Shooting models created in the Soviet Union, have become famous throughout the world for their reliability and ease of maintenance. In addition, in the design of some weapons products, technical solutions have been introduced that have not been used in world analogues for a long time. Soon, unusual ideas and concepts of Soviet designers began to be adopted by their colleagues from other countries. One of the unique examples of small arms created by Russian military technologists was the PSM self-loading small-sized pistol. This model has been in operation since 1972. The description, device and technical characteristics of the PSM pistol are presented in the article.
Acquaintance
PSM is a small-sized self-loading pistol designed for state security operatives and law enforcement agencies. In addition, the use of this model by the higher command staff of the USSR army was envisaged. The caliber of the PSM self-loading small-sized pistol is 5.45 mm. This model (GRAU-6P23) was developed at the Central Design and Testing Bureau of hunting and sporting weapons in the city of Tula.
About weapon requirements
In the 60s, Soviet weapons designers began design work on the manufacture of a special pistol, providing for the possibility of hidden wearing. Weapon requirements were formulated:
- The weight of the gun should not exceed 500 g.
- Thickness - 18 mm.
- Since the pistol was designed for hidden wear, its body should not have protruding parts.
- New weapons should be quite effective at close range.
About the history of creation
Design work on the PSM pistol was carried out by Tula weapons designers L. Kulikov, T. I. Lashnev and A. A. Simarin from the late 60s. However, new weapons with ammunition available at the time in the Soviet Union could not meet the requirements. In connection with this circumstance, a need arose for a completely new ammunition for the PSM pistol. Soon, a group of engineers led by A. I. Bochin managed to create such a cartridge, which in the technical documentation is listed as the MPC - a small-sized central battle pistol. According to experts, its characteristics are practically not inferior to PM ammunition. The MOCs were equipped with a pointed bullet capable of penetrating personal protective equipment at close range. However, the projectile of this small-caliber weapon has a weak stopping effect. The basis for the PSM pistol (photo of the model is presented in the article) was the foreign Walther PP.
About testing
In 1972, the shooting model was ready. Two samples of weapons for concealed carrying were presented to the attention of representatives of the USSR state security and law enforcement agencies: the PSM pistol and the BV-025. The first option was created based on Walther PP. The basis for the second pistol was the slightly “flattened” legendary Makarov. At the end of the contest, the PSM pistol won. The characteristics of this model, its high ergonomics and accuracy, balancing and ease of use were highly appreciated by the expert commission. Automation BV-025 turned out to be less quality. In 1973, the PSM pistol was adopted.
About the merits
According to experts, the main strengths of PSM are compactness and minimal thickness. This gun is considered the flattest in the world. In addition, the penetration ability of the MPC pointed bullet was highly appreciated by fighters of Soviet special forces. From a distance of five meters, this projectile could easily penetrate any "soft" body armor, which could not be done with 9 x 19 Makarov pistol cartridges .
About the disadvantages
Despite the presence of undeniable strengths, PSM is characterized by a fairly limited stopping effect. A person with several fatal wounds received from this model of a pistol could show active resistance. Nevertheless, experts found this cartridge flaw acceptable. Otherwise, having increased the killing capacity of the ammunition, they would have to make the gun thicker.
Description
For PSM, a very ergonomic handle is provided. Its shape provides a convenient and reliable retention of weapons. The handle is connected to the pistol frame using a special stopper. Thanks to this design feature, the assembly and disassembly of the gun can be done without the use of special tools. Thus, caring for these weapons is much easier. There are no protruding external parts on the surface of the shutter housing, which makes it possible to carry PSM discreetly and, if necessary, to quickly and easily remove it from the holster. This fact was highly appreciated by state security officers.
For the first PSM models, handles were produced, the flat “cheeks” of which were made of duralumin. As a result of the “flattening,” the official qualities of the weapon decreased slightly. Due to its small size, the handle does not fit snugly against the hand. Since there was no full contact with the palm of the hand, the arrow to press the trigger had to use the middle phalanx of the thumb. Over time, the aluminum alloy was replaced by polyamide. The length and width of the "cheeks" was increased by 2 mm. In addition, a special rib was provided for the plastic plates of the handle, thanks to which it became much more convenient to hold the gun during firing. The increased stability of the weapon provided high accuracy indicators.
The miniature model of the pistol is equipped with a relatively long barrel, which positively affected the ballistic performance. The gun is equipped with a detachable single-row box magazine, the capacity of which was 8 ammunition. PSM is equipped with sights of the simplest type: whole and front sight. The sight is open and unregulated.
About automation
PSM works using the free shutter return principle. The gun is equipped with a trigger trigger mechanism, designed for double action. You can shoot from a self-cocking. You do not need to cock the trigger first. It is important that the ammunition is in the chamber. The back of the bolt shield became the place for the fuse. Due to this design feature, a fighter can simultaneously turn off the fuse with a thumb and cock the trigger.
It is removed from the combat platoon automatically after installing the weapon on the fuse. In an effort to make the gun safe during assembly and disassembly, the designers ruled out the possibility of removing the bolt shield in the PSM with a loaded magazine. Thus, it is not possible to disconnect the casing if the ammunition is not previously separated in the gun. Because of this feature, the PSM design is equipped with a shutter lag, for which a separate turn-off flag was not provided. In an effort to reduce the number of protruding parts from the pistol body, Soviet engineers did not include it in the design of the weapon. After the last ammunition is fired, the bolt shield moves to its extreme rear position, in which it is held. This is a signal to the fighter that the cartridges in the pistol have already run out. Before removing the bolt shield, the shooter must first remove the empty magazine. To dismantle the casing, pull it back a little and release it.
About TTX
- PSM is a self-loading pistol.
- Country of origin - USSR.
- It is operated since 1972.
- In service since 1973. Nowadays it is operated in Russia and Ukraine.
- The weight of the pistol without ammunition is 460 g. The mass with a full ammunition load is 510 g.
- The total length does not exceed 155 mm.
- The barrel length of 84.6 mm is equipped with six rifling.
- PSM width - 18 mm, height - 117 mm.
- Ammunition is 5.45 x 18 mm.
- A bullet fired from the barrel is capable of developing an initial speed of up to 315 m / s.
- The gun is effective at a distance of up to 25 m.
About the gas shooting model
The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the fact that the once powerful industry, aimed exclusively at the defense of the country, was forced to reorient itself to the civilian western market. Since the popular Soviet cartridges did not meet the requirements of European countries, the weapons were subject to refinement. Modernization is not spared PSM. Among the civilian consumers, the gas version of this gun was very popular. This model was listed as 6P37 in the technical documentation and was considered a fairly effective means of self-defense. This gas weapon has been produced since 1993.
Unlike the military counterpart, the civilian version is equipped with a smooth barrel and a slightly modified sleeve for gas ammunition of 7.62 mm. The Russian designers did not alter the gates, since the same sleeve was intended for the gas cartridge as for the combat one. Changes affected only the form. In the gas version, it was now cylindrical. Also crimped in the form of an asterisk was subject to a muzzle of ammunition. Difficulties arose during the serial production of the gun. They were caused by the fact that according to permits issued in the 90s, access to 6P37 was obtained by representatives of the criminal community. Alterations in the gas pistol in combat have become more frequent. This was not difficult to do. The weapon became deadly after removing the separator, the muzzle, and drilling the barrel for the necessary ammunition. By 2000, the release of this model was discontinued.
About "Mail"
Judging by numerous consumer reviews, the traumatic gun PSM Kolchuga is in great demand in the civilian arms market. A 9 mm RA rubber bullet is used as ammunition. Changing the caliber of the weapons, the designers somewhat modified the receiver. The ammunition feeder in this “injury” was made a little thicker. Unlike its combat counterpart, the civilian PSM is equipped with six rounds. However, there are weapons options designed for 7 ammunition. Gun barrel with two special protrusions. Their task is to prevent shooting with solid objects. In addition, the barrel of the traumatic gun has an altered density and geometry. A projectile emitted from it does not have the necessary energy to inflict a mortal wound.
Shooting a live cartridge will end only with the deformation of the "trauma". Such a design feature completely eliminates the possibility of altering the pistol for combat and its further use for criminal purposes. Today, "Chain Mail" is considered one of the most effective means of self-defense.