- Stechkin APS
Infobox Weapon
name=APS
caption= Stechkin APS
origin=flagcountry|Soviet Union
type=Pistol ,Machine Pistol
is_ranged=yes
service=
used_by=Soviet Union
wars=
designer= Igor Yakovlevich Stechkin
design_date=1948
manufacturer=Tula Arsenal
production_date=1951 - 1975
number=
variants=
weight=1.22 kg
length=225 mm
part_length=140 mm
crew=
cartridge=9x18mm Makarov ,9x19mm Parabellum . [Janes Guns Recognition Guide 2005, Page 73]
caliber=
action= blowback
rate=40-90 (practically), 750 (theor.)
velocity= 340 m/s
range= 50 m
max_range= 200 m
feed= 20-round detachable box magazine
sights=The Stechkin APS ("Avtomaticheskiy Pistolet Stetchkina", _ru. "Автоматический Пистолет Стечкина") is a Russian selective-firemachine 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 and the double-action trigger.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.ervice
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 powerful5.45x39mm M74 rifle ammunition.Comeback
In the 1970s, a version of the Stechkin pistol was produced including a metal stock, threaded barrel and a silencer. 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 theSoviet 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 theOMON and theSOBR have also been equipped with this pistol.A contemporary derivative of the Stechkin, the
OTS-33 Pernach , is also chambered for the 9 mm Makarov cartridge.References
External links
* [http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg22-e.htm Modern Firearms - "Stechkin APS pistol"]
* [http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg155-e.htm Modern Firearms - "APB / 6P13 silenced pistol"]
* [http://www.waffenhq.de/infanterie/stechkin_aps.htm WaffenHQ.de - "Stetschkin APS/APB"] de icon
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