The PPD is a submachine gun originally designed in 1934 by Vasily Degtyaryov. It was a near direct copy of the German Bergmann MP28, and it utilized a large ammunition drum, itself a copy of the Finnish M31 Suomi drum magazine. It first went into military service in 1935 as the PPD-34. In 1938 and 1940, modifications were designated PPD-34/38 and PPD-40 respectively, and introduced minor changes. Nevertheless, the PPD-40 was too complicated and expensive to mass-produce, and although it was used in action in the initial stages of World War II, it was, by the end of 1941, quickly phased out and replaced by the superior and cheaper PPSh-41. This weapon was used by both the VC and NVA.

Type: Sub Machine Gun Place of Origin: Soviet Union In Service: 1935 to 1941 Designer: Vasily Degtyaryoy Designed: 1934 Variants: PPD-34, PPD-34/38, PPD-40 Weight: 3.63 Kg Length: 788 mm Barrel Length: 273 mm Cartridge: 7.62 x 25 TT Action: Blowback, Open Bolt Muzzle Velocity: 489 m/s Rate of Fire: 800 r/min Feed System: 25 round detachable box magazine, 71 round detachable box magazine