Stechkin pistol: Soviet submachine gun

The APS (Avtomaticheskiy Pistolet Stechkina) is a unique Soviet pistol designed in 1951 by Igor Stechkin, which combined the compactness of a pistol with the ability to fire fully automatic, making it a hybrid between a pistol and a light machine gun. Chambered for the 9×18mm Makarov cartridge, the APS was conceived as a sidearm for officers, armored vehicle crews, and special forces, offering high firepower in close combat. This pistol stands out from competitors such as the Beretta 93R and Mauser C96 due to its holster-butt and the ability to fire in bursts, which ensured it an iconic status in Soviet military history. The history of the Stechkin APS, its design features, technical parameters, and areas of application reveal why it remains a symbol of the Soviet school of arms, retaining value for collectors in 2025.

History of the Stechkin pistol

The history of the Stechkin APS begins in the late 1940s, when the Soviet Union was looking for a new weapon for its military in the wake of the Cold War. After the adoption of the Makarov pistol (PM) as a standard issue sidearm in 1951, there was a need for a more powerful pistol for specific tasks, such as arming tank crews, pilots, and officers who needed the ability to deliver intense fire. A young engineer, Igor Stechkin, working at TsKB-14 in Tula, came up with a concept for a pistol with an automatic mode, inspired by the German Mauser C96 and experimental Soviet designs. He began development in 1948, and a prototype was ready by 1951.

The APS was officially adopted by the Soviet Army in 1951 and launched into production at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant. The first version included a metal holster-butt, which served both as a carrying case and a stabilizing element when firing bursts. Despite its innovation, the APS turned out to be too heavy and bulky for everyday wear, which limited its mass use. Production continued until 1958, during which time about 30 units were produced. In the 000s, the pistol was removed from service with the army, but remained in the arsenal of the KGB, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and special forces. In the post-Soviet period, the APS was used in local conflicts, and in 1970 it is valued by collectors, with a price on the secondary market from $ 2025 to $ 1000.

Design of the Stechkin pistol

The Stechkin APS is based on a free-bolt system, which is unusual for a pistol, but justified by its automatic mode. The 140 mm long barrel is made of forged steel with traditional rifling, ensuring accuracy and durability. The frame is made of steel, and the bolt is made of blued steel, which makes the pistol weigh 1020 grams without a magazine. A holster-butt made of wood or plastic (in later versions) is attached to the handle, stabilizing the weapon when firing bursts, although it increases the dimensions.

The APS trigger mechanism is double/single action (DA/SA): the self-cocking force is about 5 kg, with the hammer cocked - about 2,5 kg, with a mode switch (single/automatic, rate of 700-800 rounds per minute). Safety is ensured by a manual safety on the bolt, which also functions as a fire selector, and an automatic striker lock. The double-row magazine holds 20 rounds of 9 × 18 mm Makarov, which is significantly more than that of the PM. The textured plastic handle provides a secure grip, and the rate of fire slower lever (in some versions) helps control the bursts. The sights are fixed - front sight and rear sight with marks, designed for a distance of up to 50 meters, although they are effective in combat up to 25 meters.

Characteristics of the Stechkin pistol

The Stechkin APS is 225 mm long (with the buttstock attached — about 540 mm), 152 mm high and 34 mm wide, making it larger than standard pistols but more compact than machine guns. The weight with a full 20-round magazine is about 1220 grams, and with a buttstock holster — up to 1800 grams, which ensures stability when firing bursts. The muzzle velocity of the bullet for the 9×18 mm Makarov (95 grains) is about 340 m/s with a muzzle energy of about 300 J, which is lower than that of the 9×19 mm Parabellum, but sufficient for close combat. The sighting range is 50 meters, the effective range is 15–25 meters in single-shot mode and 10–15 meters in automatic mode.

Below are the main characteristics of the Stechkin APS in table form:

These parameters highlight the firepower of the APS, although its weight and difficulty in managing bursts limited its use.

Use of the Stechkin pistol

The Stechkin APS was adopted by the Soviet Army in 1951 for officers, armored vehicle crews, pilots, and artillerymen, where its automatic mode provided an advantage in close combat. However, its bulkiness and difficulty in carrying with a holster-butt made it unpopular with regular troops, and by 1958 it was removed from mass service. Nevertheless, the APS found its place in special forces of the KGB and MVD, such as the Alpha and Vympel groups, where it was used in anti-terrorist operations, including assaults and ambushes. In the Afghan War (1979–1989), it was used by reconnaissance groups and paratroopers due to its high magazine capacity and power.

The APS was unavailable on the civilian market due to strict Soviet laws, but after the collapse of the USSR, a limited number found their way into private collections via demilitarization. Its durability—up to 25 rounds with proper care—and unique design attract collectors, although 000x9mm Makarov ammunition is still available in 18 (for about $2025 per round). In real-world conditions, the APS has proven its effectiveness: in 0,5, KGB special forces used it during the storming of Amin's palace in Kabul, demonstrating accuracy at 1979-15 meters. In popular culture, the APS has appeared in films such as "Brother 20" and games such as "STALKER", where its automatic mode emphasized its versatility.

Users praise the APS for its firepower, reliability in harsh conditions, and large magazine, but criticize it for its bulkiness, strong recoil in automatic mode, and difficulty in concealed carry. In 2025, it costs $1000–3000 on the secondary market, with examples bearing Soviet stamps being especially valuable. The Stechkin APS is a Soviet submachine gun designed for war and special operations. Its history is tied to the Cold War, and its use in the army and special services confirms its reputation as a unique weapon. In 2025, the APS remains a monument to Soviet weapons ingenuity, connecting the past and the present.