Among the various types of small arms used by Russian special forces, special attention should be paid to modular weapon designs. The PP-90 folding submachine gun proved to be quite effective. This rifle unit appeared as a result of attempts to combine all the strengths of the box and screw shops in one design. Information on the device, performance characteristics and the use of submachine guns PP-90 is contained in the article.
Acquaintance with the weapon
PP-90 (submachine gun) is a specialized 9-mm rifle firearm model. It has been in service with Russian special forces since 1991. The weapon was designed by order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation by designers of the Tula Instrument Design Bureau. The base for the submachine gun PP-90 was the American model FMG, manufactured by the weapons company Ares. This type of rifle unit is a folding submachine gun, which is indicated in the abbreviation FMG.
How was the Russian version created?
Design work was started in the late 90s. Initially, by order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia to create a domestic folding submachine gun, the design was carried out at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant and design bureau in the city of Tula. However, soon for unknown reasons, Izhevsk designers refused the order. According to some experts, they probably did not want to create a weapon that could further compete with the 19th model of the Bison submachine gun, which they were working on at IzhMekh.
PP "Bison" has established itself as a weapon with a high rate of fire. The overwhelming density of fire and the large capacity of the store were also appreciated. The order from the Ministry of Internal Affairs continued to be fulfilled at the Instrument Design Bureau under the guidance of designer V. P. Gryazev. If we compare both versions of the folding submachine guns, many agree that the product of the Tula gunsmiths has a more original design. In addition, the design of the weapon allows the use of plastic elements in it, simple and cheapened options for box clips.
According to experts, the first model of Tula designers was unsuccessful. The weapon had poor ergonomics and was not reliable enough. In addition, it took the shooter about 5 seconds to prepare the PP for firing, which, according to experts, is too much in close combat conditions. Nevertheless, the submachine gun is in service with the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs and the FSB. Also, this weapon became the basis for the design of a more advanced model, which in the technical documentation is listed as PP-90M. Submachine guns are not very popular due to the low mechanical strength and instability to pollution.
Description
The design of the submachine guns PP-90 allows you to carry them discreetly. The model folds into a pencil case, the size of which is 27 x 9 x 3.2 cm. A separate assembly is provided for the barrel and bolt group. The barrel is equipped with a reflector and special guides along which the shutter slides.
Judging by the reviews, at the end of his rollback, the blow is completely not felt. Thanks to this, it became possible to contain the entire structure in a plastic case, which positively affected the weight and cost of production. In addition, the submachine gun has high corrosion resistance and a forward center of gravity. The weapon is designed in such a way that its body can be “broken” around an axis that is located behind the barrel breech. The front of the case became the place for the barrel, and the back was the shutter.
In the stowed position, the case consists of two halves. When folded, the handle of the submachine gun is placed between them. The front of the receiver with folding whole and front sight. Bringing sights in a combat position is carried out manually. PP are additionally equipped with laser target indicators LP-92.
About the work of automation
The mechanics of the submachine gun use the recoil of the free shutter. PP is equipped with a trigger trigger mechanism. Shooting is from the rear sear. The first version of the folding submachine gun is designed exclusively for firing bursts. From the PP-90M, you can perform single shooting. The place of the non-automatic fuse was the left side of the receiver. The weapon fires when the shutter is not locked. To bring the PP to the combat position, the arrow will need no more than 4 seconds. To do this, you need to deploy two main blocks with two hands, a receiver with a trigger mechanism and a pistol grip with a clip.
The submachine gun is ready for operation after moving the fuse flag located above the trigger guard to the appropriate position. Held by the PP-90 with his left hand, the shutter cocked with his right. Since the axis of the barrel channel coincides with the fulcrum of the butt of the weapon in the shoulder, the submachine gun does not “tip over” during firing, which greatly facilitates the aiming process.
About ammunition
PP 90M1 submachine guns are equipped with direct box magazines with a capacity of 30 rounds. For ammunition, a checkerboard pattern is provided. The upper cartridges come in two rows. Judging by numerous reviews, the presence of a two-row exit, unlike the single-row, used in other countries, greatly facilitates the equipment process. The submachine gun does not have a handle for reloading. According to experts, for this purpose, you can use the bolt protrusion.
TTX PP-90
- A submachine gun was developed in the city of Tula by employees of the instrument design engineering bureau.
- With an empty ammunition, a rifle unit weighs no more than 1.42 kg.
- In the unfolded form, the length of the PP is 48.5 cm, in the traveling version - 27 cm.
- The submachine gun is equipped with a 20-centimeter barrel.
- The width of the weapon is 3.2 cm.
- Shooting is carried out by cartridges 9 x 18 mm from the Makarov pistol.
- Ammunition contained in the store, designed for 30 rounds.
- Works due to the free shutter.
- Within one minute of the PP-90 can produce from 600 to 800 rounds.
- Since this model was developed specifically for use in close combat, it provides targeted shooting at a distance of no more than 100 m.
- The submachine gun is equipped with open sighting devices.
