OTs-33 Pernach
KBP Instrument Design Bureau · Pistol · Limited Production · 1996
Also known as: Pernach, Перна́ч, Six-flanged Mace
Overview
The OTs-33 Pernach is a Russian select-fire machine pistol chambered in 9x18mm Makarov, developed by Igor Stechkin at the TsKIB SOO design bureau in Tula and produced by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau. Derived from the experimental 5.45mm OTs-23 Drotik, the Pernach was designed as a modern successor to the legendary Stechkin APS, intended to equip Russian OMON riot police, MVD internal security units, and other special forces. It features a folding metal shoulder stock, ambidextrous fire-selector with safe / semi-auto / full-auto positions, and feeds from 18- or 27-round magazines.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1150 g (40.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 222 mm (8.74") |
| Folded Length | 222 mm (8.74") |
| Barrel Length | 135 mm (5.31") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 18 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 332 J (245 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 850 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x18mm Makarov · primary — also known as 9x18 PM, 9mm Makarov, 57-N-181S
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Ambidextrous Safety, Fire Selector
- Features: Select Fire, Folding Stock, Ambidextrous Controls, Extended Magazine Compatible
Service history
Operators
- Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) · adopted 1996 · as OTs-33
- OMON Special Police Units · adopted 1996
- Federal Security Service (FSB)
Conflicts
- Second Chechen War (1999-2009)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2014-present)
Production
Production years: 1996-present
Small-batch production by KBP for specialized Russian internal-security and special-police units; total numbers not publicly disclosed
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Igor Y. Stechkin
Notes
Publicly unveiled at a Moscow arms exhibition in July 2002 and produced in small batches by KBP. Named 'Pernach' after a six-flanged medieval Russian mace. Can fire both standard 57-N-181S and high-impulse 57-N-181SM (7N16) armor-piercing 9x18mm rounds.
Background
Stechkin's final design before his death in 2001, the Pernach was named after the six-flanged 'pernach' mace once carried by Russian and Cossack commanders as a symbol of authority - a fitting tribute to a pistol meant to inherit the mantle of his iconic 1951 APS.