It is probably fair to say that the PPSh-41-the so-called “Shpagin”-is the most recognizable testament to Soviet military capability in the Second World War. Designed by Georgy Shpagin, this submachine gun became a staple of Soviet infantry, known for its reliability, simplicity, and impressive rate of fire.
The PPSh-41 was designed during the late 1930s and went into Soviet service in 1941, at the outset of World War II. Its robust and basic design lent itself to mass production, so essential for wartime. By spring 1942, factories in Moscow were capable of producing around 3,000 units per day. The weapon was so well-manufactured that its fabrication could be done in guerrilla workshops, though the drum magazine provided some complicating factors.
This submachine gun saw extensive service on the Eastern Front during the war and developed a solid reputation as a devastating weapon at close range. The high volume of fire, plus the large-capacity drum magazines, contributed to making it an extremely intimidating firearm. After the end of World War II, the PPSh-41 continued to serve with several post-war conflicts and various nations in the Eastern Bloc before being increasingly substituted by more modern firearms.
The design of the PPSh-41 had a few salient features, such as the following:
- Open Bolt, Blowback Operation: Indeed a very simple and robust mechanism, hence very well-matched for the submachine gun format.
- Rate of Fire: High at about 900 rpm, this indeed was a very effective close-quarters combat weapon.
- Magazine Options: This could be equipped with either a 35-round box magazine or a 71-round drum magazine that provides substantial ammunition capacity.
- Wooden Furniture: The wood stock and handguard gave the submachine gun a highly classical appearance.
- Iron Sights: Basic iron sights fitted on the PPSh-41 worked well over short to medium distances.
While the PPSh-41 itself saw limited major variants, it served as the basis for several notable forms:
- PPD-40: An earlier Soviet sub-machine gun design from the mind of Shpagin, which inspired the PPSh-41.
- M1942 Carbine: A shortened version for armored vehicle crews.
- Finnish M44: A post-war Finnish version with minor modifications.
It also gained popularity among the German forces, who captured the weapon in large numbers and, after modifying it to fire the 9mm Parabellum round, designated it as the MP41(r).
Chambered in the 7.62x25mm Tokarev cartridge, the PPSh-41 had a flat trajectory and armor-penetrating capability. This powerful pistol caliber was a common feature of Soviet submachine guns and pistols during the mid-20th century.
The PPSh-41 has been associated with the Soviet troops of World War II and can easily be seen as the most famous Soviet small arms symbol. Soviet soldiers presented it with the nickname “Papasha,” meaning “Daddy.” It described quite accurately its merits: being reliable and effective. Among American military men, it got the nickname “Trench Broom” because of its high rate of fire.
Design and the high rate of fire preordained this weapon to have a lasting impact on the further developments of submachine guns. Some elements of the design of PPSh-41 are still being borrowed by some modern firearms. More than 6 million PPSh-41s were produced by the end of the war, and it became the most used small arm in the Red Army after the Battle of Stalingrad.
The PPSh-41 Shpagin is the stuff of legends, an SMG that became symbolic of Soviet military might from the beginning of World War II into the present. Its astonishing rate of fire, reliability, and simplicity made the weapon loved by soldiers and shooters alike. Yet, out of its wide usage in military applications, it still speaks to the spirit of wartime and the unyielding determination of the warriors who grasped it in battle.