Belarusian Small Arms and Ammunition Successfully Pass Field Tests

In November 2020, field tests of small arms and ammunition produced by BSVT – New Technologies LLC were completed. For three weeks, on the basis of the 19th separate mechanised brigade of the North-Western Operational Command, using a special methodology, domestic VSK-100 and VSK-100BP (bullpup) assault rifles, 7.62 x 39 (FMJ) and 9 x 19 (FMJ) cartridges, as well as the PV-17 pistol had been tested.

The test results were assessed by a commission of the military department, created in accordance with the order of the Deputy Minister of Defence for Armament, Chief of Armament of the Belarusian Armed Forces Maj. Gen. Sergei Simonenko.

Assault rifles and 7.62 x 39 cartridges, according to the method, were checked for fifteen points, pistols and 9 x 19 mm cartridges - for five.

The weapon was tested to the maximum of the influencing factors: dirt, sand, water, heat, continuous shooting, etc. The VSK-100 barrel firing life was tested. After several thousand shots it was tested for accuracy and fire pattern. Based on the results of the shooting, these figures were higher than the stated ones. The declared tactical and technical characteristics of the weapon in terms of combat and technical rate of fire were also confirmed.

The 7.62 x 39 cartridges (FMJ) also did great. In terms of accuracy and fire pattern, they surpassed the standard army 7.62 x 39PS cartridge by 20-30 per cent.

In addition to the main points of the methodology, the assault rifles were tested for two more additional ones – the VSK-100 was equipped with bipods and optical sights and was used as a freelance replacement for a sniper rifle, as well as in the version of a light machine rifle. The results of the shooting showed that when using bipods and optical sights, the accuracy and fire pattern while prone at the distance of 100 metres for the VSK-100 almost doubles.

For the PV-17 pistol, additional tasks were also introduced with an increased firing range – by 50 and 100 metres (such ranges are not typical for pistols. Editor’s note). The test showed the high efficiency and weapon’s accuracy. In particular, at 50 metres ten out of ten bullets hit the target and at 100 metres – eight out of ten bullets.