As a result, this pistol fires a round-based 4.5 millimetres (0.18 in) caliber steel dart about 115 millimetres (4.5 in) long, weighing 12.8 grams (0.45 oz), which has longer range and more penetrating power than speargun spears.

[6] Its barrel is not rifled; the fired projectile is kept in line by hydrodynamic effects.

[2] The SPP-1M pistol is essentially the same as the SPP-1, with the following differences:[6] The weapon was designed by Vladimir Simonov, the cartridge by Pyotr Sazonov and Oleg Kravchenko.

[9] Depth reduces range because the higher pressure closes the cavity sooner.

[5] It is manufactured by TOZ (Tulsky Oruzheiny Zavod/ Тульский Оружейный Завод) Tula Arms Plant,[3] and exported by Rosoboronexport,[2] the state agency for Russia's export and import of defense-related products.