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Variations
PPD-34/38
Designed by Fedor Degtyarov, the PPD is a near direct copy of the German Bergmann MP28, though it utilized the large ammunition drum of the Finnish M31 Suomi. An improved version, the PPD-40 was developed.
PPSh-41
Designed by Georgii Shpagin, the PPSh-41 was one of the most mass produced weapons of WWII. Finding that that PPD was too expensive and time consuming to build, the PPSh was designed as an inexpensive alternate. One of the key things that made this gun cheaper was that there were no screws or bolts on it, all metal parts were stamped.
The PPSh not only was better from a manufacturing point of view, it turned out be superior in other areas as well. The PPSh had a phenomenal rate of fire, around 900 RPM (it utilized a crude compensator to lessen muzzle climb), as well as an outstanding reputation for durability and low maintenance. It was even thought to be somewhat more accurate then its foriegn counterparts. Over 6 million of these weapons were produced by wars end. Both the reputation and availability of this weapon led to entire divisions equipped with it.
Though 35 rd. magazines were available apon the advent of the PPS, most infantry men kept their drum as the initial load out, preferring the high ammo reserve. The standard equipment seems to have been the one drum and 5 or 6 magazines. Prior to the useage of magazines, it appears they would have been equipped with two drums.
The Germans themselves were very impressed by the weapon, and would use them as often as they captured them. Some would even have them rechambered to fire the 9mm parabellum bullet and utilize their standard 32 rd. magazines with it.
The few drawbacks to this weapon were both the difficulty of reloading and tendancy to jam of the drums (something that the magazines solved) and that dropping the weapon could lead to an accidental discharge.
Nicknames for this weapon include Pah-pah-shah, Shpagin and Burp Gun.
PPS-43
Designed by Aleksei Sudaeva and first issued during the Siege of Leningrad, it was a result of further simplification of the PPSh-41, and it is often considered the best submachine gun of the second World War.
Initially made as the PPS-42, it was soon improved and resulted in the PPS-43. The use of a folding stock allowed the weapon to shave nearly 20 cm of off it's length, going from 82cm to 62. This compactness made it ideal for tank crews, paratroopers, and recon units.
Finding to many flaws with the heavy, bulky ammunition drum, the PPS-42 was designed to utilize a 35 rd. magazine. This magazine was also backwards compatible with the PPSh. The PPS could not utilize the drum.
While the weapon had a slightly slower firing rate of 700 RPM, it more then made up for this with it's lighter weight, small size and greater ease of manufacture. About 500,000 were made.