PP-93

Lore & Background

The PP-93 was originally developed as an independent project by KBP under the leadership of Vasily Gryazev and Arkady Shipunov. It was later adapted to fulfill a technical specification laid out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and was adopted under the designation APB. Unlike the PP-90, the PP-93 is select fire, with safe, semi- and fully automatic modes controlled by a 180-degree selector lever on the left side. Two grooved knobs under the weapon serve as a non-reciprocating charging handle. The stock folds over the top of the receiver without increasing its other dimensions, reducing overall length to 325 mm.

The PP-93 is of stamped steel construction, with the receiver made from 1 mm thick sheet and the stock from 1.5 mm sheet. It fires from an open bolt using advanced primer ignition to absorb the bolt's forward momentum during firing and prevent it from impacting the front of the receiver. The bolt also does not impact the rear of the receiver, as the recoil spring absorbs its energy before it can reach the extreme rearward position, improving accuracy during automatic fire. When firing fully automatic from a standing position, the PP-93 can land all bullets within a chest-sized target at up to 25 m. An optional laser aiming device and suppressor are shared with the related PP-90, and KBP Tula also offers a shoulder holster for concealed carry.

Reader's Guide

The PP-93 represents a practical evolution of the PP-90 design, trading the earlier weapon's folding capability for a more conventional layout suited to security and law enforcement roles. Its blowback operation with advanced primer ignition and recoil spring management provides good controllability in full automatic fire, as noted in its ability to keep all rounds on a chest-sized target at 25 m from a standing position. The weapon's stamped steel construction keeps it lightweight and cost-effective, while the top-folding stock allows a compact 325 mm length without increasing other dimensions. The shared accessories with the PP-90, including a laser aiming device and suppressor, enhance its versatility for specialized units. Adopted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs as the APB, the PP-93 has seen use with Russian rapid response units such as OMON and SOBR, as well as special forces in Belarus and Mongolia. Its design reflects a focus on reliability and ease of use in close-quarters scenarios, making it a notable entry in the lineage of Russian submachine guns.

Did You Know?

• The PP-93 was developed as a non-folding version of the PP-90 clandestine submachine gun.
• It was adopted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs under the designation APB.
• The stock folds over the top of the receiver, reducing overall length to 325 mm without increasing other dimensions.
• The PP-93 uses advanced primer ignition to prevent the bolt from impacting the front of the receiver.