PPSh-41 vs Thompson Submachine Gun

1941–1947

1921–Present

Over 6,000,000

~1,500,000 units (World War II peak production) and limited post‑war runs

843mm (33.2 in)

762 mm (30.0 in) with stock extended; 660 mm (26.0 in) with stock folded (M1A1)

269mm (10.6 in) — chrome lined

254 mm (10.0 in) standard; 305 mm (12.0 in) for some export models

3.63 kg (8 lb) empty, 5.45 kg (12 lb) with 71-round drum

4.4 kg (9.7 lb) empty (M1); 3.9 kg (8.6 lb) empty (M1A1)

71-round drum (iconic) or 35-round curved box

20‑round box, 30‑round box, 50‑round drum, 100‑round drum (rare)

Blowback, open bolt

Simple blow‑back, open‑bolt, selective‑fire; rate of fire 600–1,250 rpm depending on model

Selective fire (safe, semi, full auto — rare variant) or full auto only (most)

Two‑stage trigger: semi‑automatic (first pull) and fully‑automatic (second pull) on early models; later models use a single‑stage full‑auto trigger with a selector switch

Hooded front post, flip L-shaped rear (100-200m)

Rotary drum rear sight with 50, 100, 200, 300 yard settings; hooded front post; optional adjustable rear sight on later police variants