The PPD-40 was a Russian submachine gun that was in service with the Red Army during World War II. It was chambered for 7.62mm Tokarev ammunition and was compatible with 71-round drum magazines. The PPD-40 is said to have been the predecessor of the PPSh-41 submachine gun that saw widespread service in the Eastern Front and the invasion of Germany.[1]
The total length of the PPD-40 was around 788 milimeters with a total weight of 3.2 kilograms. The rate of fire was 900 rounds per minute with a muzzle velocity of 488 meters per second and an effective range of 200 meters. The high magazine capacity and rate of fire allowed standard Soviet infantry the power to suppress his enemies.[2] Furthermore, Soviet weapons were rugged, reliable, and capable of mass production, making the PPD a favorite among troops.
History[]
The PPD-40 was a modified version of the earlier PPD-34 submachine gun, designed by Vasily Degtyarev. He is said to have been influenced by the Finnish Suomi Model 1931 submachine gun, which enjoyed a fine reputation with several military forces. The PPD-40 was manufactured in 1940 and was made from high-standard materials. After the German forces moved into Russia, the Russian factories began to run low on good quality materials and so the PPD-40 could scarcely be produced. It was replaced by the cruder, but arguably more effective PPSh-41, which was made entirely from cheap stamped steel and wood. The PPD-40 saw some usage in the Eastern Front, but by the time the Red Army attacked Germany it had more or less disappeared.[3]
References[]
- ↑ http://world.guns.ru/smg/rus/ppd-40-e.html
- ↑ http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=716
- ↑ The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Guns, p.245
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