#compact pistol

[nocternalrandomness]

Glock 19

[historicalfirearms]

Pistolet Samozaryadny Malogabaritny (PSM)

Pistolet Samozaryadny Malogabaritny, translating to ‘compact self-loading pistol’, the Russian PSM pistol is a small pistol chambered in 5.45×18mm. The Tula Design Bureau designed the PSM in the late 1960s as a compact pistol more suitable for concealed carry than the standard Makarov. 

Developed for use by general officers and intelligence operatives the PSM was accepted by the Soviet government in 1972, with production at Izhevsk beginning a year later. It was often issued to members of the Politburo and KGB. The pistol’s design is simple, utilising a standard blowback action. It’s most interesting features are its thinness and the proprietary 5.45x18mm ammunition it fires. 

The PSM is just 17mm wide and 15.5cm in overall length with an unloaded weight of 460g, thinner but heavier than a modern Glock 42. The slide and frame are milled from steel while early grips used were aluminium, later pistols have plastic grip panels. The frame and slide of the pistol are smooth and flat to minimise its profile and prevent it snagging on clothing. The slide mounted safety/decocker is flat and instead protrudes upwards at the rear of the slide so as not to increase the pistol’s width (see image #3). This, in theory, also allows the operator to take off the safety and cock the hammer in a fluid motion.  

Externally the pistol’s profile is reminiscent of the Walther PPK and the PSM’s disassembly process is also similar to the Walther, however, the PSM is an even more compact weapon. It feeds from a single stack magazine which has open sides, similar to the Makarov’s magazine, to reduce weight. The PSM uses a heel magazine release rather than a push button in the frame to reduce the pistol’s profile. 

The magazine holds eight 5.45x18mm rounds (see image #2). The round itself has a jacketed spitzer style projectile in an interesting necked case. The round is said to be extremely effective against kevlar vests achieving a muzzle velocity of approximately 320 m/s (1,000 ft/s) the 38.6 gr (3 g) projectile is able to penetrate approximately 40 layers of kevlar at close ranges. However, the small 5.45mm round’s ‘stopping power’ is often described as poor.

Izhevsk also manufactured an export version of the pistol, the IZh-75, chambered in .25 ACP. In the 2000s the Ukraine also began manufacturing a non-lethal version, the PSM-R, chambered in the non-lethal 9mm PA (see image #6).

Sources:

Images: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Jane’s Guns Recognition Guide, I. Hogg & T. Gander, (2005)

PSM Pistol, Modern Firearms, (source)

Self-loading pistol, small-size (PSM) and its modifications. Traumatic pistol PSM-R, shooting-ua.com, (source)

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Katie Pavlich with a Sig Sauer P320 X Compact 9mm

[attackcopterblog]

Introducing the Walther PPK/S SD: A Modern Classic in .32 ACP

Walther Arms debuts their latest release in the compact pistol arena is the new PPK/S SD in 32.ACP. Walther Arms states “Walther Arms is proud to announce the release of the new PPK/S SD .32 ACP, an innovative evolution of one of the most iconic pistols in the history of firearms. The PPK/S SD redefines the classic Walther PPK/S with modern enhancements, making it the first in its lineage to…

Introducing the Walther PPK/S SD: A Modern Classic in .32 ACP

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コンパクトピストル　改良版　

Compact pistol improved version

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Keltec PF9: Why Bother Having One?

Keltec PF9: Why Bother Having One?

DISCLAIMER The opinions stated in this article on the Keltec PF9 are the sole and independent opinions of me the writer, David Donchess. They are not necessarily opinions shared by the rest of the Spotter Up team of writers or the company, as a whole. The stated opinions are not intended to be used as advice, but merely as a platform for discussion. I understand that others may not share in my…

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Lionheart LH9 15,000 Round Performance

Lionheart LH9 15,000 Round Performance

For over a year now, I have owned the Lionheart LH9. I purchased mine for about 40% less than the normal value of the pistol. Usually these pistols go for about $750. The pistol only came with one magazine, and a cleaning kit. The pistol was conditioned out of the box with Froglube, which is included with the pistol cleaning kit. I personally was bitter about the fact that there was only one…

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HK P2000: The Better USP Compact

HK P2000: The Better USP Compact

The H&K P2000 seems to glide under the radar of many H&K fans. It is either the classic hardcore USP fanaticism, or the new, cutting edge craze over the P30(SK) and VP9(SK) that causes the P2000 to go unnoticed. But the P2000 seems to get caught in “no mans land” when it comes to raving about H&K pistols. The only one that does get attention is the P2000SK, but that may change due to the P30SK…

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