Specifications:
PPSh 41
Pistolet-Pulemyot Shpagina obr 1941G
Caliber: 7.62x25mm Soviet auto
Length: 33 in ( 838mm)
Weight (unloaded): 8 lb (3.64kg)
Barrel: 10.5 in (266mm), 4 groove, right-hand twist
Magazine: 35 round detachable box or 71 round drum
Ammunition: Type P1; 86 gr bullet, 8 gr charge (1.35in)
Type P-41; 74 gr bullet, 8 gr charge , AP/Incdy (1.36in)
Rate of Fire: 900rpm
Muzzle Velocity: 1500 fps P1; 1600 fps P-41
Weapon History Overview:
North Korea began its invasion of South Korea armed largely with Soviet weapons such as the Model PPSh41, and a variety of Japanese weapons captured by the Soviets.
Designed by George Shpagin to meet desperate need, following the USSR's bitter war with Finland and the invasion by Germany, the PPSh submachine gun utilized the simple blowback action, and fires from the open bolt position. The semi or full auto selector is located within the trigger guard allowing easy access. Late models were capable of only automatic fire.
A very reliable weapon firing the powerful Soviet P1 pistol cartridge 62x25 (interchangeable with 7.63 Mauser) at a high rate of fire and with a large magazine capacity. Operation was selective, full-automatic and semi-automatic. The PPSh41 was ideally suited to the requirements and tactics employed by the Soviet and satellite Forces.
The predominant tactic used by the Chinese in assault was to equip one platoon with nothing but bags of grenades, and another with submachine guns. The Chinese occasionally attacked in massed, or "human wave" assaults, when it was considered absolutely essential to take a vital point. More often the attacks were in company strength, using every form of concealment and surprise. Their concept of a line of battle was essentially to flow around obstacles with the idea of assembling at their objective for a final assault.
For the CCF concept of fluid infantry warfare, violent submachine gun and grenade attack was very effective. When met by determined and entrenched infantry resistance, supported by artillery and well-positioned machine guns and air supremacy, the concept failed. With terrible losses.
