Skip to main content

Shooting the Soviet 7.62x25mm PPSh-41 Submachine Gun

The Soviet short sword of World War II was the Pistolet Pulyemet Shpagin-1941 (PPSh-41) submachine gun. Manufactured in huge quantities, this simple yet robust “burp gun” became the badge of the Red Army infantryman. Chambered for the Soviet M1930 7.62x25mm cartridge, it featured a high 900 rpm cyclic rate. This was considerably faster than the German MP 40. A high capacity drum magazine holding 71-rounds provided a reserve over twice as large as a MP 40 stick mag. Muzzle velocity for its 86-grain FMJ bullet was right around 1,800 fps. Distinctive in profile thanks to its metal barrel shroud and wooden stock, it proved very effective during the brutal combat on the Eastern Front. Issued in huge numbers, it provided Soviet infantry with a very effective weapon for close-range fighting whether on offense or defense.

PPSh-41-Submachine-Gun-1
The Soviet PPSh-41 submachine gun was massed produced in huge numbers and played a crucial role in the defense of Russia during the Great Patriotic War.

I had the chance to fire one with my friend Garry James while filming the 2018 season of Guns&AmmoTV. We were filming at DriveTanks.com in Uvalde, Texas and I shot the accompanying video during a break in filming. We had a lot of fun with this old Soviet design. If you’re a fan of the PPSh-41 Sarco, Inc. has 71-round drum magazines for just $40 http://www.e-sarcoinc.com/ppsh-7-62mm-71-round-drum.aspx and non-shooting display guns for $199.95 http://www.e-sarcoinc.com/russian-ppsh-41-smg-non-firing.aspx. The display gun is just the thing to liven up your gunroom or den. 

PPSh-41-Submachine-Gun-2
Red Army soldiers equipped with PPSh-41 submachine guns provide protection for a 14.5mm Anti-Tank Rifle on the Eastern Front.
PPSh-41-Submachine-Gun-3
Initially the PPSh-41 fed from high capacity 71-round drum magazines although later in the war 35-round box magazines were introduced.

The PPSh-41 seen here was featured in the 2018 season of Guns&AmmoTV which is available on The Sportsman Channel. If you’ve cut the cord to cable TV you can stream it through our MOTV.com streaming service. We have a lot more interesting videos on the way this year so check back here often.

PPSh-41-Submachine-Gun-4
SARCO, Inc. offers a nice non-firing display PPSh-41 that will dress up any gun room.

PPSh-41 Specifications
Operation: Blowback from open bolt
Caliber: 7.62x25mm
Barrel Length: 10.6 inches
Muzzle Velocity: 1,780 fps
Sights: Protected front post and rear flip sight for 100 and 200 meters
Cyclic Rate: 900 rpm
Feed: 71-round drum and 35-round detachable box magazine
Weight: 8 pounds unloaded
Length: 33.2 inches
Practical Range: 200 meters





GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

Daewoo AR-100

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Gear

Shooting Blanks

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Gear

5.7 Elite Ammunition

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

Laser Pistols

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Learn

The Famous CAR-15's Path to Modern Combat Rifles

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

Mossberg 590s Review

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Gear

The Latest from Black Hills Ammunition

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Gear

Headrest Safe – a new way to secure your firearm.

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

Having Fun with the HK MP7 PDW

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

SIG Sauer MPX

Perfect for concealed and everyday carry, the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro is feature-packed and built for rough use.
Guns

Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro CCW Pistol Review

Firearms News Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW OUR CURRENT ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Buy Single Digital Issue on the Firearms News App

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Firearms News subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now