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PPSh-41

The PPSh-41 is a Soviet select-fire submachine gun designed by Georgy Shpagin and introduced in 1941.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The PPSh-41 is a Soviet select-fire submachine gun designed by Georgy Shpagin and introduced in 1941. It was developed as a cheaper, simplified alternative to the PPD-40 and became one of the best-known Soviet infantry weapons of the Second World War.

Design and development

The PPSh-41 was designed by Georgy Shpagin in the Soviet Union as a simplified, lower-cost submachine gun. Its design emphasized ease of mass production while retaining reliable battlefield performance.

Service history

The PPSh-41 was introduced in 1941 and used extensively by Soviet forces during the Second World War. It later saw continued use in other conflicts and by other countries.

Operating characteristics

The weapon is an open-bolt, blowback-operated submachine gun chambered in 7.62×25mm Tokarev. It is known for its high rate of fire and use of both drum and box magazines.

Legacy

The PPSh-41 became one of the most recognizable Soviet firearms of the 20th century. It is frequently cited as an example of wartime mass-production engineering.

Key facts

  • The PPSh-41 was designed by Georgy Shpagin and introduced in 1941.
  • It was developed as a cheaper, simplified alternative to the PPD-40.
  • The weapon fires the 7.62×25mm Tokarev cartridge and uses an open-bolt, blowback action.
  • It became a major Soviet small arm during World War II, especially on the Eastern Front.
  • The PPSh-41 is commonly associated with the Red Army and is an iconic example of wartime mass production.

Frequently asked questions

What does PPSh stand for?
It is short for the Russian phrase commonly translated as “Shpagin’s machine-pistol.”
Who designed the PPSh-41?
It was designed by Georgy Shpagin.
What cartridge does the PPSh-41 use?
It fires the 7.62×25mm Tokarev round.
When was the PPSh-41 introduced?
It was introduced in 1941.
Why was the PPSh-41 developed?
It was intended as a cheaper and simplified alternative to the PPD-40.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PPSh-41
    Supports: Designer, origin, introduction, action type, cartridge, and general design purpose.
  2. Athlon Outdoors — https://athlonoutdoors.com/article/soviet-ppsh-41-submachine-gun/
    Supports: Name expansion, designer, operating action, cartridge, and magazine types.
  3. Small Arms Defense Journal — https://sadefensejournal.com/the-soviet-ppsh-41/
    Supports: Development history, adoption, production context, and simplified stamped-metal construction.
  4. Military Factory — https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.php?smallarms_id=217
    Supports: World War II service context and broad historical significance.