The APS (Russian: АПС, Автоматический Пистолет Стечкина) is a Soviet select-fire handgun chambered in 9×18mm Makarov and 9×19mm Parabellum, designed by Igor Stechkin. Introduced into Soviet military service in 1951 for use with artillery/mortar crews, as well as vehicle crews. The weapon was praised for its innovative concept and good controllability for its size. However, the high production cost, complex machining, limited effective range, and fragile detachable handgun stock became the major issues.
The APS utilizes straight-blowback mechanism, fed through default 20-round magazines. It shares features with the Makarov PM, such as a heel-mounted magazine release, slide-mounted safety lever, and field-strip procedure.
