| MSP Groza silent pistol | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Silent, derringer |
| Place of origin | Soviet Union |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Soviet Union Russia |
| 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 |
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 It is no longer in production, having been superseded by more modern designs.
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]
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.
 | This pistol-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
