The Tokarev model 1927 submachine gun, or PPT-27 in short, was the first Soviet submachine gun ever produced in any numbers. Designed around 1927 to early Red Army requirements for a submachine gun, it was manufactured in a small batch of 500 guns at TOZ – Tula Arms Factory, and issued to various units for field trials, which took place in 1931-32. Back in late 1920s Red Army has not yet decided on its next pistol and SMG cartridge, so Tokarev designed his first submachine gun to fire slightly modified 7.62mm Nagant revolver round. Special ammunition for PPT-27 was produced only in 1927 by Tula Ammunition factory, and featured cone-shaped case mouth for improved feeding in automatic weapons. In around 1930 Red Army finally decided to go with 7.62x25mm pistol round, derived from 7.63×25 Mauser cartridge, and further development of PPT-27 was abandoned. Its designer then focused most of his attention to development of the semi-automatic rifle, whicl later evolved into famous SVT-38 and SVT-40.

Tokarev model 1927 submachine gun

7.62x38R Nagant cartridges: top one modified for PPT-27, bottom one is original revolver load

Tokarev model 1927 submachine gun / PPT-27 was simple blowback weapon, firing from closed bolt. It had dual triggers for single shots and full automatic fire, and internal hammer. Carbine-type stock was made from wood and featured an interesting forward grip which also served as a partial magazine housing. Ammunition was fed from detachable box magazines with 21 round capacity. Iron sights featured flip-up rear sight with settings for 100, 200 and 300 meters.