Video—Red Army Icon: Soviet PPsh-41 Submachine Gun

by
posted on May 30, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
The Soviet PPsh-41 submachine gun was one of the most iconic firearms of World War II. In the hand of Soviet troops, it was instrumental in the defeat of Hitler’s Nazi Germany. Chambered for the bottle-necked 7.62x25 mm Tokarev cartridge, the PPsh41 fed from a 71-round capacity drum magazine with a cyclic rate of more than 900 rounds per minute. Designed by Georgi Shapgin, the PPsh-41 was the right gun at the right time for the Red Army. Rugged, simple and effective, the straight-blowback operated submachine gun was used in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and more than 6 million were made. For more, watch American Rifleman TV's "I Have This Old Gun" segment above.

Latest

001 HP15CC W Cover 01
001 HP15CC W Cover 01

Review: Hi-Point HP-15 Carbine

In 2025, Hi-Point Firearms surprised the firearm community with the news that it would offer a complete line of HP-15 carbines and pistols. Since then, the company has expanded their offerings.

New for 2026: Springfield Armory Saint Victor .300 BLK 9.5” Pistol

Springfield Armory’s Saint Victor family now has a pistol in .300 BLK.

Preview: Lee Precision 7 mm Backcountry Reloading Dies

Lee Precision is now backing Federal’s 7 mm Backcountry cartridge with an all-inclusive kit, along with load data to reload once-fired Federal Premium cases.

Rimfire Resurgence Trend?

With suppressor sales booming, are shooters rediscovering their love of rimfire firearms?

New for 2026: Mossberg 990 Magpul and 990 SPX Aftershock

Mossberg steps up its 990 game with a new Magpul shotgun and SPX firearm.

New for 2026: Gemtech Nebula 5.7 Direct-Thread Suppressor

Gemtech’s Nebula is a 5.7x28 mm-specific sound suppressor.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.