Stechkin automatic pistol
 | This article's lead section may be too short to adequately summarize the key points. (November 2009) |
| APS | |
|---|---|
| File:Pistol APS.jpg Stechkin APS | |
| Type | Pistol, Machine Pistol |
| Place of origin |  Soviet Union |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Soviet Union Cuba[1] Mongolia[2] Angola[3] Mozambique[3] Zambia[3] |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Igor Yakovlevich Stechkin |
| Designed | 1948 |
| Manufacturer | Tula Arsenal |
| Produced | 1951 — 1975 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 1.22 kg |
| Length | 225 mm |
| Barrel length | 140 mm |
| Cartridge | 9x18mm Makarov, 9x19mm Parabellum.[4] |
| Action | blowback |
| Rate of fire | 40-90 (practically), 750 (theor.) |
| Muzzle velocity | 340 m/s |
| Effective firing range | 50 m |
| Maximum firing range | 200 m |
| Feed system | 20-round detachable box magazine |
The Stechkin APS (Avtomaticheskiy Pistolet Stetchkina, [Автоматический Пистолет Стечкина] Error: {{Lang-xx}}: text has italic markup (help)) is a Russian selective fire machine pistol. It bears the name of its developer, Igor Stechkin.
Adoption
The Stechkin pistol was originally chambered for 7.62x25mm Tokarev. Stechkin changed the pistol to the 9 mm caliber used in the new Makarov pistol (PM), as it became clear that this cartridge was set to become the new service ammunition for handguns of the Red Army. In 1951, both the Makarov and Stechkin were introduced into the Soviet military arsenal, replacing the trusted Tokarev TT-33. They do not only look similar but have indeed much in common, such as the simple unlocked blow-back mechanism.
In contrast to the Makarov, the Stechkin APS has an automatic fire mode, which is selected using the safety lever. In burst or automatic fire, the pistol should be fitted with the wooden shoulder stock; otherwise, the weapon quickly becomes uncontrollable. The detachable stock is similar in appearance and design to that of the Mauser C96, and likewise, the pistol can be stored inside when not in use. The extra weight of the stock helps to control the recoil.
Service
The Stechkin was intended as a sidearm for artillery soldiers and tank crews. As a pistol, it is rather heavy, and combined with the shoulder stock (which was rarely ever used), it is quite bulky. This led to the APS being gradually phased out of active service, although it is still held in reserve. The Stechkin APS was eventually replaced by the AKS-74U compact assault rifle with folding stock, offering more firepower due to its much more powerful 5.45x39mm M74 rifle ammunition.
Comeback
In the 1970s, a version of the Stechkin pistol was produced including a metal stock, threaded barrel and a silencer.[5] This special version was designated Model APB (B for Bes-shumniy, the Russian word for silent). The APB was issued to special forces units such as the Spetsnaz. During the Soviet war in Afghanistan the Soviets conducted a number of clandestine campaigns in enemy territory, raising the demand for relatively compact, rapid-firing guns. The APB met this requirement, which gave it a new lease of life. In the more recent past, law enforcement units such as the OMON and the SOBR have also been equipped with this pistol.
A contemporary derivative of the Stechkin, the OTS-33 Pernach, is also chambered for the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge.
References
- ^ "Comando Tropas Especiales". Retrieved 2009-06-15.
- ^ Thompson, Leroy (1999). "Machine Pistols". Petersen Publications. pp. 43–44.
- ^ Jones, Richard (2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009-2010. Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0710628692.
- ^ Janes Guns Recognition Guide 2005, Page 73
- ^ Dockery, Kevin (2007). Future Weapons. Berkley Press. p. 144. ISBN 0425217507.