Sudayev's PPS-43: Submachine Gun Simplicity Perfected

Published on August 31, 2017
Duration: 17:40

This guide details the field stripping and reassembly process for the Soviet PPS-43 submachine gun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. The PPS-43 is known for its extreme simplicity, utilizing a pressed steel construction and a straightforward blowback, open-bolt mechanism. The process involves pivoting the receiver open to remove the bolt and recoil spring assembly, highlighting the weapon's ease of maintenance and rapid production design.

Quick Summary

The Soviet PPS-43 submachine gun, designed by Alexei Sudayev, is celebrated for its extreme manufacturing simplicity. Constructed from pressed steel with minimal skilled labor required, it allowed for rapid mass production. It features a reliable 35-round magazine and fires the 7.62x25mm Tokarev cartridge at approximately 600 rounds per minute.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Context
  2. 01:27Sudayev's Design and Development
  3. 02:22Design Philosophy and Magazine
  4. 04:11Production in Besieged Leningrad
  5. 05:04Manufacturing Simplicity
  6. 07:01Controls and Rate of Fire
  7. 08:14Sights and Ergonomics
  8. 09:58Folding Stock Design
  9. 10:40Production Statistics Comparison
  10. 11:22Disassembly and Internal Components
  11. 12:25Trigger and Safety Mechanism
  12. 13:06Bolt Assembly and Ejector
  13. 14:53International Copies and Post-War Use

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the PPS-43 submachine gun unique in its design?

The PPS-43, developed by Alexei Sudayev, prioritizes extreme simplicity and ease of manufacture. It's constructed primarily from pressed steel, requiring minimal skilled labor and simple machinery, allowing for rapid mass production even in factories without prior firearms experience.

How does the PPS-43 compare to the PPSh-41 in terms of production?

The PPS-43 is significantly more efficient to produce than the PPSh-41. It requires fewer machine hours and less raw material per unit, enabling higher production volumes for the same industrial investment and reducing bottlenecks associated with complex parts like drum magazines.

What are the key features of the PPS-43's magazine and stock?

The PPS-43 utilizes a reliable 35-round double-stack, double-feed box magazine. Its top-folding metal stock is a functional adaptation of the German MP-40 design, making the weapon more compact for transport and storage.

What caliber does the PPS-43 fire and what is its rate of fire?

The PPS-43 typically fires the 7.62x25mm Tokarev cartridge. It has a relatively slow rate of fire, around 600 rounds per minute, which aids controllability for trained shooters.

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