AS Val

Real-world history

The AS Val (Автомат Специальный "Вал"; Romanized: Avtomat Special'niy "Val") or Special Automatic Rifle "Shaft" is a integrally suppressed assault rifle made by TsNIITochMash. The AS Val is the assault oriented version of the VSS Vintores. Major difference is the stock; the AS "Val" has a folding metal stock, while the VSS has a wooden one. Both rifles fire 9×39mm, a subsonic cartridge, to reduce its noticeability. It is used extensively by all branches of the Russian Federation's Spetsnaz. It is known to be a favorite among the Spetsnaz when it was issued to them. However, due to the high cost and limited numbers, it was rarely deployed. It also weighs a lightweight 5.5 pounds, making it perfect for mobile and quick operation, and boasts a blazing fast 900RPM, rivaling PDW weapons such as the P90 and the MP5 (In game).

In-game

Overview

With medium damage and the fastest rate of fire tied with the P90, the AS Val is a great weapon in CQC. However, some of it's largest drawbacks is ranged performance, ballistics, and modularity in some parts. Both being effective yet also merely useful the AS Val can find itself home in Close Quarters, but also struggling to find any functionality when fired full auto at mid to long range. Oddly, the Val features an option to either attach a Picatinny rail mount or PSO-1/1M2 4x scope through its Dovetail mount, a scope often seen on the SVDS or its bullpup counterpart, OTs-03. This enhances its medium-long range capability, but players might find it difficult scoring long-range shots due to its low bullet velocity.

Tips & tactics

-Openworld: the AS Val excels in Openworld as a close quarters weapon, and should only be used for clearing buildings and other tight corridors. The powerful stopping power from its 9x39mm rounds and high RPM can easily take down PoD Advanced and PoD Smoker units in the blink of an eye. Keep in mind of the low magazine count and high ammo consumption, and how uncommon the ammunition type is compared to other NATO weapons. Ranged combats should be avoided, as the weapon has a steep bullet drop, but if one wishes to engage in medium-ranged combat, the PSO-1/PSO-1M2 scope is a great choice because of its moderate zoom (and honestly, it looks good).

-PvP: in PvP, the AS Val is a great choice among players as it has quick TTK and a fairly fast reload. Because most PvP maps are small and CQC-oriented, Val users will find little to no problem killing enemies in closed areas. Beware of its low ammo count and high recoil, as this will be a problem if said player is engaging in maps that have open space, and AR users will have an advantage over you.