AK Rifles banner

Did I make a mistake? 7.62 or 9mm?

6.7K views 19 replies 10 participants last post by  GeneStoner  
#1 ·
Over the past few months I've had a PPS43c on lay-a-way at my local gun shop which I will end up paying way too much for (a whole 'nother story.)
Anyways, it's in 7.62x25 because I'm a foolish, damn romantic, purist and wanted it to be "authentic", in the original caliber etc. etc.
HOWEVER, I don't see 7.62 Tokarev for sale anywhere and of course 9x19 is EVERYwhere.
Should I sell my 7.62 PPS once I get it out of hock and buy a 9mm? Do all factory mags work with 9mm PPS43's?

I have always liked Soviet calibers because they are relatively panic-proof or at least panic-resistant.
But I didn't stack 7.62x25 like I should have and it seems to have dried up.

What would y'all do? Are there advantages of a PPS43 in 7.62x25?
 
#2 ·
For me, the 7.62x25 advantage is gone with the loss of inexpensive ammo. Clearview Investments has some but it is expensive.

I bought the 9x19 Para version and am satisified with it's performance and 0 function issues. Freedom Munitions reman ammo is
95-109 bucks for 500rds and it eats it up. Form 1 the pps and you will have a great semi-sub gun that is fun to shoot.

Centerfire Systems and SOG have good prices on 7.62x25 mags and they function perfectly with the 9x19 cartridge. The mags
for the 9mm version are expensive and do not seem to work as smoothly as the originals.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Looks like this is a good time for an update. I tried many different brass cartridges, manufactures and bullet weights. Brass would always have a hicup every so often and groups
were wide at 50yds.

So I investigated Russian steel case 9mm and settled on buying WPA due to bullet configuration. 1000rds for a little over $200 to my door and headed out to the range. Groups
tightened up immediately and the occasional hicup was gone. This sub-gun loves steel case and all looks well inside after several outings. The barrel on this pps-43c is well made
and covered with arsenal markings. It cleans up fast and easy so I have to guess it's chrome lined as well. After initial break in, it is holding groups to 1.5 moa @ 50yds. and I
suspect with further break-in groups will tighten up even more.

FYI..I shot 115, 124 and 147gr. and found the pps-43c 9mm twist rate is best suited for 115gr. These are fun to shoot, clean up is fast and ammo
is plentiful. I have no complaints.
 
#7 ·
I shot both and mine cycles smoother and faster with the cheap 9mm steel case, 115gr. which suites me fine since it is everywhere online and inexpensive. The return spring is the

same one in both calibers and it just does not like the stubby 9mm brass... brass is too soft, but it functions as it should with steel and ejects great. I saw no differences between

the 9mm mod mags and untouched original magazines in several different capacities.
 
#8 ·
The 7.62x25 is originally designed for the gun. IMO a superior round to the 9mm. I git 2160 rounds for 189.99 in the day! Surplus of course but its run great. There may be more surplus around and I have seen some around. If you're not lack for cleaning your gun every shoot, there is nothing to worry about with the corrosive. I just fill a pull top drinker with water as hot as the spigot gets and rinse, rem oil and done.
 
#9 ·
No argument from me, Marco. I really like the original 7.62x25rd. Did I say I have an original pps-43c also..well I do and love it. The 9mm was bought for fun range time
with my son. I have no regrets buying either one. The 9mm is just less expensive to feed nowadays.
 
#16 ·
The big thing holding me back from getting a PPS43 is the fact that the thing is handled by IO Inc/Golden Tiger which has a horrid reputation. It seems that the worse thing to do would be to buy direct from Golden Tiger since you don't have an advocate. Is it halfway safe to assume that Classic or Centerfire will stand behind the product if I receive a turd?
 
#17 ·
I sold off all my x25 pistols so I could use the 3500 + rnds of surplus I have in my 43 SBR. Soooooo much more fun to shoot with the stock open, more accurate too.

As for Classic and Centerfire, call both of them and ask what their return policy is on a defective firearm. Mine has around 1K of various surplus through it in the last three years and has worked flawless after doing the penny mod. I have read where some hammers broke in guns but I believe IO/RT has taken care of those people.

Bill