SAR 18#6

Top: The middle finger is used to press the trigger.
Bottom: The pistol can be fired without the magazine inserted into the weapon.
produced of standard ordinance grade steel that is 130 mm
long and 32 mm in diameter. The barrel is threaded and
screwed into the recess of the receiver. The barrel is quite short
being 50 mm long and has fifteen holes evenly drilled around
the diameter of the barrel. The only part that extends from the
receiver is the threaded part of the barrel that is about 10mm
in length. This barrel design will ensure that the gas pressure
of a standard velocity 9mm projectile is reduced to below 300
meters per second. The reason for this configuration is quite
simple: it will ensure that the operator will not be dependent
on subsonic ammunition to achieve the maximum results
regarding noise.
The locking system is somewhat like a bolt action rifle. It
has two locking lugs not unlike a standard Mauser system. The
locking lugs each have 30 mm² area. To unlock the system,
take the bolt head at the end of the weapon between the thumb
and index finger and turn the lock 90 degrees to the left. Then
pull the bolt to the rear until the action is open. To load the
weapon for the next shot, simply push the bolt closed and turn
the bolt head 90 degrees to the right to lock the bolt in battery.
A fresh cartridge will be fed from the magazine and chambered
as the bolt closes. There is a red line on the top of the bolt and
receiver that should be lined up. Repeat the process to eject
the spent case and to reload a fresh round.
The magazine functions as the handle grip of the
weapon. This feeding device has a molded handgrip applied
directly onto the magazine. The extension that the magazine
fits into extends 28 mm below the contour of the receiver.
This extension could be called the trigger assembly as the
trigger feeds into it as well. It also contains the magazine
release and safety. The safety is activated by pushing the knob
from left to right.
The Magazine
One of the design considerations of the weapon application
was that it be as compact as possible. To fill this requirement,
B&T has utilized the single-row magazine of the SIG
P225; though this magazine has been modified to accept a
capacity of only 5 rounds. This plus one in the chamber gives
the operator 6 rounds in total. The magazine is further modified
by having a polymer grip shroud that functions as a grip. Standard
P225 magazines without the shroud cannot be used. The
operator can see how many rounds are left in the magazine by
observing the holes on the side. Height of the weapon with the
magazine inserted is just shy of 114 mm. The height minus the
magazine is only 63 mm. The weapon can be fired without the
magazine inserted.
The Accessories
It can be expected that the weapon could be used during
hours of darkness or at least at twilight. It is for this reason
that the VP9 has a NATO Accessory Rail that can be mounted
on the tube of the suppressor. This will enable the operator to
mount either a light or a laser or combination of both. There
is also a rather nice transportation box made of leather which
is more like an attaché case. Inside, the foam is cut out for all
the accessories. There is another bag that that can be worn
over the shoulder or around the waist. There is a flap at the
www.smallarmsreview.com 47 SAR Vol. 18, No. 6