PPS-43This is a featured page

PPS-43Model: PPS-43
While not quite as iconic as the PPSh-41 that has appeared in countless video games based in World War II, the PPS-43 is still an extremely important weapon in the war. The PPS-43 was designed as a light, compact weapon that was cheaper than the PPSh-41, already an extremely cheap gun. The PPS-43 was much faster to produce, lighter, and even cheaper. Mass production commenced in 1943 and the weapon was used well into modern times, especially in Africa and Asia.

While original automatic SMGs are quite difficult to find in comparison, quite a few extremely inexpensive semi-automatic copies are available on the market, often sold as "kit guns" and with a number of extra magazines for low costs. More modern versions, like the PPS-43C produced by I.O. Inc., are closed-bolt for better accuracy. Many of these semi-automatic weapons have a legal 16-inch barrel with the folding stock welded open. Guns with the stock welded in the folded position and the original barrel are classified as pistols, while weapons with the original barrel and open/fully folding stock are classed as short-barreled rifles.


Specifications:
Weight:
3.04kg (6.7lb)
Length:
820mm (32.3in) stock extended
615mm (24.2in) stock folded
Barrel Length:
243mm (9.6in)
Cartridge:
7.62x25mm Tokarev
Action:
Blowback
Muzzle Velocity:
500m/s (1,640ft/s)
Effective Range:
110 yd (100 m).
Feed System:
Detachable box magazine. 35 rounds.
Sights:
Front blade, flip-up rear.



Geenral Page Seperator.
Where to find

While not very easy to find in stores, internet browsing can easily find "kit guns" for semi-automatic copies for as low as $150 or $175. This makes them a very cost-effective pistol caliber carbine for their size. If you want an original automatic, be prepared to pay $8000 to $11000 if it's even legal where you live.


Geenral Page Seperator.
Complexity

The PPS-43 was designed for one thing: cost. Very few submachine guns are cheaper than the PPS-43 and still manage to be effective. Generally they're fairly reliable, moreso than the PPSh-41 they supplemented, but it's recommended that you use good ammo to avoid jams.

Geenral Page Seperator.
Controls

  • Safety: Located inside the trigger guard in front of the trigger. Push back for SAFE, forward for FIRE.
  • Magazine latch: Located on the rear of the magazine well.
  • Bolt handle: Located on the right side of the receiver.

Geenral Page Seperator.
Loading

Condition One, or "Locked and Cocked." Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer cocked and safety applied.

  1. Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
  2. Push the safety back to activate it.
  3. Take a loaded magazine and insert it into the magazine well until it clicks. Tug on it to ensure that it is seated.
  4. Pull the bolt handle all the way back and release it, letting it snap forward under spring pressure.
Condition Two. Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.

    Cannot be done.

Condition Three. Chamber empty, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.

  1. Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
  2. Take a loaded magazine and insert it into the magazine well until it clicks. Tug on it to ensure that it is seated.

Geenral Page Seperator.
Unloading

How to unload the firearm and make safe. Presented in a numbered list.

  1. Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
  2. Push the safety back to activate it.
  3. Push the magazine latch forward and pull the magazine free of the gun.
  4. Pull the bolt handle back and check the chamber for any ammunition. Release the cocking knob.
  5. Deactivate the safety.
  6. Pull the trigger.

Geenral Page Seperator.
Field Stripping

How to disassemble the firearm for cleaning. Presented in a numbered list.

  1. Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
  2. Unload the weapon as described above.
  3. Make sure the gun is lying flat on a bench or table and press the locking catch on the left-rear of the receiver and pivot the upper receiver away from the frame.
  4. Slowly pull the bolt back and out of the upper receiver.
  5. Remove the recoil spring from the bolt.
Reverse to reassemble.



chitoryu12
chitoryu12
Latest page update: made by chitoryu12 , Apr 10 2011, 10:33 PM EDT (about this update About This Update chitoryu12 Edited by chitoryu12

4 words added
4 words deleted

view changes

- complete history)
More Info: links to this page
There are no threads for this page.  Be the first to start a new thread.

Related Content

  (what's this?Related ContentThanks to keyword tags, links to related pages and threads are added to the bottom of your pages. Up to 15 links are shown, determined by matching tags and by how recently the content was updated; keeping the most current at the top. Share your feedback on Wetpaint Central.)