History of TT and PM. Who is better? Pistols TT, PM, APS and PSM: a brief overview Pistol Self-loading Special PSS

Currently in Russia there are a large number of models of small arms, including pistols. But "veterans" are still of particular interest - TT, PM and APS, who have served people for decades.

Currently in Russia there are a large number of models of small arms, including pistols. They differ both in caliber, and in the principle of operation of automation, and in the tasks for which they are intended. But the "veterans" - TT, PM and APS, who have served people for decades, still have the most significant authority.

The most deserved of the above is the "pistol of 1933", often called the TT - Tula Tokarev.

It was adopted by the Red Army in 1930 to replace the 1895 Nagant revolver, both morally and physically obsolete. In terms of its tactical and technical characteristics, the TT surpassed all contemporary models. Exceptional simplicity, strength and reliability, as well as the low cost of its production - these are the distinguishing features of this pistol.

In 1933, the TT underwent minor modernization. Minor changes were made to the trigger mechanism, the rear wall of the handle was made one-piece.

The TT automation worked using the recoil of the barrel during its short stroke. The movable earring, when the barrel moved back, lowered its breech. At the same time, the weapon was reloaded (the same principle was used by the Colt M1911A pistol, which allowed Western authors writing about weapons to call the TT "Tokarev-Colt pistol").

The pistol uses a cartridge of caliber 7.62x25 (the same as in the Mauser pistol). Later, submachine guns PPD (1934), PPSh (1941), PPS (1942) were developed under this cartridge.

However, the pistol also has a rather significant drawback - it lacks a fuse as an independent part. His role is performed by a safety cocking of the trigger. But in the event of a fall of the pistol, a spontaneous shot is possible as a result of a break in the safety platoon.

The pistol passed the tests of the Great Patriotic War with honor, having proven itself to be a powerful, simple and reliable melee weapon. He remained in service for some time after the war. Its popularity is also evidenced by the fact that TT production was established in China, Poland, Hungary, Yugoslavia and other countries. In some of them, TTs are still produced today.

High accuracy of shooting is ensured by the successful layout of the parts of the pistol. Due to the fact that the center of gravity of the pistol and the axial barrel are shifted closer to the handle, the TT, with its rather significant weight (940 grams), is practically not felt in the hand.

But the development of individual small arms required new solutions. At some point, the TT ceased to be a self-sufficient weapon, and in 1951 it was replaced by the pistols of N.F. Makarov (PM) and I.Ya. Stechkin (APS).

Both of these pistols in the operation of automation use the simplest, and therefore more reliable principle - the recoil of a free shutter. Both pistols have a return spring mounted directly on the barrel (although in the first modification of the APS, the return spring was located under the barrel, as in Browning pistols). For both of these pistols, a 9x18 cartridge was developed, which is more powerful than that used in the TT.

The undoubted advantage of the PM is the design of the trigger mechanism. The self-cocking device allows you to fire the first shot (if there is a cartridge in the chamber) without first cocking the hammer. The safety lever is located in the back of the casing-bolt, on the left, which allows you to control the pistol with one hand (the right one holding the weapon). Bringing the pistol into combat position for its further wearing in this position is carried out as follows. By jerking the shutter, the cartridge is driven into the chamber. Then the fuse is turned on, while the shot does not occur. Now, to carry out the first shot, you only need to remove the fuse and pull the trigger.

APS

Despite the apparent similarity, APS and PM are completely different types of individual small arms. APS is designed to arm officers directly involved in hostilities. The trigger mechanism of this pistol is also self-cocking, which allows not only single fire, but also bursts of fire. The safety lever, located in the same way as the Makarov pistol, also serves as a fire translator. The sight of this pistol is mobile, for shooting at distances of 25, 50, 100 and 200 meters. The magazine holds 20 rounds (staggered). The APS pistol is carried in a wooden or plastic holster, which, fastened to the rear wall of the handle, acts as a butt when firing in bursts. In extreme cases, bursts of fire can be fired directly from the hand, without a butt (the cartridge used allows this). Unfortunately, despite the perfection of the design, serious shortcomings of the APS were revealed during operation (primarily, its excessive weight and dimensions), therefore, at present, this pistol is no longer produced, giving way to submachine guns such as "Kedr", "Chestnut". " and "Cypress", using the same cartridge 9x18 mm.

The Makarov PM pistol, on the contrary, served as the base model for a number of new developments. In 1994, the PMM was put into mass production - a modernized Makarov pistol. Outwardly, it practically does not differ from the base model (with the exception of the cheeks of the handle), but its magazine holds 12 rounds of 57-N-181SM, which, not differing in size from the standard "Makarov" cartridge, has increased penetrating and stopping power. The design of the chamber has been slightly changed - three helical grooves are made on its surface, which provide braking of the recoil of the shutter and smooth out the difference in the dynamics of automation when firing conventional and reinforced cartridges. Otherwise, the design, which has proven itself well for more than 40 years of operation, has not changed.

IZH-71

In the mid-1990s, the IZH-71 pistol was developed specifically for security personnel, based on the PM, which uses the 9x17 Kurz cartridge and has specially low characteristics (for example, the muzzle velocity of the IZH-71 bullet is 290 m / s versus 320 m / s for PM). Magazine "IZH-71" is available in 2 versions - for 8 and 10 rounds (in the latter case, the pistol is called "IZH-71-10"). Outwardly, "IZH-71" differs from the PM, again, in the cheeks of the handle.

PSM

Especially for the armament of the senior command staff of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the KGB-FSB, a creative team consisting of T.I. This pistol is chambered for the new 5.45mm cartridge. The trigger mechanism is self-cocking. The location of the fuse is interesting (above the back of the shutter). When it is turned off, the trigger is simultaneously cocked. The pistol has no protruding parts, so that its thickness does not exceed 18 mm, which creates advantages when it is hidden. But due to the low penetrating ability of the cartridge, this weapon is of little use in real combat. Rather, its niche is an individual self-defense weapon. All its design features point to this.

Of course, new types of pistols are now being produced, designed to perform completely different tasks in different conditions, but the TT, PM, APS and PSM have left their worthy contribution to history, serving the cause of defending the Motherland for decades.

Currently in Russia there are a large number of models of small arms, including pistols. But "veterans" are still of particular interest - TT, PM and APS, who have served people for decades.

Currently in Russia there are a large number of models of small arms, including pistols. They differ both in caliber, and in the principle of operation of automation, and in the tasks for which they are intended. But the "veterans" - TT, PM and APS, who have served people for decades, still have the most significant authority.

The most deserved of the above is the "pistol of 1933", often called the TT - Tula Tokarev.

It was adopted by the Red Army in 1930 to replace the 1895 Nagant revolver, both morally and physically obsolete. In terms of its tactical and technical characteristics, the TT surpassed all contemporary models. Exceptional simplicity, strength and reliability, as well as the low cost of its production - these are the distinguishing features of this pistol.

In 1933, the TT underwent minor modernization. Minor changes were made to the trigger mechanism, the rear wall of the handle was made one-piece.

The TT automation worked using the recoil of the barrel during its short stroke. The movable earring, when the barrel moved back, lowered its breech. At the same time, the weapon was reloaded (the same principle was used by the Colt M1911A pistol, which allowed Western authors writing about weapons to call the TT "Tokarev-Colt pistol").

The pistol uses a cartridge of caliber 7.62x25 (the same as in the Mauser pistol). Later, submachine guns PPD (1934), PPSh (1941), PPS (1942) were developed under this cartridge.

However, the pistol also has a rather significant drawback - it lacks a fuse as an independent part. His role is performed by a safety cocking of the trigger. But in the event of a fall of the pistol, a spontaneous shot is possible as a result of a break in the safety platoon.

The pistol passed the tests of the Great Patriotic War with honor, having proven itself to be a powerful, simple and reliable melee weapon. He remained in service for some time after the war. Its popularity is also evidenced by the fact that TT production was established in China, Poland, Hungary, Yugoslavia and other countries. In some of them, TTs are still produced today.

High accuracy of shooting is ensured by the successful layout of the parts of the pistol. Due to the fact that the center of gravity of the pistol and the axial barrel are shifted closer to the handle, the TT, with its rather significant weight (940 grams), is practically not felt in the hand.

But the development of individual small arms required new solutions. At some point, the TT ceased to be a self-sufficient weapon, and in 1951 it was replaced by the pistols of N.F. Makarov (PM) and I.Ya. Stechkin (APS).

Both of these pistols in the operation of automation use the simplest, and therefore more reliable principle - the recoil of a free shutter. Both pistols have a return spring mounted directly on the barrel (although in the first modification of the APS, the return spring was located under the barrel, as in Browning pistols). For both of these pistols, a 9x18 cartridge was developed, which is more powerful than that used in the TT.

The undoubted advantage of the PM is the design of the trigger mechanism. The self-cocking device allows you to fire the first shot (if there is a cartridge in the chamber) without first cocking the hammer. The safety lever is located in the back of the casing-bolt, on the left, which allows you to control the pistol with one hand (the right one holding the weapon). Bringing the pistol into combat position for its further wearing in this position is carried out as follows. By jerking the shutter, the cartridge is driven into the chamber. Then the fuse is turned on, while the shot does not occur. Now, to carry out the first shot, you only need to remove the fuse and pull the trigger.

APS

Despite the apparent similarity, APS and PM are completely different types of individual small arms. APS is designed to arm officers directly involved in hostilities. The trigger mechanism of this pistol is also self-cocking, which allows not only single fire, but also bursts of fire. The safety lever, located in the same way as the Makarov pistol, also serves as a fire translator. The sight of this pistol is mobile, for shooting at distances of 25, 50, 100 and 200 meters. The magazine holds 20 rounds (staggered). The APS pistol is carried in a wooden or plastic holster, which, fastened to the rear wall of the handle, acts as a butt when firing in bursts. In extreme cases, bursts of fire can be fired directly from the hand, without a butt (the cartridge used allows this). Unfortunately, despite the perfection of the design, serious shortcomings of the APS were revealed during operation (primarily, its excessive weight and dimensions), therefore, at present, this pistol is no longer produced, giving way to submachine guns such as "Kedr", "Chestnut". " and "Cypress", using the same cartridge 9x18 mm.

The Makarov PM pistol, on the contrary, served as the base model for a number of new developments. In 1994, the PMM was put into mass production - a modernized Makarov pistol. Outwardly, it practically does not differ from the base model (with the exception of the cheeks of the handle), but its magazine holds 12 rounds of 57-N-181SM, which, not differing in size from the standard "Makarov" cartridge, has increased penetrating and stopping power. The design of the chamber has been slightly changed - three helical grooves are made on its surface, which provide braking of the recoil of the shutter and smooth out the difference in the dynamics of automation when firing conventional and reinforced cartridges. Otherwise, the design, which has proven itself well for more than 40 years of operation, has not changed.

IZH-71

In the mid-1990s, the IZH-71 pistol was developed specifically for security personnel, based on the PM, which uses the 9x17 Kurz cartridge and has specially low characteristics (for example, the muzzle velocity of the IZH-71 bullet is 290 m / s versus 320 m / s for PM). Magazine "IZH-71" is available in 2 versions - for 8 and 10 rounds (in the latter case, the pistol is called "IZH-71-10"). Outwardly, "IZH-71" differs from the PM, again, in the cheeks of the handle.

PSM

Especially for the armament of the senior command staff of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the KGB-FSB, a creative team consisting of T.I. This pistol is chambered for the new 5.45mm cartridge. The trigger mechanism is self-cocking. The location of the fuse is interesting (above the back of the shutter). When it is turned off, the trigger is simultaneously cocked. The pistol has no protruding parts, so that its thickness does not exceed 18 mm, which creates advantages when it is hidden. But due to the low penetrating ability of the cartridge, this weapon is of little use in real combat. Rather, its niche is an individual self-defense weapon. All its design features point to this.

Of course, new types of pistols are now being produced, designed to perform completely different tasks in different conditions, but the TT, PM, APS and PSM have left their worthy contribution to history, serving the cause of defending the Motherland for decades.

During use, not at the shooting range, but in a real pistol fight not for life, but to death, the advantages and disadvantages of weapons (almost the same class) are determined, first of all, by the qualifications and experience of the shooter, this also includes the technical condition of the pistol and ammunition, then is, their reliability and quality at the current time. And the performance characteristics of weapons will be an advantage only if they are used correctly.

The production of TT pistols (model 1930) began in 1933. Back in the mid-20s of the last century in the USSR, the issue of providing the soldiers of the Red Army and other paramilitary structures of the state with uniform samples of small arms was acute. The situation was especially critical in the field of personal weapons of army officers, police officers and the NKVD, because at that time a very “motley company” of pistols and revolvers of various systems was in service, starting from K-96 Mausers and revolvers of the 1895 model (already pretty outdated) and ending with a variety of foreign pistols. Naturally, this state of affairs did not suit the leadership of the "land of the Soviets" and by the beginning of the 1930s, the TT pistol, developed by the Soviet gunsmith and designer F.V. Tokarev, based on the American Colt M1911, was adopted.

Mass production fell on the years of the Great Patriotic War. Pistols produced during this period do not differ in the quality of workmanship and assembly. Arms conveyors at that time were not always qualified personnel (teenagers, women), and the necessary steel for making weapons was not always at hand. Pistols for repairs also came from the front. In addition, pistols issued before 1943 suffered from design flaws and defects. The shot of such pistols, as a rule, was no more than 700 - 750 shots, after which the automation began to malfunction. There were also frequent malfunctions such as the magazine falling out and the loss of the drummer. On the hands, more often in the criminal world, there may also be TT pistols found at the sites of former battles and restored by "black diggers". The reliability of such instances is extremely low. To date, the TT pistol remains in service in separate units of various law enforcement agencies, as a rule, these are pistols produced in the post-war period, but the technical condition of many of them leaves much to be desired. The main disadvantage of the "modern" TT, compared with the PM, is low reliability. But this unreliability is not related to the design of the pistol, it is the result of poor-quality manufacturing, assembly and harsh operation. In addition, it significantly affects the reliability and time factor.

This weapon is quite suitable for some special operations (this is not speculation, but real facts). It even has two advantages - these are flat dimensions that allow the concealed carrying of quite powerful weapons and high bullet penetration, especially with a steel core, in front of which most soft body armor of concealed wearing is powerless.
There were also “TT” pistols, made specifically for “authorities” (such as SMERSH, NKVD, MGB, etc.), which differed from serial “TTs” in manufacturing from stronger and better grades of weapon steels and better fitting parts, and also by the fact that they were 30 mm longer (meaning the total length) than serial production TT pistols.

Now the TT pistol has worldwide fame. There is no doubt that if it were not a good weapon, it would not still be in service with many countries of the world and would not occupy a worthy place, next to the Kalashnikov assault rifle and the Stechkin pistol in a large family of the best small arms of the USSR. For a long time, it could be found in the holster of operational law enforcement officers and in army arsenals. There was a huge amount of TT produced and they simply did not have time to "demolish" everything. In addition, pistols of this design were produced under license in Hungary, Yugoslavia, North Korea and, of course, China. A huge number of samples, lack of proper accounting, cheapness on the black market - all this made TT a frequent guest of criminal chronicles. And today, "Tula Tokarev" is strongly associated with contract killings for many. So it's too early to write off TT for retirement.

Until now, the TT pistol of post-war production is in service with the VOKhR units and irregular formations of some CIS countries. The resource of these pistols, produced in the forties and fifties, has long been exhausted, so they are extremely unreliable. A common defect is the skew of the cartridge and its sticking.

With the advent of the TT pistol, research in the field of the “new Soviet pistol” did not stop: firstly, the TT, already when it was put into service, caused criticism from some military officials, and secondly, many officials and “faithful Leninists” were extremely dissatisfied with the fact that the Tokarev pistol was based on the weapons of the United States, because the Soviet military needed a completely "Soviet weapon".

A competition for a new army pistol that could replace the TT was announced in 1945. Even then, one of the main requirements was the transition from caliber 7.62 mm to caliber 9 mm. since the 7.62 TT cartridge had a so-called sewing effect, when a bullet, having a high initial speed, pierced the soft tissues of the body, and a person in the heat of battle did not even notice this. It was required that one hit was guaranteed to disable the enemy. Therefore, in the end, the leadership of the Moscow Region opted for a 9 mm cartridge. The simplicity and peculiar “elegance” of the design of the Makarov pistol (PM) made a very serious impression on the government of the USSR, and in 1948 the first trial batch of 50 Makarov pistols was released. And a year later, it was decided to launch the Makarov into mass production and put it into service. The PM proved to be a reliable and convenient weapon, however, a short barrel (which led to a noticeable decrease in accuracy and accuracy of fire) and a small clip capacity made it not the most successful pistol in a war. This became an absolutely obvious fact during the fighting in Afghanistan, in which most of the military personnel abandoned the PM in favor of the Stechkin automatic pistol, bulky and heavy, but much more effective than the Makarov.

The PM pistol was put into service in 1951 to replace the TT pistol, and is currently in service with the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other law enforcement agencies, although more advanced models that meet modern requirements have been officially put into service.
The parts of the gun are hung out, which does not allow dirt and soot to accumulate and clog them. Chrome-plated barrel and very licked contours, which is very important for operational use, does not cling to clothes, does not injure hands during use and disassembly. Awesome, incredible resource - up to 50,000 shots. True, this applies only to pistols manufactured in the period from 1955 to the beginning of the 70s. years.
Since the 80-90s, PM and PMM have been produced of extremely low quality.

It is better to use Makarov effectively at distances from “point-blank” to 15 m. So, the PM exactly meets the purposes and combat properties stated in the NSD and, in essence, is a personal weapon of attack and defense, designed to defeat the enemy at short distances.

PM differs from TT primarily in high reliability. To date, PM is one of the most reliable pistols in the world. The main disadvantage compared to the TT is the ammunition with a relatively low bullet penetration. Therefore, for the Armed Forces, the PM pistol as a modern weapon is of little use. It is also not suitable as a means of disabling or stopping vehicles, if used, for example, in traffic police departments.

However, during a firefight within the stairwell, the PM is still preferable to the TT. Since almost no modern door can resist a bullet fired from a TT, if it is not armored in the appropriate class, third parties may suffer, which is not acceptable when conducting operational activities by employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. There is such a thing as stopping bullets. Here, theoretically, an equal sign can be put between PM and TT. But in practice (according to statistics), the PM that stops the action of a bullet is considered higher. This is due to the cross section of the bullet. The cartridge used in the PM - 9X18 with a bullet weight of 6.1 g and an initial speed of 315 m / s. The advantage over the TT and the presence in the PM of a self-cocking shock-trigger mechanism, as well as automatic free shutter.

The disadvantages compared with PM include weight and dimensions. TT is heavier and larger (with a magazine without cartridges TT - 850 g. PM ​​- 730). Relate to the shortcomings and the impossibility of self-cocking firing. The advantage of the TT over the PM is its ammunition, which has a fairly high penetrating effect. The TT uses a 7.62X25 cartridge with a bullet weighing 5.5 g and an initial speed of 420 - 450 m / s. From TT it is possible to hit an object in a bulletproof vest up to class II of armor protection (PM only up to class I). Therefore, TT is in great demand among killers. It can be attributed to the advantage of a fairly common and cheap ammunition (cheap and cheerful).


Interesting Facts:

In 1969, an employee of the Soviet Army, Ilyin, made an unsuccessful attempt on the life of the Secretary General of the USSR L.I. Brezhnev. Ilyin was armed with two PM pistols.

Despite the fact that both the cartridge and the TT pistol have long been taken out of service and are almost never produced (since almost a billionth stock of TT cartridges has remained in military warehouses since the Great Patriotic War). The high-velocity TT cartridge has always been a serious threat to the police in many countries of the world. For example: police officers of the Royal Hong Kong Police put on reinforced bulletproof vests of the third class of protection A + before going on duty, as they often encounter criminals armed with “TT” pistols (often made in China).


In this article we compare Soviet pistols TT and PM. Let's discuss the features and design differences of this weapon. First of all, it should be noted that PM this is the successor TT adopted in 1930. And when in 1951 it was adopted , TT production ceased. In addition, the TT took part in hostilities, and the PM, although nominally a military pistol, was still created as a peacetime weapon for police units.

Now for the characteristics. The first is, of course, the caliber. TT - 7.62x25 mm, PM - 9x18 mm. The TT cartridge is more powerful, the penetrating effect of the bullet is stronger. By the way, this cartridge is also used in the PPSh (Shpagin submachine gun). The Makarov pistol has a bullet with a high stopping power, an ideal choice for police officers. The PM has a self-cocking double-action trigger mechanism. If the cartridge is in the chamber, then you just need to pull the trigger and a shot will occur. In TT, on the contrary, it has a single-action trigger. To make a shot with a cartridge in the chamber, you must manually cock the hammer. The PM, unlike the TT, has automatic free shutter. Both pistols have a slide delay.

So, what are the main advantages of PM compared to TT. The Makarov pistol is safer to handle because it has a safety catch, comfortable to wear, reliable and easy to use. Disadvantages of PM: small effective range, low muzzle energy of the cartridge compared to TT and, as a result, low bullet penetration.

The parents of the Tula Tokarev are the FN Browning M1903 and Colt M1911. But unlike the TT, which has no fuse, except for the safety cocking, these pistols have 2 fuses each: a standard flag and an automatic one on the back of the handle.

And if you are interested in a tactical holster for a TT or a Makarov pistol, then we recommend the products of the well-known company GearBest, as the best option in terms of price and quality: https://www.gearbest.com

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Video review comparing TT and PM. Watch the video and follow the channel.

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Firearms are an essential attribute of civilization. Since ancient times, weapons have served as a tool for protection, obtaining food, and conquering territories. And always a weapon is a tool that fulfills the will of its owner, a criminal or a servant of the law, an invader or a defender of the Fatherland.

For eighteen years, small arms have been my constant companion. In the heat and cold, day and night, in different parts of the area, in different regions, in the shooting range, at the training ground, in battle, in everyday life - it is always with me. Over the years, many samples of domestic military weapons and quite a few foreign ones have passed through my hands. I know what each sample is capable of, what to expect from it, what to hope for and what to fear.
And, of course, everyone has their own opinion, often not coinciding with the common one. Not without my active participation in combat situations. And I can judge about weapons, perhaps with more right than other "specialists" on the Internet and some "weapons" magazines, who write at length about the advantages and disadvantages of a particular type of weapon. The main trouble with domestic small arms is mediocre, and sometimes just terrible ergonomics, and, of course, poor workmanship (this does not apply to the Soviet period).
But, as they say, how many people - so many opinions. So, let's begin…


Pistol Self-loading Compact PSM

Can be deciphered as “Pistol for Complacency. Maybe you'll get lucky." There is a known case when a wounded man, with five bullets in his stomach fired from a PSM, independently walked to a medical facility located one and a half kilometers away.

5.45 mm self-loading pistol PSM

Moreover, he was of a slender build. A very accurate pistol, at the level of sports small-caliber pistols. Very compact. James Bond would be pleased with it. On a combat pistol, a spur on the lid of one of the magazines would not hurt. Suitable as a spare pistol, but not as a primary weapon. Plus the problem with the shortage of ammunition.

Pistol Makarov PM

Legendary, without a doubt, a pistol. The standard of reliability, relatively compact, always ready for battle. Even despite its venerable age, it still remains in service, and is actively used both in the shooting range and in battle. A classic pistol for civilian and police use. Of course, this is not a pistol for target or high-speed shooting, but placing three bullets in the center of a standard target (a circle with a diameter of 10 cm) from 25 m is not a problem for this "old man". He is capable of more. Some of our PMs allow you to put five holes in a circle of 6 cm. As for the small stopping effect of a bullet, I can say that this is what people say, at best, killing paper targets, and never shooting in a combat situation. It is important to hit the vital organs of the “target”, otherwise even a rifle bullet will not guarantee a reliable defeat.

9mm self-loading pistol PM

Some problems are created by Pst steel-core bullets, which sometimes ricochet off solid obstacles. In recent years, the situation with ammunition for PM has changed, cartridges with bullets have appeared that have an increased stopping effect and increased penetration of the PBM (7N25). For example, the PPO law enforcement cartridge allows the use of weapons (pistols and submachine guns) in enclosed spaces, in populated areas, with a low probability of dangerous ricochets, due to the absence of a solid core in the pool. There is information about the poor quality of PPO cartridges, unstable characteristics, but the cartridges supplied to our unit do not present unpleasant surprises and the weapon works with them like clockwork.

Makarov pistol Modernized PMM-12

Modernization of PM chambered for increased power. Improved handle ergonomics, increased magazine capacity. It is used with both Pst and PPO cartridges, since standard 7N16 cartridges are very rare and have not been produced for a long time.

9mm self-loading pistol PMM

The springs in the stores work with overvoltage, so they quickly lose their elasticity, which leads to delays in firing. Poor-quality plastic, from which the feeder is made, is the cause of cracking, as well as wear or breakage of the feeder tooth.

Pistol Tula Tokarev TT

Another weapon legend. Much has been said about him, but very little can be added. More suitable for military use when it is on alert. For its relatively small size, one of the most powerful pistols in the world.

7.62 mm TT self-loading pistols

And it is much more pleasant to the touch, for example, PYa and all sorts of Glocks. Completely unsuitable for urban shooting and self-defense. The large penetrating power of the bullet and the lack of self-cocking can lead to prison (through and into a random passerby) or to the cemetery (you need to have time to cock the trigger).

Automatic pistol Stechkin APS

The same age as PM, even more popular. A pistol with a capital letter. Reliable, powerful, accurate, with a large ammunition load and the ability to conduct automatic fire. It is often used as the main weapon in operations in tight spaces, when using bulletproof shields, when only one hand is free. The automatic mode is used when shooting at close ranges to create a high density of fire and a greater probability of destruction.

APS pistols with stock holsters and pouches.

APS pistols in a modified hip holster with a rubber grip and twisted pistol strap

A favorite of employees of special units, in demand even now. Even before the pistol enters the unit, a real “hunt” is already underway for it. Some, having tasted the "charms" of PY, prefer to change them for old, sometimes understaffed APS. The pistol has a streamlined shape, does not cling to anything when quickly removed from the holster. Some problems when holding are created by the pistol grip, polished over the years by palms and clothes. In heat and cold, the gun tends to "slip" out of the hands. But this minor annoyance is eliminated by putting a piece of a bicycle inner tube or lining on the handle, for example, from Uncle Mike's.
The pistol is rather big, but with due skill and experience it can be carried discreetly, like all pistols. I usually carry it in my own made trouser holster, without any buckles for quick release, and with a twisted pistol strap, or in a suitably sized shoulder bag.
I never use a safety catch, even if there is a cartridge in the chamber, no one is outraged by the lack of fuses on most revolvers, and a loaded self-cocking pistol is as safe as a loaded revolver. When working in urban conditions, I carry a pistol in a converted hip holster, and not fastened - the design of the holster allows you to hold the pistol even in an upside down position. I carry spare magazines on my left thigh in a homemade pouch. One magazine always with the valve open for quick retrieval.

Pistol Yarygin PYa

A miracle of domestic weapons thought. Although, undoubtedly, a long-awaited type of army pistol. Powerful, moderately ergonomic, with a capacious store. But ... I doubt that in Soviet times it would have been adopted. The gun is frankly "raw". Angular, with protruding parts, as if carved with an axe. The build quality is appropriate. When ten new pistols were fired with sports cartridges issued for training shooting, two pistols had stuck shells, one had a misfire, and after a second injection, a shot was fired. When equipping magazines, the sharp edges of the sponges cut your fingers, and in order not to die from periodic bloodletting, you have to pick up a file. With an increase in magazine capacity by one cartridge, it would be necessary to move the holes to control the number of cartridges (the 18-round pistol was adopted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs). The holes themselves are located on the right side, and in order to visually determine the number of cartridges, the magazine must be completely pulled out of the handle or be left-handed. It was probably not possible to move the holes to the left wall of the store or to the back.

The store latch is not protected by anything, accidental pressing while wearing is not uncommon. At best, you can lose the magazine, at worst, you end up in the face of danger with an empty chamber, because if you accidentally press the magazine latch button, it moves down from the chambering line and the bolt slips past the cartridge. And the store is sort of like in a handle, pressed by a latch. The store itself should have been made like an APS store, with large windows, or like a PSM store, in order to facilitate loading with cartridges. The shutter delay lever is located close to the fuse and when you press one of the levers, the other gets under your finger, which requires additional effort. On some relatively new pistols, the bolt spontaneously breaks off the bolt stop. The back of the shutter - downright openwork design. Probably specially made for picking up various garbage. (Unlike PM and APS).

APS 9mm automatic pistols

The notch in front of the shutter is probably a tribute to fashion and nothing more. When using this notch, the fingers run into the sharp edges of the front of the frame. Maybe it is used to check the presence of a cartridge in the chamber, as they do on foreign pistols? But for this there is an indicator of the presence of a cartridge in the chamber.
Double sided safety lever. Good decision. But if there is only a right-handed standard holster, this solution remains unclaimed. The same can be said about setting the safety with a cocked trigger. Completely redundant feature. When drawing a pistol from a holster, simultaneously cocking the hammer does not present any problems. Moreover, the self-cocking on the PJ is soft and does not greatly affect the accuracy of the first shot.

9mm PYa self-loading pistol

What can not be taken away from the PJ is a smooth descent and a quick return to the aiming line after a shot. It is more suitable for high-speed shooting. The similarity of USM PYa and PSM is obvious and noticeable even to a non-specialist. Why not make the fuse the same as on the PSM design and place it on the bolt, ensuring that the safety is removed and the trigger is cocked at the same time. And at the same time close the back of the shutter from possible clogging with foreign objects. Ledge on the front of the trigger guard for the index finger. Maybe it improves the accuracy of shooting - I did not notice much difference. The pistol throws up in the same way as with a normal grip. And with such a wide bracket, for a normal grip, you need to have not an index finger, but a tentacle. Sights had to be made streamlined in order to prevent snagging on clothing or an operational holster.

The pistol comes with only one spare magazine. Regular cartridges with a Pst bullet differ from the 9x19 Luger sports cartridges used in training firing by the level of acoustic impact on the shooter, greater recoil force and a strong flash when fired. As a result, the shooter learns about these features only when using the pistol in combat conditions. When using cartridges with a Pst bullet in enclosed spaces, dangerous ricochets were observed, which can be corrected by replacing half of the wearable ammunition with cartridges with lead-core bullets. In general, such things with this gun. Full analogy with domestic and foreign cars. Similar, but something in ours is not right ...

Pistol Self-loading Special PSS

Here we can say with full confidence about him the phrase that is abused in our country - "has no analogues." Compact pistol, flat enough for concealed carry. Accurate, unpretentious, always ready for battle - no need to attach a silencer.

Used as a second or third weapon. Rarely, but if necessary, he is ready to serve you. A pistol is not uncommon for those to whom it is supposed. There are no problems with ammo either.

NRS-2 knife, PN14K goggles, PSS pistol, SP4 and 7N36 cartridges

Revolver TKB-0216

A fundamentally degraded version of the Smith and Wesson revolvers. Its only advantage is a smooth and soft descent. Given its large dimensions, it would be possible to use more powerful ammunition, such as SP10, SP11.

9mm revolver TKB-0216(OTs-01 Cobalt)

Poorly fitted handle grips. Often the drum axle unscrews spontaneously.

Submachine gun PP-93

Compact submachine gun with good fire capabilities. With some experience, you can "plant" the entire store in the target. Good accuracy and when firing automatic fire with one hand. In the APB modification, it comes with a PBS and a powerful laser designator LP93. Unfortunately, either PBS or LCC can be attached to the barrel at the same time. Fastening is carried out using a latch and has a large backlash. The shoulder rest is still a masterpiece. Due to the low recoil, the buttplate germ can still be dealt with, but due to poor fixation of the shoulder rest in the firing position, the bullets do not always go in the desired direction. And over time, this knot loosens even more.

9 mm APB submachine guns (PP-93 modification) with PBS (above) or LCC (below) installed

The magazine latch button is very good. No complaints, which can not be said about the cocking handle, located in a very interesting place. To quickly cock the shutter, you need to train for a long time, since you must not only pull the handle, but before that also drown and remember to return it back, like on a PC. Otherwise, during the shot, you can get the handle returning along with the bolt on your fingers. The fuse translator is located on the “correct” side, but the flat shape does not always allow you to quickly rearrange the fire modes, especially in winter, with gloves on.

9 mm submachine gun SR-2M "Veresk"

A powerful submachine gun, accurate, with a large ammunition load. The samples purchased for the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation do not have a regular collimator sight - one of the main attributes of this weapon. Instead of a regular case, there is a case from the AKS-74U assault rifle and a bag for AK-74 magazines. Apparently, the Ministry of Internal Affairs did not have enough money, or the responsible officials did not consider it necessary to purchase weapons in standard configuration.

9 mm SR-2M submachine gun with a 30-round magazine. Nearby lies a 20-round magazine

SR-2M submachine gun - fuse and reload handle are located on the right side

At the first communication, the ill-conceived arrangement of the controls is surprising. The safety is located on the right side, although if you place it on the left side, under the thumb, it would be possible to quickly put the weapon on alert, and also quickly transfer it to a safe state. And all this with one hand. On the contrary, the fire mode translator is used most often once, and quick access to it is optional. For quick reloading, it would be necessary to move the bolt handle to the other side or make it double-sided. With the butt folded, on some samples, the right rod overlaps the folded cocking handle by a couple of millimeters, and the handle has to be pulled out from under the butt.

When the Vereskov entered the unit, everyone who took them in their hands paid attention to the too long shoulder rest. When shooting in body armor, this is very noticeable, especially when held by the front handle.
By the way, about the handle. The thing is, of course, necessary. When using the handle lock, sooner or later it pinches the skin on the index finger. The handle itself is located close to the muzzle, which gets very hot during intense shooting and does not add comfort to the hand. It would be nice to install a plastic pad at the bottom of the muzzle. A muzzle with compensation holes would not hurt. When holding the weapon by the front handle, the sharp edges of the lower part of the forearm cut into the brush. Tolerable, but annoying. More recently, during an operation, I tried to silently send a cartridge into the chamber. That is, accompany the bolt carrier with your hand, avoiding the impact of moving parts in the forward position. I did it out of habit, since this trick “rolls” on 9A-91.

The shutter pushed out the upper cartridge, which along the way pulled the lower cartridge along with it. As a result, the upper cartridge stuck into the breech section of the barrel, the lower cartridge half crawled out of the magazine, propped up the upper cartridge from below and jammed the magazine, which turned out to be impossible to remove. I had to, holding the bolt frame with my left hand, pick out the upper cartridge with my right finger, push the lower one back into the store. In the instruction manual, this delay is explained by a magazine malfunction. And this is on a new PP with a few shots. In general, in terms of dimensions, ease of use and power, the SR-2M is inferior to the proven and reliable 9A-91 machine gun.