Stechkin APS: The Soviet Machine Pistol
This video provides an in-depth look at the Stechkin APS, a Soviet machine pistol developed by Igor Stechkin and adopted in 1951. It shares similarities with the Makarov pistol, including its double-action mechanism and 9x18mm caliber, but features both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire capabilities, a detachable shoulder stock/holster, and a 20-round magazine. The video discusses its intended role as a personal defense weapon for vehicle crews, its limited success due to accuracy challenges, its eventual replacement by short-barreled AK rifles, and a resurgence in use by Spetsnaz in Afghanistan with suppressors. The description also corrects an arsenal mark observation.














