Stechkin APS: The Soviet Machine Pistol

The Makarov PB (6P9) is a unique silenced variant of the Soviet Makarov pistol, developed for covert operations. It features an integral two-part suppressor that reduces the 9x18mm Makarov round to subsonic velocity (950 fps) and lowers its sound signature to an average of 127.5 dB. Key modifications include a relocated recoil spring in the grip and ported barrel to manage gas venting.

This YouTube video is a Russian-dubbed version of an Ian McCollum video from the Forgotten Weapons channel, focusing on the APS (Avtomat Pistolet Spetsialnyy). The description highlights the translation efforts and provides a link to the original English version of the video. The content likely delves into the history, design, and functionality of the APS pistol, a Soviet-era select-fire machine pistol.

This expert-level review details the original Soviet PBS-1 suppressor for the AK platform. It covers the suppressor's unique design, including its rear rubber baffle and oversized bore, and its reliance on specialized subsonic ammunition for proper cycling. The video also highlights the development history and specialized rear sights required for suppressed fire.

This video showcases the APS Stechkin, a Soviet-era select-fire pistol, demonstrating its unboxing, magazine loading, and live-fire capabilities. The demonstration highlights both semi-automatic and rapid-fire modes, utilizing the distinctive wooden holster-stock. The ASMR-style presentation focuses on the weapon's operation and sound.

The RP-46 is a rare Soviet belt-fed adaptation of the DPM machine gun, notable for its unique bolt-handle actuated feed system. This mechanism uses a drop-in adapter with a cammed track and hooks to pull cartridges from the belt. Despite its innovative design, the RP-46 is seldom encountered today, highlighting its historical rarity.

This review of the Stechkin APS, presented by Larry Vickers, details its historical context, design features, and operational capabilities. Vickers, a former Delta Force operator, highlights its rarity in the US and demonstrates its select-fire function, including semi-automatic and full-automatic modes, emphasizing the utility of its detachable buttstock/holster. The pistol's original concept as a PDW for non-combat roles and its 20-round magazine are also discussed.

This video details the unique 'French Finger Trap' issue with the MAS-36 rifle's bayonet, where two rifles can become unintentionally locked together. A 1951 French arsenal memorandum identified this problem, proposing a simple modification to the bayonet handle. Drilling a small hole allows a tool, like a firing pin, to depress the internal spring, enabling the separation of locked rifles.

The M134 Minigun is a scaled-down 7.62 NATO rotary cannon, requiring 24V DC power and consuming 1.5 kW. Its high rate of fire (3,000+ RPM) is essential for aircraft engagement windows. The complex delinker mechanism is critical for feeding ammunition, and practical hand-held use is impossible due to weight and recoil. Live fire demonstrates rapid ammunition consumption and the need for indirect aiming.

The H&K G11 is a revolutionary prototype assault rifle designed in the late 20th century, notable for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt mechanism. Despite advanced features like a 2000 RPM burst fire rate and integrated optics, its development was ultimately halted by geopolitical shifts and cost concerns.

This video demonstrates the assembly and live-fire of the German 1936 pattern light mortar (L.Gr.W.36). It highlights the mortar's leveling mechanism for accuracy and the difficulty in visually tracking its 50mm projectiles after firing. The content showcases historical military hardware and its operational use.