PPD-40
Soviet submachine gun replaced by the cheaper PPSh-41.
The PPD-40 is a Soviet submachine gun designed by Vasily Degtyaryov, chambered in 7.62×25mm Tokarev. It was a modified version of the earlier PPD-34/38, introduced in 1940 with minor changes aimed at easing manufacture. Despite mass production beginning that year, the PPD-40 proved too labor- and resource-expensive to produce economically, as most of its metal components were milled.
Quick Facts
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Origin
- Soviet Union
- Designer
- Vasily Degtyaryov
- Design Date
- 1934
- Service
- 1935–1945 (in Soviet service)
- Production Date
- 1934–1944; most in 1940
- Number
- Approx. 90,000
- Wars
- Spanish Civil War / Winter War / Second Sino Japanese War / World War II / Korean War / Hukbalahap Rebellion / 1958 Lebanon crisis / Lebanese Civil War
- Cartridge
- 7.62×25mm Tokarev
- Action
- Blowback, open bolt
- Rate
- 800–1000 rounds/min
- Velocity
- 490 m/s (1,600 ft/s)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The PPD-40 was a further development of the PPD series, following the PPD-34/38. It was designed by Vasily Degtyaryov and chambered the Soviet 7.62×25mm Tokarev cartridge. The PPD-40 utilized a large drum magazine for ammunition feeding and fired from an open bolt with selective fire capability. Mass production began in 1940, with 81,118 units produced that year. However, the weapon was too labor- and resource-intensive to manufacture economically, as most metal components were produced by milling rather than stamping. It saw action in World War II but was officially replaced by the superior and cheaper PPSh-41 by the end of 1941. In 1941 only 5,868 PPDs were made, compared to 98,644 PPSh-41s. Captured PPD-40s were designated by the Wehrmacht as the Maschinenpistole 716(r).
Reader's Guide
The PPD-40's significance lies in its role as a transitional Soviet submachine gun during the early years of World War II. It was the first Soviet SMG to see mass production, with over 81,000 made in 1940, but its manufacturing complexity—relying on milling rather than stamping—limited its output and led to its rapid replacement. The PPSh-41, which introduced stamped metal parts and a muzzle climb compensator, proved far more economical and accurate, with nearly 1.5 million produced in 1942 alone. The PPD-40 thus represents the end of an era in Soviet small arms manufacturing, before the shift to large-scale stamping techniques. Captured examples were used by Finnish forces until approximately 1960 and by German forces under the designation MP.716(r). The weapon also influenced semi-artisanal production by Soviet partisans, who continued to mill components due to lack of industrial facilities.
Did You Know?
- The PPD-40 was too labor- and resource-expensive to mass-produce economically because most metal components were milled.
- In 1940, 81,118 PPDs were produced, but only 5,868 were made in 1941.
- The PPSh-41 replaced the PPD-40 by the end of 1941, with nearly 1.5 million PPSh-41s produced in 1942.
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