PPS 43 | PPS -43 | PPS 43 receiver | PPS 43 Machine Gun

One of the firearms that captivates me with its aesthetic appeal is the Russian PPSH-41 machine gun, renowned for its service during WWII. Gun enthusiasts often gravitate towards various styles and models; for me, the PPSH-41 stands out as particularly striking. That’s why another firearm piqued my interest when I spied it nestled at the rear of a gun rack in a local store. Initially, I could only glimpse the top section of its barrel, but even that was sufficient to intrigue me. While it wasn’t a PPSH, it bore a striking resemblance, prompting me to request a closer inspection. To my delight, it was the PPS-43, another WWII-era mass-produced submachine gun. However, this variant was semi-automatic, and several modifications had been implemented, including alterations to the caliber.

The original PPS-43 was initially designed to accommodate the 7.62X25 Tokarev caliber, which, unfortunately, isn’t readily available or cost-effective for shooting. However, this version is tailored to utilize the more widespread 9mm handgun round. Undoubtedly, this firearm’s distinct appearance evokes strong opinions; individuals either adore it or loathe it.

This gun caught my eye instantly, featuring a lengthy and angular metal frame accentuated by a unique flash hider at the barrel’s end. There was no way I could resist taking it home and putting it through its paces at the range. I believe firearms resemble automobiles in terms of their makes and models. While many cars may differ in name, engine specifications, and price, they appear similarly. That’s why encountering firearms like this, especially vintage ones, which deviate from the norm, is always a treat.

Now, let’s look at a bit of history about the PPS-43. The designation “PPS-43” stands for “Pistolet Pulemet Sudaeva,” with the model year indicating its inception in 1943. Yes, they certainly had a knack for straightforward naming conventions back then. Preceding its final iteration, a PPS-42 was adopted by the Soviet Army, but subsequent modifications led to its rebranding in 1943. Why did the Russians pursue another machine gun when they already had the PPSH-41? They recognized the necessity for a more compact and agile weapon suited for specialized units.

During WWII, tank crews, paratroopers, and other specialized units favored the PPS over the PPSH due to its more manageable size. Chambered in the 7.62X25 caliber, which was prevalent during that era, it eventually gave way to the widespread adoption of the 9mm Luger as the standard round for handguns and submachine guns. With almost two million units produced during WWII, the PPS-43 earned its title as the submachine gun of that era.