How to Weld a Demilled PPS-43 Receiver

The PPS-43, Pistolet-Pulemjot-Sudaeva, is a Soviet made sub-machine gun developed by Alexei Sudayev. The weapon was developed for Soviet troops primarily as a reconnaissance weapon and used extensively during WWII. As of 2011, military surplus enthusiasts collect and build the semi-automatic PPS-43. The firearm is typically shipped demilled and needs minor fabrication, such as welding and machine work, in order to assemble the weapon. Spot-welding the PPS-43 can be accomplished with minimal difficulty using the appropriate tools.

Things You'll Need

  • PPS-43 semi-automatic schematic/blueprint
  • Bench vise
  • 3/4-inch drill rod
  • Welding rod
  • Steel arc welder
  • Rat-tail file
  • Mill bastard file
  • Sanding drum
  • Cutting oil
  • End nose mill
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the receiver flat in padded bench vise. Set the bench vise to 6 inches wide.

    • 2

      Place a 2-foot length of 3/4-inch drill rod down the center seam of the flat. Turn the vise jaws until the flat begins bending upward. Once the sides reach an angle of 45 degrees, hammer the drill rod down to true the center of the flat. Continue closing the vise jaws until the receiver closes up completely. Remove the drill rod.

    • 3

      Place a welding rod onto the seam. Weld the seams shut using the steel arc welder. As you weld, ensure that the bead stays smooth along the seam. Allow the weld to cool for 15 to 20 minutes.

    • 4

      Place a few drops of cutting oil onto the welded seam. File the excess metal away from the seam using a mill bastard file. Get into the corners and smooth these flat using a rat-tail file.

    • 5

      Run the formed receiver through the end-nose mill to true up the sides according to PPS-43 semi-automatic blueprints. Remove as little metal as possible until the receiver takes proper shape. Deburr any rough edges from milling using the rat-tail file and a sanding drum. You're now ready to finish or blue your receiver.