In 1949, North Korea began production of a domestic copy of the Soviet PPSh-41 submachine gun. Designated the M49, it used a blend of Russian and Chinese characteristics, but was mechanically identical to the standard model, distinguishable only by its markings and its slightly oval-shaped stock profile.

Production began in a factory located in Pyongyang, which was briefly captured by Allied forces in late 1950. Upon retaking the city, the Korean government moved production to a safer location farther north, where the guns continued to be made until 1955.