VSS is a quickly knock-down rifle, suitable for concealed carrying.

The rifle fires 9x39mm SP-5 subsonic sniper cartridges or SP-6 cartridges.

VSS is gas-operated. The breechblock is locked by six recoil lugs. The hammerless trigger assembly provides for single-shot and full-automatic fire. The built-in silencer considerably reduces the speed and temperature of expansion gases. As a result the report is some 130 dB, which corresponds to that of a small-caliber sporting rifle.

The rifle is fitted with the PSO-1-1 four-fold magnification optical sniper sight, with illuminated crosshairs. The standard attachment, mounted on the left side of the receiver, can be used for fitting various optical and night sights. The rounds are fed from a 10-round double-column box-type magazine, interchangeable with the 20-round magazines of the 9mm AS special assault rifle and the 9mm AM (SR3) small-size assault rifle.