Stechkin APB suppressed / silenced automatic pistol (USSR/Russia)

APB / 6P13 silenced pistol, ready for carry; note how the silencer is attached to shoulder stock

Stechkin APB / 6P13 silenced pistol, ready for carry; note how the silencer is attached to shoulder stock

APB / 6P13 silenced pistol, with silencer and the shoulder stock attached. Target has been fired at from 25 meters distance in short bursts of 2 to 4 rounds each.

Stechkin APB / 6P13 silenced pistol, with silencer and the shoulder stock attached. Target has been fired at from 25 meters distance in short bursts of 2 to 4 rounds each.

 

 

Type: Double Action
Calibers: 9×18 Makarov PM
Weight unloaded: 1650 g empty, with silencer and stock
Length: 246 mm less silencer; 455 mm with silencer and no stock
Barrel length: 140 mm
Capacity: 20 rounds

 

The Stechkin APB (Avtomaticheskij Pistolet Besshumnyj – automatic silenced pistol) is a further development of the Stechkin APS automatic pistol. APB has been developed by 1972 for Soviet Spetsnaz and KGB units, and has been widely used in Afghanistan and later conflicts. It seems that all APB pistols were reworked from earlier Stechkin APS pistols. The APB, with the silencer fitted, is as loud as a non-silenced .22 caliber pistol, and is very accurate and controllable, especially with the shoulder stock fitted. One can easily achieve multiple hits at ranges of 25 meters and beyond in full automatic mode, firing bursts of 2 – 4 rounds, as seen on the picture above.

The basic action of the APB is the same as in APS pistol, that is it’s a simple blowback gun with double action trigger and exposed hammer. It is also select-fire, and safety also acts as a fire mode selector, permitting single shots and full automatic fire. However, its barrel is drilled to decrease the muzzle velocity, and is enclosed in the tubular jacket, which extends forward from the slide and has grooves to accept the quick-detachable silencer / suppressor interface. The sound suppressor is of classic design, with removable baffle unit made from steel. Suppressor is of eccentric design to clear the sight line without modifications to standard sights of the host gun. The clumsy and heavy holster/shoulder stock of the APS is replaced by the much more convenient detachable shoulder stock, made of steel wire. Pistol was normally carried in the special leather holster, with the separate pouch for silencer and shoulder stock.