for automatic fire, bottom for single shots). Shoulder stock is made from stamped steel and folds up and forward, when not in use. On latest production SR-2M submachine gun shoulder stock is redesigned to allow the gun to use red dot type sights regardless of stock position. Standard sights are of simple design, with protected front post and flip-up rear; SR-2M submachine gun is often issued with collimating (red dot) type sights for faster target acquisition. Magazines are of standard box type, and hold 20 or 30 rounds of ammunition. SR-2M submachine guns also are fitted with folding front grip, made from polymer.