OTs-38 Stechkin silent revolver

The OTs-38 Stechkin is a five-shot double-action revolver in production and service since 2002 and built to fire the 7.62x41mm SP-4 silent cartridge. That cartridge uses a captive piston to seal the propellant gas inside the case so firing produces no flash and no loud report, and the revolver is claimed to sound practically the same fired live as dry. Because the cartridge is rimless the cylinder is loaded with full moon clips. The effective range is given as 50 metres. The concept follows the Quiet Special Purpose Revolver, a rebuilt Smith and Wesson Model 29 made in a run of only 250 for clearing Vietnam War tunnels, but the OTs-38 is more innovative: the cylinder swings out to the right, a manual safety lets the hammer be carried cocked, the barrel sits below the axis pin so recoil goes straight back into the hand, and an integral laser sight is mounted above the cylinder. Russia and Syria are listed as users.