K-50M
Z111 Factory (formerly Z1 Factory) · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1958
Also known as: Vietnamese PPSh, North Vietnamese SMG
Overview
The K-50M is a select-fire submachine gun chambered in 7.62x25mm Tokarev, produced by Z111 Factory (formerly Z1 Factory) since 1958. Featuring a 35-round magazine capacity, this submachine gun offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense. Safety features include manual safety, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation. With over 68 years of firearms manufacturing experience, Z111 Factory (formerly Z1 Factory) brings established expertise in metallurgy, machining, and quality control to every product in their lineup, ensuring each firearm meets the standards expected by today's demanding market of knowledgeable shooters and professionals.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 750 mm (29.53") |
| Folded Length | 572 mm (22.52") |
| Barrel Length | 269 mm (10.59") |
| Height | 135 mm (5.31") |
| Width | 30 mm (1.18") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 35 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 488 m/s (1601 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 656 J (484 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 241 mm (9.49") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x25mm Tokarev · primary — also known as 7.62x25mm TT, 7.62mm Tokarev, .30 Tokarev
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Open Bolt Operation, Collapsible Wire Stock, Pistol Grip, Shortened Barrel Shroud, Simplified Construction
Service history
Operators
- North Vietnamese Army · adopted 1958
- Viet Cong · adopted 1958
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Production
Estimated total produced: 10,000 · Production years: 1958-1964
Produced at Z1 Factory (later Z111) in North Vietnam. Production ended when AK-47 supplies became more readily available.
Origin
Country of origin: Vietnam
Discontinued: 1964
Notes
The K-50M retained the 35-round curved box magazine of the PPSh-41 rather than the 71-round drum magazine. The shortened barrel shroud exposed more of the barrel, improving heat dissipation in tropical climates. Approximately 10,000 units were produced.
Background
The K-50M was North Vietnam's first indigenous firearms design, created out of necessity when they didn't fully trust their socialist allies to continue supplying weapons. Vietnamese armorers converted Chinese Type 50 submachine guns in field workshops, incorporating design elements from the French MAT-49 that had been captured during the First Indochina War.