PP-90

KBP Instrument Design Bureau · Personal Defense Weapon · Out Of Production · 1990

Also known as: PP-90 folding submachine gun

Overview

The PP-90 is a Russian folding submachine gun developed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau in Tula and chambered in 9x18mm Makarov. Its defining feature is that the entire weapon folds flat into a compact rectangular box roughly the size of a hardcover book, allowing it to be carried concealed and deployed rapidly. Operating on simple blowback, it is full-automatic capable and was intended for close-quarters protection of officials, undercover police, and security personnel.

Specifications

Weight (empty)1830 g (64.6 oz)
Weight (loaded)2230 g (78.7 oz)
Overall Length490 mm (19.29")
Folded Length270 mm (10.63")
Barrel Length200 mm (7.87")
Action TypeBlowback
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity30 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity320 m/s (1050 fps)
Muzzle Energy312 J (230 ft·lbf)
Effective Range100 m (109 yd)
Rate of Fire600 rpm
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
FinishPhosphate

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Production years: 1990s

Limited production for Russian law enforcement and security services

Origin

Country of origin: Russia

Notes

Designed as a clandestine 'briefcase' weapon; the folded form is intended to disguise the gun. Largely superseded by the PP-90M and the unrelated 9x19mm PP-90M1.

Background

The PP-90 folds in half into a flat steel rectangle that looks like an innocuous metal case, letting a bodyguard or undercover officer carry a full submachine gun in plain sight and snap it open in about two seconds.