KP m/44
Oy Tikkakoski Ab · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1944
Also known as: KP/-44, Peltiheikki
Overview
The KP m/44 (KP/-44) is a Finnish 9x19mm Parabellum submachine gun, a stamped-steel copy and modification of the Soviet PPS-43 produced by Oy Tikkakoski Ab late in the Continuation War. Operating on a simple open-bolt blowback action with a side-folding steel stock, it was cheap and fast to manufacture, and it accepted the same magazines and drums as the earlier Suomi KP/-31.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2950 g (104.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 830 mm (32.68") |
| Folded Length | 620 mm (24.41") |
| Barrel Length | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 36 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Drum Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Stamped Steel Construction, Side Folding Stock, Open Bolt Operation, Fixed Firing Pin
Service history
Operators
- Finnish Defence Forces · adopted 1944
Conflicts
- Continuation War (1941-1944)
Production
Production years: 1944-1945
Limited wartime production at Tikkakoski
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Designer: Willi Daugs
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Adopted too late to see significant wartime service; production ended with the war. Chambered in 9x19mm rather than the Soviet 7.62x25mm of the PPS-43, allowing it to share Suomi KP/-31 magazines.
Background
Designed by German emigre engineer Willi Daugs, the KP m/44 was essentially a re-chambered PPS-43 so it could feed from the abundant 9mm Suomi magazines already in Finnish service.