Shooting models, created in the Soviet Union, became famous all over the world for their reliability and ease of maintenance. In addition, technical solutions have been introduced into the design of some weapons products 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. Description, device and technical characteristics of the PSM pistol are presented in the article.
Introduction
PSM is a self-loading small-sized pistol designed for state security operatives and law enforcement agencies. In addition, the use of this model by the highest 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 Test Bureau of hunting and sporting weapons in the cityThule.
About weapon requirements
In the 60s, Soviet weapons designers began design work on the manufacture of a special pistol that could be carried concealed. Weapon requirements were formulated:
- The weight of the gun must not exceed 500 g.
- Thickness - 18 mm.
- Because the pistol was designed for concealed carry, its body should not have protruding parts.
- The new weapon 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 Kulikov L. L., Lashnev T. I. and Simarin A. A. from the late 60s. However, the new weapon with the cartridges available at that time in the Soviet Union could not meet the requirements. In connection with this circumstance, there was a need 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 is listed in the technical documentation as the MPC - a small-sized pistol central battle. According to experts, its characteristics are practically not inferior to the PM ammunition. The MOC was 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 W alther PP.
About testing
In 1972, the rifle model was ready. The representatives of the state security of the USSR and law enforcement agencies were brought to the attention of two types of weapons for concealed carrying: the PSM pistol and the BV-025. The first version was created on the basis of W alther PP. The basis for the second pistol was the slightly "flattened" legendary Makarov. At the end of the competition, the PSM pistol won. The characteristics of this model, its high ergonomics and accuracy, balance and ease of use were highly appreciated by the expert commission. Automation BV-025 turned out to be of lower quality. In 1973, the PSM pistol was adopted.
On virtues
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 fighters of the Soviet special forces highly appreciated the penetrating ability of the pointed bullet of the MPC. 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 shortcomings
Despite the presence of undeniable strengths, PSM is characterized by a rather limited stopping effect. A person with several fatal wounds received from this pistol model could actively resist. Nevertheless, experts considered this drawback of the cartridge acceptable. Otherwise, by increasing the lethality of the ammunition, they would have to make the pistol itself thicker.
Description
The PSM has a very ergonomic handle. Its shape provides a comfortable and secure hold of the weapon. The handle is connected to the pistol frame with a special stopper. Thanks to this design feature, the gun can be assembled and disassembled without the use of special tools. Thus, it is much easier to take care of this weapon. There are no protruding external parts on the surface of the bolt casing, which allows you to carry the PSM discreetly, and if necessary, quickly and easily remove it from the holster. This fact was highly appreciated by the 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 service qualities of the weapon slightly decreased. Due to the small size, the handle did not fit snugly enough to the hand. Since there was no full contact with the palm, the arrow had to use the middle phalanx of the thumb to press the trigger. Over time, the aluminum alloy was replaced by polyamide. The length and width of the "cheeks" was increased by 2 mm. In addition, special ribbing was provided for the plastic plates of the handle, thanks to which it became much more convenient to hold the pistol during firing. Increased stability of the weapon provided high accuracy.
The miniature pistol model is equipped with a relatively long barrel, which has a positive effect on ballistic performance. The gun is equipped with a detachable single-rowbox magazine with a capacity of 8 rounds. PSM is equipped with sights of the simplest type: entirely and front sight. The sight is open and non-adjustable.
About automation
PSM works using the principle of free shutter recoil. The pistol is equipped with a double-acting trigger mechanism. You can shoot from self-cocking. For this, you do not need to cock the trigger first. It is important that the ammunition is in the chamber. The place for the fuse was the back of the bolt casing. Due to this design feature, a fighter can simultaneously turn off the fuse and cock the trigger with his thumb.
It is removed from the combat platoon automatically after setting the weapon on the fuse. In an effort to make the pistol safe during assembly and disassembly, the designers ruled out the possibility of removing the bolt casing in the PSM with a loaded magazine. Thus, it is impossible to detach the casing if the ammunition in the pistol has not been previously separated. Due to this feature, the design of the PSM is equipped with a shutter delay, for which a separate switch-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 shooting the last ammunition, the bolt casing moves to the rearmost 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 cover, the shooter must first removeempty store. To dismantle the cover, you need to slightly pull it to the rear position and release it.
ABOUT TTX
- PSM is a self-loading pistol.
- Producer country - USSR.
- Operated since 1972.
- Has been in service since 1973. Today it is operated in Russia and Ukraine.
- The weight of the pistol without ammunition is 460 g. The weight with full ammunition is 510 g.
- Total length does not exceed 155mm.
- The 84.6mm barrel is equipped with six grooves.
- PSM width - 18 mm, height - 117 mm.
- Shooting is carried out with ammunition 5, 45 x 18 mm.
- A bullet fired from a barrel can develop an initial velocity of up to 315 m/s.
- The gun is effective at a distance of up to 25 m.
About 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 weapon had to be improved. Modernization did not bypass the PSM. The gas version of this pistol was very popular among civilian consumers. This model was listed in the technical documentation as 6P37 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 andslightly modified sleeve for gas ammunition 7, 62 mm. The Russian designers did not alter the shutters, since the same sleeve was intended for the gas cartridge as for the combat one. The changes affected only the form. In the gas version, it was now cylindrical. Also, the muzzle of the ammunition was subject to crimping in the form of an asterisk. Difficulties arose during the mass production of the pistol. They were caused by the fact that, according to the permits issued in the 90s, representatives of criminals received access to 6P37. The conversion of a gas pistol into a combat one has become more frequent. This was not difficult to do. The weapon became deadly after removing the separator, muzzle sleeve and drilling the barrel for the necessary ammunition. By 2000, the production of this model was discontinued.
About "Kolchuga"
Judging by the numerous consumer reviews, the traumatic pistol PSM "Kolchuga" is in great demand on the civilian arms market. A 9 mm RA rubber bullet is used as ammunition. By changing the caliber of the weapon, the designers have 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 weapon variants designed for 7 ammunition. Pistol barrel with two special projections. Their task is to prevent the firing of solid objects. In addition, the barrel of a traumatic pistol has a modified density and geometry. The projectile fired from it does not have the necessary energy to inflict a mortal wound.
Shooting with a live cartridge will end only with the deformation of the “injury”. Such a design feature completely excludes the possibility of converting a pistol into a combat one and its further use for criminal purposes. Today, "Kolchuga" is considered one of the most effective means of self-defense.
