Bezruchko-Vysotskiy

 

Caliber, mm

7,62×25 TT

Length, overall, mm

645 / 860

Weight, kg

2.9 with empty magazine

Barrel length, mm

253

Magazine capacity, rounds

35

Rate of fire, rounds per minute

600

 

The Bezruchko-Vystotskiy experimental submachine gun is important because it served as a base for quite successful Sudaev PPS-43 submachine gun, which was manufactured in large numbers in Soviet Union during WW2 and in several socialist countries (like Poland and China) during 1950s.

Early in 1942 GAU (General Artillery Department of the Red Army General staff) issued requirements for a new submachine gun, which should be handier, lighter and more compact than then-standard Shpagin PPSh-41 submachine gun. The new subgun also had to have lower rate of fire (no more than 600 rpm) and have simple construction which is also easy to manufacture in large numbers. Competitive trials were held during the first half of 1942 at NIPSVO (Red Army Scientific and Research Proving Ground for Small arms), with several designs tested during three rounds. One of leading contenders during first two rounds of trials was design from engineer-lieutenant Bezruchko-Vysotskiy, who at the time was a student at the Red Army Academy of Artillery. The 3rd and final round of trials was won, however, by the new design, which was not tested during the first two rounds. It was designed by the military engineer Sudaev, who worked at the NIPSVO and used a great deal of Bezruchko-Vysotskiy ideas in his own weapon, which turned to be superior to all other contenders. It must be noted here that “intellectual property” was more or less an alien concept to Soviet people, especially during the emergencies of the Great Patriotic war – every invention belonged to “the Soviet people” in general, or, rather to the Soviet state, and could be used by anyone, providing the use is beneficial to the state and the people. And designing new more effective weapons obviously was one of most important things during the war.

As it were, Sudaev design was adopted late in 1942 as PPS-42 and later as improved PPS-43. Both versions contained important design features developed by Bezruchko-Vysotskiy, such as bolt group and return spring guide round which also served as a spent cartridge ejector. The submachine gun by Bezruchko-Vysotskiy, on the other hand, remained in very few prototype exemplars and is almost unknown, as it was less reliable and more labor-consuming to make than Sudaev PPS.

 

Bezruchko-Vysotskiy submachine gun is a simple blowback weapon, firing from open bolt in full automatic mode only. Manual safety is built into the bolt charging handle and locks the bolt in open or closed position. Most parts are made from stamped steel, and upper and lower receiver parts are connected behind the magazine housing by a cross hinge. Feed is from detachable double stack, double feed box magazines, with capacity of 35 rounds. Iron sights are of open type, with L-shaped rear sight set for 100 and 200 meters. Stamped steel shoulder stock is patterned after German MP.40 and folds down and forward to rest below the receiver when not in use. Barrel is fitted with inclined muzzle jump compensator.