PINDAD PS-01 Assault Pistol 5.56x21mm

Steve Johnson
by Steve Johnson

PT. PINDAD, the Indonesian government owned firearms and ammunition manufacturer, once made an interesting pistol called the PINDAD PS-01 ‘Serbu’ (Assault) Pistol.

The PS-01 was unique for two reasons. The first being its large frame and long 7.4″ barrel. It weighed in at a hefty 2.64 lbs. Despite being similar in size to gas operated pistols, such as the Desert Eagle, it was a standard blowback operated semi-automatic.

The second reason it was unique was the cartridge it chambered, the 5.56x21mm PINDAD. The 5.56x21mm PINDAD is a cut-down 5.56mm NATO round. Judging from photos of the round, it probably had about the same power as the .40 S&W or 10mm Auto cartridge but, with its small caliber and light rifle bullet, the velocity would have been impressive, as would be the barrel wear and muzzle blast.

The advantages of this cartridge, in combination with a heavy frame, would have been good range, accuracy and armor penetrating capabilities compared to a conventional pistol.

The gun no longer appears to be manufactured, it ever was. It is not hard to see why it was a commercial failure. It lacked the benefits of a submachine gun or rifle while also lacking the compactness of a conventional pistol.

[ Many thanks to Gunhead for emailing me info about the pistol. ]

Steve Johnson
Steve Johnson

I founded TFB in 2007 and over 10 years worked tirelessly, with the help of my team, to build it up into the largest gun blog online. I retired as Editor in Chief in 2017. During my decade at TFB I was fortunate to work with the most amazing talented writers and genuinely good people!

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  • John Dalton John Dalton on Jul 11, 2014

    This is what it would look like if a .50 cal round took a dump...

  • 0minzero . 0minzero . on Nov 05, 2014

    the issue is this model is limited production only for elite force. and not conventional pistol and unique ammo

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