PPSh-41 Submachine Gun, Soviet Union 1941

Description of the Product

7.62 mm Pistolet pulemjot Špagina obraztsa 1941 is abbreviated PPŠ-41, but PPSh-41 is a more common abbreviation in the West. This Soviet submachine gun is one of the most manufactured weapons of the entire World War II, more than 6 million of these weapons were manufactured, quickly and relatively inexpensively. The common nickname for this weapon was “papasha,” meaning father.

The Soviet Union was in a hurry to design and start manufacturing its own submachine gun when the battle against the Finns in the Winter War had not progressed as expected. The Suomi-submachine gun used by the Finns had proved to be an excellent firepowered weapon over short distances in forests and urban environments, and Soviet troops had no comparable weapons. Georgy Shpagin completed the prototype in late 1940 and production began in 1941. The 71 cartridge drum of the  of the PPSh-41 is an almost direct copy of the 70 cartridge drum of the Suomi submachine gun, but otherwise the weapons are different. PPSh-41 is a good example of how its mass production was thought through in the middle of a war, when all resources were already in use. The weapon was made as simple as possible, so that it could be manufactured in any small work- or car repair shop, with minimal training, thus allowing the input of trained workforce in the weapons factories to be directed to more important and complex projects. The barrel used was the barrel of a Mosin-Nagant rifle sawn in two, so a single existing barrel was converted for two submachine guns.

One of the biggest strengths of this submachine gun was its large drum, which was loaded with 71 cartridges. In the middle of the attack, there was no need to stop to load a weapon when the drum magazine could hold more than double the amount of ammunition compared to a conventional submachine gun. Given that when attacking the Germans, the Russians were largely confronted with single-shot bolt-action rifles, the superiority of the firepower provided by such a submachine gun is better understood. Thanks to the rapid manufacture of the Soviet Union, entire platoons and sometimes entire companies were equipped with this submachine gun, giving troops tremendous firepower over short distances. Indeed, better firepower against German weapons was one of the strengths of the Soviet Union against Germany.

The PPSh-41 was effective up to a distance of 125-150m and fired up to 1000 bullets per minute, which was a lot compared to its contemporaries. Stock magazines were also made for this submachine gun, but the drum magazine was by far the most common sight during World War II. The submachine gun also had a selector in front of the trigger that allowed the user to choose whether to fire single shots or repeat fire.

During the Continuation War in 1942-44, about 2,500 PPSh-41 submachine guns were brought to Finland as war booty. These were used both on the front in trenches and on the home front. These submachine guns were named “7,62 pk / russian” and “762 KP 41” in Finland. A minor problem was that the PPSh-41 used 7.62 x 25mm bullets, while 9 x 19mm Parabellum cartridges were much more common and thus had better availability. Both the Germans and the Finns planned modifications to the PPSh-41 submachine guns won in the battles so they could use the 9mm bullets, which were readily available. 9mm bullets were used by both pistols as well as western submachine guns (Suomi-submachine gun, British Sten and German MP40 and MP41), but the Soviet 7.62mm bullets were not easily accessible.

After the Second World War, this submachine gun was manufactured e.g. in China, Hungary, Poland as well as North Korea up to the 1960’s. In the Korean War of 1950-53, PPSh-41 was widely used by northern forces, the weapon was used during the Cuban Revolution, and Viet Kong still used the weapon in the Vietnam War in the 1970s. Random pieces are still in use today in conflicts around the world.

The shoulder strap shown in the pictures is included.

• This gun is an exact replica of the original. The replica matches the original in size and weight. The mechanisms of the weapon are working. The weapon can be cocked and dry fired like a real one. The magazine is detachable. Due to the materials used, the mechanisms cannot withstand continuous cocking and firing for long periods.
• Genuine wood and cast metal has been used to make this replica weapon. Zamac differs from steel in many respects, so the structure of the gun does not withstand pressure, it cannot be used to fire bullets, nor can it be converted to a functional weapon by any means.
• Replica guns such as this do not require permits in Finland, nor in many other countries. However, since the gun looks real, it should not be carried in public.
  A replica gun is perfect for historical re-enactment, on a theater stage, in film productions, for collectors of historical memorabilia, and as decoration.
• Length: 85 cm
• Weight: 3,74 kg
• Manufacturer: Denix, Spain

Due to the nature of this item please read about shipping options/restrictions if ordering outside Finland.   –More information about international shipping-