Lot 3432: North Korean M49 Class III/NFA C&R Fully Transferable DEWAT

Description:
Manufactured in 1950, this is the North Korean version of the famed PPSh-41 SMG. One of the signature weapons of World War II, the PPSh-41 would be introduced to a number of Soviet allies following the war, including North Korea and China, both of which took to the weapon very well. A robust and simplified design, the M49 makes heavy use of thick metal stampings to be both rapid to produce and rugged in the field, with a very high rate of fire at about 900-1,000 RPM. These SMGs were ubiquitous during the Korean War, with both the North Koreans and Chinese putting them to heavy use, where they meshed very well with the combat doctrine of the day; while not as potent or accurate as the M1 Garand or M1 Carbine at longer ranges, an emphasis on night maneuver meant that a lot of engagements were happening at near contact distance, where the range and accuracy advantages of the Americans were nullified and the raw rate of fire of the M49 provided a critical edge. While eventually eclipsed by variants of the Kalashnikov rifle, PPSh variants remained active through Vietnam and reportedly even to the time of this writing with smaller organizations and non-state actors. The top of the receiver is stamped with the North Korea star inside a circle over “1950”, with a fixed blade front sight and a two-leaf rear sight. Includes an extra bolt assembly.

Rating Definition:
Good as deactivated, cleaned bright, with scattered moderate pitting, various grind marks and welded repairs visible at the front of the barrel shroud. Stock is good as sanded and re-oiled, with a repaired split in the wrist and scattered dings and scratches. As the gun is in its current state, the breech end of the bore is plugged with lead, and the bolt body has a shaved/welded firing pin and no extractor with lead welded in the extractor slot, otherwise the bolt body properly cycles (the catch mechanism on the bolt handle is very stiff) and releases from the open bolt position correctly in semi-automatic and full automatic modes. NOTE: This is a registered DEWAT weapon with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), as a National Firearms Act (NFA) weapon, that is fully transferable. It has been classified as a Curio or Relic as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.