Editing Machine pistol (section)

=== 1950s–1960s ===
[[File:Stechkin APS.jpg|thumb|left|Stechkin APS machine pistol]]
The [[9×18mm Makarov]] [[Stechkin automatic pistol]] (APS) is a Russian select-fire machine pistol introduced into the Russian army in 1951. Like the other common Russian army pistol of this era, the Makarov, the Stechkin uses a simple unlocked [[Blowback (arms)|blowback]] mechanism and the [[Trigger (firearms)#Double-action/single-action|double action trigger]]. What makes the Stechkin APS a machine pistol is that it has an automatic fire mode, which is selected using the safety lever. In burst or automatic fire, the pistol should be fitted with the wooden shoulder stock; otherwise, the weapon quickly becomes uncontrollable. The Stechkin was intended as a sidearm for artillery soldiers and tank crews, but in practice, it ended up earning a strong following in the ranks of political and criminal police forces. Many KGB and GRU operatives favored the Stechkin for its firepower and 20-round magazine.

[[File:Normal skorpion 01.jpg|thumb|right|Czechoslovak [[Škorpion vz. 61]]]]
The [[Škorpion vz. 61]] is a Czechoslovak [[.32 ACP|7.65 mm or .32 ACP]] machine pistol developed in 1959 and produced from 1961 to 1979. Although it was developed for use with security and special forces, the weapon was also accepted into service with the [[Czechoslovak Army]], as a personal sidearm for lower-ranking army staff, vehicle drivers, armored vehicle personnel and special forces. The Skorpion's lower-powered .32 ACP cartridge, coupled with a rate-of-fire limiting device housed in the grip (which allows a reasonable rate of 850 RPM with a relatively light bolt), also makes it easier to control in full-auto than the more common 9&nbsp;mm Parabellum designs. Currently the weapon is in use with the armed forces of several countries as a sidearm. The Škorpion was also license-built in Yugoslavia, designated M84.

The [[Beretta M1951|Beretta M1951R]] was based on the 9&nbsp;mm Parabellum Beretta M1951 pistol and produced during the 1960s in response to a request made by the Italian special forces. The primary difference between the M951R and the original M1951 lay in the fire selector lever mounted on the right side of the weapon's frame, enabling either semi-automatic or continuous fire – labelled "SEM" and "AUT", respectively. Additionally, the weapon has a heavier slide, a folding wooden forward grip, an extended barrel and an extended magazine, increasing the capacity to 10 rounds.