Stechkin APS
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Stechkin APS | |
|---|---|
| Image:Pistol APS.jpg Stechkin APS | |
| Type | Pistol, Machine Pistol |
| Place of origin | Soviet Union |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Soviet Union |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Igor Yakovlevich Stechkin |
| Designed | 1948 |
| Manufacturer | Tula Arsenal |
| Produced | 1951 - 1975 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 1.22 kg |
| Length | 225 mm |
| Barrel length | 140 mm |
| | |
| Cartridge | 9 x 18 mm PM (9mm Makarov) |
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Action | blowback |
| Rate of fire | 40-90 (practically), 750 (theor.) |
| Muzzle velocity | 340 m/s |
| Effective range | 50 m |
| Maximum range | 200 m |
| Feed system | 20-round detachable box magazine |
The Stechkin APS (Avtomaticheskij Pistolet Stechkina, Russian: Автоматический Пистолет Стечкина ) is a Russian selective-fire machine pistol. It bears the name of it developer Igor Stechkin. Originally chambered for 7.62 x 25 mm TT he converted the pistol to the 9 mm calibre used in the Makarov pistol (PM). It became clear that this cartridge was set to become the new service ammunition for handguns of the Read Army. 1951 both pistols were introduced into the arsenal of the Russian military, 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 and the double-action trigger. In contrast to the Makarov the APS offers automatic fire mode (to be selected using the safety lever). Using burst fire the pistol should be fired fitted with the wooden shoulder stock provided, otherwise the weapon becomes uncontrollable. The detachable stock looks somewhat like that of the Mauser C96, also to be used as a holster. Its larger weight reduces the recoil. This together with a longer barrel makes the APS a more accurate weapon than the PM.
[edit] 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 quite bulky. This lead to the APS being gradually phased out of active service. Instead AK47/AKM assault rifles with folding stocks were issued offering much more fire power.
[edit] Comeback
In the Seventies the APS underwent modifications such as the addition of a metal stock, a threaded barrel and a silencer. This special version was designated Model APB (B for Bes'shumnyj, the Russian word for silent). The APB was then given out to special forces units such as the Spetsnaz. During the Soviet war in Afghanistan the Russians conducted a number of clandestine campaigns in enemy territory, raising the demand for very compact and rapid-firing guns. The APB met this requirement which gave it a new lease to life. In the recent past law enforcement units such as the Omon and the SOBR were also equipped with the pistol.
