GunsAmerica

Quick Look

The PPSh-41, designed in 1941 by Georgy Shpagin, served as a mass-produced Soviet submachine gun during World War II. It emphasizes a high rate of fire and rugged reliability for close quarters combat. Today, it remains a popular historical firearm among collectors and enthusiasts of vintage military weapons.

Why It's a Top Choice

High cyclic rate of roughly 900 rounds per minute
Robust, simple blowback design
Large drum magazine capacity of 71 rounds
Steel construction withstands harsh conditions
Widely available surplus and reproduction models

Key Variants

PPSh-41 Drum Magazine

Preferred for sustained fire with a 71-round capacity, ideal for suppression roles.

PPSh-41 Stick Magazine

A 35-round option favored for lighter carry and quicker reloads.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	PPSH-41	MP40	Sten
MSRP	Varies; typically $1000+	Varies; approx $1500+	Varies; approx $1200+
Capacity/Size	71-round drum / 35-round stick	32-round magazine	32-round magazine
Weight	Approx 8.8 lbs loaded	Approx 8.6 lbs loaded	Approx 6.6 lbs loaded
Optics-Ready	No	No	No
Trigger Type	Single-stage, blowback	Single-stage, blowback	Single-stage, blowback
Notable Pro	High rate of fire and durability	Compact folding stock design	Easy to produce, lightweight
Notable Con	Heavy with drum magazine	Lower magazine capacity	Less reliable bolt mechanism

Best Use Cases

Historical firearm collection
Close quarters shooting drills
Reenactment and military history events
Range target practice
Teaching basic submachine gun operation

FAQs

Can I use modern 7.62x25mm ammo in a PPSh-41?

Yes, the PPSh-41 chambered in 7.62x25mm Tokarev can fire modern ammunition safely if the firearm is in good condition.

What is the standard magazine capacity for the PPSh-41?

The standard capacities are a 71-round drum magazine and a 35-round stick magazine.

How does the PPSh-41 compare to other WWII SMGs?

It offers a higher rate of fire and larger magazine capacity than many contemporaries but weighs more with drum magazines.

PPSH 41 for Sale