The Stechkin machine pistol was a Russian automatic handgun, which was chambered for the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge. It was conceived by Igor Stechkin in 1948 and entered service with the Soviet Army in 1951, which was the same year the Makarov Pistol was introduced. However, this sidegun was bigger and heavier than the latter as it had more precision and longer range.
The Stechkin machine pistol was the standard issue handgun of tank and artillery crew, as well as the favorite pistol of infantry special troops. Like the Makarov, it was used in major armed conflicts of the Cold War and other armed struggle of the 20th century, such as the Vietnam War, the Six Day War, the Lebanese Civil War, and the Chechen Wars. It was one of the best Russian military pistols.
Technical Characteristics
The selector switch was on the left side of the gun and it could be set to fire in semiautomatic and automatic mode as well as be set in safety position. It had a blowback operating system for the automatic mechanism as it had a rate of fire of 750 rounds per minute in full automatic. Its main characteristic was its reliability, as most of the infantry weapons manufactured in Russia. Its breech was fed from a 20-round detachable fox magazine. Its thicker and reinforced steel barrel made it possible for the Stechkin to be used to fire in full automatic without being damaged. A shoulder stock extension could be attached to the pistol grip through a pair of lugs.
Specifications
Weight: 1.25 kg
Barrel Length: 14 cm
Full Length: 22.5 cm
Muzzle Velocity: 340 m/s
Effective Range: 200 m
Sight: iron
Below, left side view of the Stechkin, showing the selector switch and other details
Below, right side view of this Russian side arm
