| MSP Groza silent pistol | |
|---|---|
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| Type | Silent,derringer |
| Place of origin | Soviet Union |
| Service history | |
| 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 |
TheMSP 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double-barrel,derringer-type firearm designed in theSoviet Union in 1972.[1] It is no longer in production, having been superseded by more modern designs.
The weapon was used operationally inAfghanistan and inCentral America during theCold War.[2]
An FMLN supplied MSP is believed to have been the weapon used to assassinateContras leaderEnrique Bermúdez.[3]
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.
The firearm is chambered for the silent 7.62×38 SP-3 cartridge which can be loaded via a two-roundclip. The weapon was designed at the request of theSoviet special services.
