OC-33 "Pernatch"

   The OC-33 "Pernatch" Automatic Pistol was developed by the I.Stechkin. It was intended to replace the APS Automatic Pistol which was mainly used by special forces developed by the same weapon designer. The "Pernatch" outperforms the APS Automatic pistol in it's characteristics, simplified design and manufacture. Furthermore the "Pernatch" is more reliable. The OC-33 Automatic Pistol is a version of an OC-23 "Drotik" Automatic Pistol chambered for the 9 x 18 mm (PM, PMM) cartridge.

   Pistol automatic works on free lock recoil principle. The hammer mechanism is opened and executes single or automatic fire. The hammer mechanism works in "single-action" or the "double-action" modes both. A safety-lock is a fire mode changer at once. It is placed from the both sides of the barrel frame. The OC-33 "Pernatch" is fitted with a cartridge load indicator.

   The Pistol was chambered for the improved 9 x 18 mm (PMM) cartridge which has ballistic characteristics similar to the 9 x 19 mm (Para) cartridge. However the OC-33 also can be fed by the standard PM cartridges. Although with it the Pistol shows lower ballistic and penetration abilities. The old PM cartridges have suitable human-stopping features but use to ricochet hitting hard surfaces. This disadvantage was corrected in the PMM cartridge which has a conical shape bullet instead of a rounded used with the PM cartridges. The 9 x 18 mm (PMM) improved cartridge in 10 m range proofs 4 mm steel plate.

   The trigger guard allows to comfortably hold the pistol with the both hands. Pistol has an opened fixed sight. However it is fitted with an underbarrel rail intended for accessories such as the laser pointer. Furthermore "Pernatch" is completed with a disconnecting metal stock. Unlike the wooden stock used with the APS Automatic pistol the new one is more comfortable in use. This stock greatly increases fire accuracy executing automatic fire.

Advantages

   The ability to execute automatic fire and a high capacity magazine make this weapon extremely effective especially with the improved cartridges. This Pistol also features internal simplicity and reliability. Ability to use metal stock.

Disadvantages

    The Pistol is a bit uncomfortable to hold of it's two-lines magazine.