PPS-43

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	Weapon: PPS-43 Type: Submachine Gun Country of Origin: USSR Year Adopted: 1943 Caliber: 7.62x25 Tokarev Action: Blow Back Fully Automatic Overall Length (mm): 820.0 Overall Length (in): 32.28 Weight (kg): 3.00 Weight (pounds): 6.61 Effective Range (m): 200 m Effective Range (yards): 218.72

The PPS-43 was a Soviet submachine gun developed during World War II as an improvement over the earlier PPSH-41. Chambered in 7.62x25mm Tokarev, the PPS-43 was designed for simplicity and mass production, featuring a folding stock and open-bolt, blowback operation.

Design of the PPS-43

• Origins and Purpose: The PPS-43 was designed in 1942 by Alexei Sudayev as an improvement over the earlier PPS-42 and the widely-used PPSh-41. Its compact, streamlined design aimed to provide a more portable and efficient weapon for Soviet forces.
• Features: The PPS-43 was chambered for the 7.62x25mm Tokarev cartridge, used a simple blowback action, and was capable of fully automatic fire. It had a foldable metal stock and a perforated metal heat shield, making it easy to handle and reliable in harsh conditions.
• Cost-Effectiveness: One of the main design considerations was the ease of production. The PPS-43 was made almost entirely from stamped steel parts, drastically reducing manufacturing time and cost compared to other submachine guns of the era.

Production of the PPS-43

• Initial Production: Production of the PPS-43 began in 1943 at Soviet armament factories. The weapon's simplicity and ease of manufacture allowed for high production numbers with relatively low resources, meeting the Red Army's urgent need for submachine guns during World War II.
• Countries Producing the PPS-43: After World War II, several countries licensed or copied the PPS-43, including China, Poland, North Korea, and Finland. Each country produced slightly modified versions based on their specific requirements and resources.
• Variants: Variants of the PPS-43 include the Chinese Type 54 and the Polish PPS wz. 43/52, which featured minor design changes. In some cases, wooden stocks were added, or different calibers were used to meet local military standards.

Users of the PPS-43

• Soviet Union: The Soviet Union widely issued the PPS-43 to infantry, armored vehicle crews, and support units, where its compact design and high reliability made it an ideal choice.
• Eastern Bloc Countries: After WWII, the PPS-43 was adopted by various Eastern Bloc nations, including Poland, East Germany, and Czechoslovakia, where it remained in service for decades.
• Other International Users: The PPS-43 was also exported to allied countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Chinese-produced variants saw extensive use in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and several African liberation movements used it during conflicts in the 1960s and 70s.

Adopted by the Soviet Army in 1943, the PPS-43 was lighter and more compact than its predecessor, making it ideal for urban warfare and tank crews. It saw widespread use during the later stages of World War II, particularly in the battle for Berlin, and was also used by Soviet allies in the post-war period.

The PPS-43 gained a reputation for being reliable and easy to manufacture. Its robust design made it popular in various post-war conflicts, and it remains in use in some regions to this day, symbolizing Soviet ingenuity in weapon production during wartime.

PPS-43 Basics