The PSM is a blowback-operated handgun with a double-action trigger and slide-mounted manual safety without a slide stop.

The grip panels are made from thin aluminum and new model with hard plastic.

The cartridge is capable of penetrating 55 layers of kevlar at realistic engagement distances.

[1] However, this is purely a consequence of its hard metal core and the bullet wasn't designed to defeat body armor.

However, owing to its insignificant dimensions, especially its small width (21 mm (0.83 in) across the safety catch), it soon became popular with security (KGB) and law enforcement (militsiya) personnel.