The Stechkin 9×18 is a Soviet-designed automatic pistol. It was designed by Igor Stechkin and entered service with the Soviet military in 1951. It has a 20-round magazine and fires the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge. The Stechkin is a selective fire weapon, meaning it can be used in both semi-automatic and automatic modes. It was primarily used by Soviet special forces and police units, but was also made available for export. The Stechkin is known for its high rate of fire, accuracy, and reliability. It is still in use today by some Russian special forces units.
The Stechkin 9×18 is still in service today with some Russian special forces units because it is a reliable and durable weapon that has proven itself in combat. Despite being developed in the 1950s, the design of the Stechkin is still considered modern and effective. Additionally, the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge that it fires is still in use by Russian military and law enforcement, so there is a ready supply of ammunition. Furthermore, it is a simple and robust design, which means that it is relatively easy to maintain and repair, making it a cost-effective option for the military. The Stechkin also has a good reputation for accuracy and firepower which is a desirable feature for special forces units.
The Stechkin 9×18 is generally considered to be an accurate weapon, but it has been reported by some users that the gun can be difficult to control in automatic fire mode. This is because the Stechkin has a relatively high rate of fire, and the recoil produced by the weapon can make it difficult to keep the sights on target while firing rapidly. Additionally, the Stechkin’s design is relatively heavy which also contributes to the difficulty of controlling the gun while firing in automatic mode. It’s worth mentioning that accuracy is a complex topic, many factors like the shooter proficiency, the environment, and the ammunition can affect the accuracy of the weapon.
The 9x18mm Makarov cartridge that the Stechkin 9×18 fires is not known for having particularly good stopping power. The cartridge is considered to be a “light” or “intermediate” cartridge, meaning that it does not generate as much energy or recoil as larger cartridges like the 9mm Luger or .45 ACP. As a result, the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge is less likely to incapacitate a target as quickly as a larger cartridge would. Additionally, the 9x18mm Makarov is a smaller caliber and therefore the bullets are less likely to cause as much damage as larger caliber bullets.
It’s also worth noting that “stopping power” is a somewhat controversial topic in the firearms community. Some experts argue that the ability of a cartridge to “stop” an attacker is more dependent on shot placement than the caliber of the cartridge. In other words, a well-placed shot with a smaller caliber cartridge may be more effective than a poorly-placed shot with a larger caliber cartridge.
The Stechkin 9×18 and the Makarov PM (Pistolet Makarova) are both Soviet-designed pistols that fire the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge, but they have some key differences. The Stechkin is a selective-fire weapon, meaning it can be used in both semi-automatic and automatic modes, while the Makarov PM is a semi-automatic only pistol.
The Stechkin is generally considered to be more accurate and has a higher rate of fire than the Makarov PM. However, the Makarov PM is considered to be more compact, lightweight and easy to carry, which makes it more suitable for concealed carry and personal defense.
Both the Stechkin and Makarov PM have been highly regarded for their durability and reliability. The Stechkin is considered to be a more powerful weapon but it is also heavier and more difficult to control in automatic mode. While the Makarov PM is considered to be a more practical weapon for personal defense. The choice between the two firearms would ultimately depend on the intended use and the preferences of the user.