Well come to our 3rd and final series on the submachine gun (SMG) in the World of Guns. As you know the submachine gun is an automatic or selective-fired shoulder weapon that fires pistol-caliber ammunition. The concept of submachine gun dates back to World War One; the trench warfare of this war required effective and compact weapons for short-range fighting in trenches; additionally, a lightweight and maneuverable fully automatic weapon was desirable to complement light machine guns in both defensive and offensive scenarios, to cover last 200 meters of assault on enemy positions. The first weapon which can be considered to some extent as the world's first submachine gun was the Italian Villar-Perosa, which was a twin-barreled automatic weapon that fired 9mm Glisenti pistol ammunition from top-mounted box magazines. It was compact, but its primary tactical role was of short-range machine gun; therefore it was usually fired from some sort of mount, and fitted with machine-gun type spade grips instead of more conventional rifle-type stock.
SPECIAL FEATURE
Thompson M1921 M1928 M1 and M1A1 submachine gun / "Tommy Gun" (USA)
Thompson Model 1921 submachine gun with 20-round box ("stick")magazine.
Thompson Model 1928 submachine gun with 50-round drum magazine and Cutts compensator.
Thompson M1 submachine gun with 20-round magazine.
Thompson M1A1 submachine gun with 30-round magazine.
Side-by-side comparison between M1928A1 (left) and M1 (right) Thompson submachine guns.
Controls of M1928A1 submachine gun; M1 controls were in same positions but withlevers of simplified shape.
Characteristics
| M1921 | M1928 | M1 | |
| Caliber | .45ACP | .45ACP | .45ACP |
| Weight, empty | 4.69 kg | 4.9 kg | 4.78 kg |
| Length | 830 mm | 852 mm | 811 mm |
| Barrel length | 267 mm | 267 mm | 267 mm |
| Rate of fire | ~ 1000 rpm | ~ 700 rpm | ~ 700 rpm |
| Magazine capacity | 20 or 30 rounds box ("stick") magazines and 50 or 100 rounds drums | same as M1921 | 20 or 30 rounds box |
| Effective range | 100-150 meters | 100-150 meters | 100-150 meters |
John T. Thompson founded the Auto Ordnance Corp. in 1916, and began his developments in submachine guns with purchase of John Blish patent (1915), that described a delayed blowback automatic firearm. This patent described delayed blowback breech system in which a sloping metal wedge interlocked the breech block with the gun body. Under high pressure, as when the cartridge fired, the angle of the slope was such that the mating faces jammed solid. As the pressure dropped, the faces were able to slip across each other, the wedge moved up due to the slope, and the breech unlocked. This idea was used in all Thompson submachine guns except for M1 and M1A1 (those were simply blowback operated).
The first Thompson experimental submachine gun appeared in 1919, and first production model appeared in 1921; it was manufactured under contract by Colt Firearms Manufacturing Co, as well as later M1928 models. Production of M1928A1 and M1 submachine guns was carried out by Auto-Ordnance and Savage, and some licensed copies were manufactured by B.S.A. in Great Britain.
There also were some submachine guns that never reached full-scale production, such as "Military model" M1923, which was developed with intent to extend the effective range out to 600 yards (approx 550 meters). To achieve this goal, M1923 was chambered for a special .45 Remington-Thompson ammunition, which fired heavier 250-grain (16,2 gram) bullet (as opposed to standard 230-grain .45ACP bullet) at higher muzzle velocities of about 1450 fps (440m/s). This weapon also had longer barrel, and optional bipod and bayonet mount. It was tested but never produced in any significant numbers. The other rare version was the original Model 1927, which was a semi-automatic only version of Model 1921.
The first Thompson gun to see some military use was Model 1928, used by US navy during its expedition in Nicaragua. The so-called "Navy" model 1928 was distinguished by a horizontal forearm that replaced the front grip, and by added sling swivels. With the start of World war 2, US Army procured a large number of Model 1928 submachine guns in "Navy" configuration, marked as US Model 1928A1. These weapons were rather expensive to make, and in 1942 Army adopted a simplified version of M1928A1, known as M1. A little later, an M1A1 version was adopted, which further simplified the design by adoption of a fixed firing pi; otherwise M1A1 were similar to M1 submachine guns. Thomson submachine guns served in US Army well into the Vietnam era, although in limited numbers. American police used Thompson guns until 1970s or 1980s, and few still could be found in some police armories in USA and several other countries of the world.
The first Thompson experimental submachine gun appeared in 1919, and first production model appeared in 1921; it was manufactured under contract by Colt Firearms Manufacturing Co, as well as later M1928 models. Production of M1928A1 and M1 submachine guns was carried out by Auto-Ordnance and Savage, and some licensed copies were manufactured by B.S.A. in Great Britain.
There also were some submachine guns that never reached full-scale production, such as "Military model" M1923, which was developed with intent to extend the effective range out to 600 yards (approx 550 meters). To achieve this goal, M1923 was chambered for a special .45 Remington-Thompson ammunition, which fired heavier 250-grain (16,2 gram) bullet (as opposed to standard 230-grain .45ACP bullet) at higher muzzle velocities of about 1450 fps (440m/s). This weapon also had longer barrel, and optional bipod and bayonet mount. It was tested but never produced in any significant numbers. The other rare version was the original Model 1927, which was a semi-automatic only version of Model 1921.
The first Thompson gun to see some military use was Model 1928, used by US navy during its expedition in Nicaragua. The so-called "Navy" model 1928 was distinguished by a horizontal forearm that replaced the front grip, and by added sling swivels. With the start of World war 2, US Army procured a large number of Model 1928 submachine guns in "Navy" configuration, marked as US Model 1928A1. These weapons were rather expensive to make, and in 1942 Army adopted a simplified version of M1928A1, known as M1. A little later, an M1A1 version was adopted, which further simplified the design by adoption of a fixed firing pi; otherwise M1A1 were similar to M1 submachine guns. Thomson submachine guns served in US Army well into the Vietnam era, although in limited numbers. American police used Thompson guns until 1970s or 1980s, and few still could be found in some police armories in USA and several other countries of the world.
Thompson submachine guns were widely exported commercially prior to and after WW2; Many guns were supplied to Britain and USSR through Lend-lease program during WW2. It must be noted that Soviet troops generally not liked Tommy guns, because of excessive weight and lack of bullet penetration, compared to 7,62mm submachine guns such as PPSh-41 or PPS-43.
Thompson M1921 and M1928 submachine guns were delayed blowback operated, selective fired weapons, based on Blish principle. Blish patent described a delayed blowback breech system in which a sloping metal wedge interlocked the breech block with the gun body. Under high pressure, as when the cartridge fired, the angle of the slope was such that the mating faces jammed solid. As the pressure dropped, the faces were able to slip across each other, the wedge moved up due to the slope, and the breech unlocked. The wartime M1 and M1A1 submachine guns used simple blowback action. All Thompson submachine guns fired from open bolt. The cocking handle was located on the top of receiver on Models of 1921 and 1928, ad on the right side of the receiver on models M1 and M1A1. Separate manual safety and fire mode selector levers were located on the left side of receiver, above the trigger. Barrel was usually partially finned, and on model 1928, fitted with so-called Cutts compensator (not present on M1 and M1A1). Feed was from double-row box magazines containing 20 or 30 rounds, or drum magazines holding 50 or 100 rounds. Box magazines were inserted into the magazine slot from below; drum magazines were inserted into the same slot from the side. Drum magazines were not available for M1 and M1A1 submachine guns.
Furniture included pistol grip, detachable wooden shoulder stock and either a detachable forward grip or a horizontal forearm. Sights on pre-war models included front blade and protected rear, which combined a fixed open-notch blade and raising diopter, which was adjustable for both windage and range (up to 500 yards). Wartime models (M1928A1, M1 and M1A1) used a simple fixed aperture (diopter) rear sight, with or without protecting side "ears".
At the present time, Kahr Arms makes a variety of "Tommy-guns" under Auto Ordnance trade mark. These weapons are limited to semi-automatic fire only and usually have longer barrel to conform to US laws.
Furniture included pistol grip, detachable wooden shoulder stock and either a detachable forward grip or a horizontal forearm. Sights on pre-war models included front blade and protected rear, which combined a fixed open-notch blade and raising diopter, which was adjustable for both windage and range (up to 500 yards). Wartime models (M1928A1, M1 and M1A1) used a simple fixed aperture (diopter) rear sight, with or without protecting side "ears".
At the present time, Kahr Arms makes a variety of "Tommy-guns" under Auto Ordnance trade mark. These weapons are limited to semi-automatic fire only and usually have longer barrel to conform to US laws.
Ingram MAC Model 10 / M10 and Model 11 / M11 submachine guns (USA)
Ingram M10 in .45ACP caliber, as made by MAC, with stock extended.
Ingram M10 in 9x19mm caliber, as made by MAC, with stock retracted.
Ingram M11 in 9mm Short, with installed silencer.
Ingram M11 in 9mm Short (9x17, .380ACP) caliber, as made by RPB Industries, with 16-round
magazine.
Ingram M10 in "carbine version" with extended barrel and modified shoulder stock.
Cobray M11 "pistol" in 9x19mm - one of semi-automatic clones made to Ingram M10 pattern; note longer receiver and lack of fire mode selector switch.
Characteristics
| Ingram M10 | Ingram M11 | |
| Caliber | .45ACP and 9x19 Luger | 9x17 Browning Short (.380ACP) |
| Weight | 2,84 kg empty | 1,59 kg empty |
| Length | 269 / 548 mm | 222 / 460 mm |
| Barrel length | 146 mm | 129 mm |
| Rate of fire | 1145 (.45) / 1090 (9mm) rounds per minute | 1200 rounds per minute |
| Magazine capacity | 30 (.45) or 32 (9mm) rounds | 16 or 32 rounds |
| Effective range | 50-70 meters | 30-50 meters |
Gordon B. Ingram, an American arms designer who previously developed several submachine guns under his own name (such as Ingram Model 6), began work on a more compact submachine gun, suitable for clandestine operations, in around 1964. Several prototypes were made by Ingram by 1965, and in 1966 at least one prototype gun was purchased by US Army for test and evaluation. In around 1969 Ingram joined the Sionics Co, which previously manufactured silencers for small arms, and company started tooling up to produce Ingram submachine guns. In 1970 the Sionics was incorporated into larger company Military Armament Corporation (or MAC in short), located in Powder Springs, GA, USA. The same year MAC company commenced production of two versions of Ingram submachine guns - the larger Model 10 (M10), chambered for 9x19 or .45ACP ammunition, and smaller Model 11 (M11), chambered for 9x17 (9mm Short or .380ACP). Either version was available with silencers, developed by Sionics / MAC. The MAC ceased its functioning in 1976, and manufacturing rights for Ingram M10 and M11 submachine guns were transferred to RPB Industries Inc, located in Atlanta, CA. later on, submachine guns and semi-automatic only "pistols" and carbines, based on Ingram design, were manufactured by several more companies, such as SWD Inc, Cobray, and others. Copies of M10 were manufactured in Taiwan and Japan. Original weapons wee sold to Chile and Yugoslavia during early 1970s; later on, sales were made to some Asian and South American countries.
Ingram Model 10 and Model 11 submachine guns were intended for close encounters and for concealed carry. Several versions of M10 were made with longer barrels, including rare "carbine" version with barrel being about 450mm (18") long, and partially enclosed into perforated barrel jacket. The "civilian" clones of Ingram models were made in a great variety of modifications, with minor differences in almost every detail. Cobray 9mm M11 "pistols", for example, were based on experimental submachine guns developed at RPB Indusries in around 1979; these guns had longer receivers necessary to increase the bolt travel and thus decrease the rate of fire; in semi-automatic versions this feature is, obviously, irrelevant.
Ingram Model 10 is blowback-operated, selective-fire submachine gun, that fires from open bolt. The bolt has firing pin milled in its body (or pinned to it). Bolt is of telescoped design, with most of its weight located in front of the breech face, around the barrel. Cocking handle is located at the top fo the gun, and can be used to lock the bolt in forward position, when handle is turned sideways by 90 degrees. The receiver is made from formed sheet steel and consist of two parts - upper and lower. Receiver parts are connected by steel pin at the front of the weapon. Charging handle is located at the top of the receiver and doesn't move with the bolt when firing. The muzzle of the barrel is threaded to accept silencer. Controls include a manual safety, made in the form of a slider located inside the trigger guard, and a separate fire mode selector, made in form of a rotary lever located on left side of weapon, above the front of trigger guard. The shoulder stock was of telescoped design with folding shoulder rest made of steel wire. To provide additional stability, a leather loop attached to the front of the receiver, which is used to hold the gun by non-firing hand.
Sights are f most simple type, and include non-adjustable diopter type rear and protected front blade
Sights are f most simple type, and include non-adjustable diopter type rear and protected front blade
Smith & Wesson SW Model 76
submachine gun (USA)
Smith & Wesson M76 submachine gun, left side; shoulder stock opened.
Smith & Wesson M76 submachine gun, right side; shoulder stock folded.
Characteristics
| Caliber | 9x19mm Luger / Parabellum |
| Weight | 3,2 kg empty |
| Length (stock closed/open) | 496 / 775 mm |
| Barrel length | 204 mm |
| Rate of fire | 720 rounds per minute |
| Magazine capacity | 36 rounds |
| Effective range | 150-200 meters |
The Smith & Wesson company is most famous for its long line of world-class revolvers, which was complemented by semi-automatic pistols sinceearly 1950's. It is less known fact that this company was also engaged in development of other small arms, including long guns and selective-friedweapons, for police and military use. The story of Smith & Wesson submachine gun began in around 1966, when US Navy failed to obtain a batch of Swedish CarlGustaf M/45 submachine guns for clandestine operations in South-East Asia.The peaceful Sweden blocked the sales of war materiel to USA, and US Navy went for domestic source of 9mm submachine guns. Seeing the need of US Navy, S&W decided to jump to the bandwagon and produce a gun for Navy, and done so in1967, producing a clone of Swedish M/45 submachine gun. However, by this time Navy dropped its requirement, and only several thousands of new submachine gun, designated as S&W Model 76, were manufactured for police and civilian sales until 1974 (before 1986, law-abiding citizens of US were able to legally purchase newly made selective-fired and full automatic weapons under NFA-34 legislation). At about the same time, Smith & Wesson company was researching the possibility of use of caseless ammunition with electronic ignition. For this purpose, in 1968 S&W engineers developed a prototype submachine gun based on Model 76, but with alterations necessary to fire electrically-primed caseless ammunition of 9mm caliber. The experimental gun looked much like the prototype, but it had a rectangular battery housing below the receiver, in front of trigger guard, which contained two 12-volt batteries. The gun fired quite well, but ammunition was a source of serious problems, as its caseless design provided no protection from elements or rough handling.
Later on, a very close copy of S&W M76 was made in both selective-fire and semi-automatic only versions by small US company MK Arms. This version was designated as MK-760
Later on, a very close copy of S&W M76 was made in both selective-fire and semi-automatic only versions by small US company MK Arms. This version was designated as MK-760
.
Smith & Wesson Model 76 submachine gun is blowback operated,selective-fired weapon which fires from open bolt. The receiver is made fromsteel tube, with the pistol grip, and magazine housing welded to its bottom. The trigger housing with ambidextrous safety / fire mode selector switch can be removed from below the receiver during full disassembly. The feed is from double-stack magazines, inserted from below, ejection is to the right. Versions of Model 76 were made with or without perforated barrel jacket. The sights consisted of fixed blade front and fixed aperture rear, both mounted on receive rand protected by side "ears". The shoulder stock was made from steel wire and folded forward and to the left to save lenght.
Ruger MP9 submachine gun (USA)
Ruger MP9 submachine gunwith folded buttstock.
Ruger MP9 submachine gunwith buttstock in combat position.
Characteristics
Caliber: 9x19mm Luger/Para
Weight: 3 kg empty
Length (stock closed/open): 376 / 556 mm
Barrel length: 173 mm
Rate of fire: 550-650 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 32 rounds
Effective range: 50-100 meters
Weight: 3 kg empty
Length (stock closed/open): 376 / 556 mm
Barrel length: 173 mm
Rate of fire: 550-650 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 32 rounds
Effective range: 50-100 meters
The Ruger MP9 submachine gun was designed as a compact weapon for law enforcement forces. It is based on basic design of the Uziel Gal (author of the UZI SMG), further improved by the Ruger company.The MP9 was released in 1995 for police and military sales in the USA.
Basically, MP9 may be called "improved UZI". Main improvements over the Uziinclude following: the blowback operated action is redesigned to be fired from the closed bolt, to increase accuracy; the lower receiver with integral pistol grip is made from Zytel polymer, while the upper receiver is made from stainless steel; the buttstock is redesigned, and is of folding / telescoped design. MP9 submachine gun features three positions safety / fire mode selector with "safe", "semi-auto" and "full-auto" positions, as well as a separate firing pin block to increase safety. The quickly detachable barrel is loaded with spring to cushion the impact of the bolt on closure. The cocking handle is located at the top of the receiver.
SIG-Sauer MPX submachine gun (USA)
SIG-Sauer MPX submachine gun
SIG-Sauer MPX-K compact submachine gun
SIG-Sauer MPX-S silenced submachine gun
SIG-Sauer MPX-C semi-automatic carbine
MPX
|
MPX-K
|
MPX-SD
| |
Caliber, mm
|
9x19 Luger, .357 SIG, .40 SW
| ||
Length, overall
|
460 / 580 mm (18.1/22.8 in)
|
409 / 528 mm (16.1/20.8 in)
|
688 / 808 mm (27.1/31.8 in)
|
Weight, w/o magazine
|
2.1 kg (4.6 lbs)
|
2.0 kg (4.4 lbs)
|
2.9 kg (6.3 lbs)
|
Barrel length
|
165 mm (6.5 in)
|
114 mm (4.5 in)
|
165 mm (6.5 in)
|
Magazine capacity
|
10, 20 or 30 rounds
| ||
Rate of fire
|
850 rounds per minute
| ||
SIG-Sauer MPX is a newest product of the US branch of famous international arms-making company SIG-Sauer. First announced at Shot Show 2013, this submachine gun is available in several selective fire configurations for military and police use, as well as in semi-automatic only civilian-legal carbine version. Obviously, this new submachine gun is intended to compete with famous HK MP5 submachine gun on American market, but it also has strong export potential, especially if the price will be held at more competitive level.
SIG MPX submachine gun is a modular weapon which can be user-configured to fire three calibers (9x19 mm Luger/Parabellum, .357 SIG or .40 S&W), and features AR15-style controls and overall configuration, to shorten learning curve to operators already accustomed to M16 / M4 type rifles and carbines. Basic configurations of the SIG MPX are: standard version with 165 mm / 6.5” barrel, short version with 114 mm / 4.5” barrel (MPX-K with shoulder stock and MPX-P without shoulder stock) and integrally silenced MPX-SD. Civilian MPX-C carbine features same 165 mm / 6.5” barrel as a standard model, but with the permanently attached long muzzle brake / compensator to ensure overall barrel length of 16 inches to conform to US regulations. What is interesting about this muzzle device is that it can be easily converted into sound suppressor (silencer) by installation of the tubular sleeve and muzzle cap. Sound suppressors (silencers) are legal for civilians to own and use in many states of USA, but are regulated under NFA’34 legislation. Therefore it can be assumed that the sleeve and/or muzzle cap will be sold separately from the gun as NFA-regulated (Class 3) items.
SIG MPX submachine gun is built on the aluminum alloy receiver, patterned after the AR15 type receiver, but made necessarily shorter, and with shorter magazine well to accommodate dedicated pistol-caliber magazines. Unlike most other submachine guns SIG-Sauer MPX is gas operated weapon, utilizing short-stroke gas piston and rotary bolt locking. Despite claims of SIG-Sauer marketing department, the MPX isn’t the “world’s first” gas operated, locked breech submachine gun, as there are at least three production submachine gun with similar design features now in service worldwide – Chinese Type 79, German HK MP7 and Russian SR-2M.
SIG-Sauer MPX fires from closed bolt for enhanced accuracy and safety, and features hammer-fired trigger group with AR15/M16-style safety / fire selector lever. AR15/M16-style bolt hold-open device and charging handle are incorporated into the design. Barrels can be removed and installed by user with no tools, allowing for simple configuration and caliber change. Feed is from proprietary box magazines, made of translucent polymer and holding 10, 20 or 30 rounds. SIG MPX submachine gun can be equipped with 3-position telescoping stock, side-folding stock or no stock at all. Additional accessories can be mounted to Picatinny rails on the forend. Sights (iron, red dot or IR/Night) can be installed according to user preferences on the top Picatinny rail, made integral to the upper receiver.
Elf-2 submachine gun (Ukraine)
Elf-2 submachine gun, prototype.
Characteristics
Caliber: 9x18 PM
Weight: 2.5 kg less magazine
Length (stock closed/open): 416 / 580 mm
Barrel length: 240 mm
Rate of fire: 450 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 25 or 32 rounds
Effective range: 100-150 meters
Weight: 2.5 kg less magazine
Length (stock closed/open): 416 / 580 mm
Barrel length: 240 mm
Rate of fire: 450 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 25 or 32 rounds
Effective range: 100-150 meters
The Elf-2 submachine gun has been developed by one of the most controversialarms design facilities, the infamous KB-ST (Design Bureau for SpecialTechniques) of Ukraine. This bureau actively worked during mid- to late 1990s in attempts to produce new and perspective small arms of inexpensive price but theoretically outstanding combat characteristics. Despite much hype and praise in local Ukrainian press no Russian or Western expert were ever allowed to test these "wunderwaffe" seriously, and no production versions ever appeared. Taking into account the fact that KB-ST organization finally folded in about 2002, we may assume that these weapons were actually something else,representing a handful of roughly made prototypes of questionable usefulness.
Elf-2 submachine gun was intended to compete with designs like IMIUzi or Steyr MPi-69. It had similar layout with magazine inserted into pistol grip and telescoped bolt. However, the bolt was made from two linked parts to provide slower (and more controllable) rate of fire of about 450 rounds per minute. Another very unusual feature was the forced air cooling system of the barrel - front part of the moving bolt acted like airpump, pushing the air through the barrel jacket. In theory, this was necessary to provide sustained fire capability, but the real usefulness of such feature in submachine gun is really questionable. Actual design of the two-part retarded blowback breech block system was not disclosed, but this system was claimed to provide minimal recoil and vibrations. Elf-2 fired from open bolt with advanced primer ignition. Other features included folding front grip (which also served as a spare magazine holder) and retractable buttstock made from wire and stamped steel.
TASCO 7ET9 / 7ET10 submachine gun
(Ukraine)
TASCO 7ET10 submachine gun, caliber 9x19.
Characteristics
Caliber: 7.62x25 TT (7ET9) or 9x19mm Luger/Para (7ET10)
Weight: 2.5 kg less magazine
Length (stock closed/open): 360 / 550 mm
Barrel length: 200 mm
Rate of fire: 600 (7ET9) or 900 (7ET10) rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
Effective range: 100-150 meters
Weight: 2.5 kg less magazine
Length (stock closed/open): 360 / 550 mm
Barrel length: 200 mm
Rate of fire: 600 (7ET9) or 900 (7ET10) rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
Effective range: 100-150 meters
The 7ET9 submachine gun is indevelopment by the state-owned TASCO corporation of Ukraine. Apparently it is based on the unsuccessful prototype Elf-2 submachine gun, developed during mid-1990s by questionable and now-defunct KB-STorganization. Unlike the prototype, the 7ET9 returned to simple design and more or less realistic characteristics. It is fairy typical submachine gun of conventional design; originally developed for more or less obsolete 7.62x25 TTcartridge, it was also developed into 9x19 version, known as 7ET10. According to available information both versions are still not completely developed and neither is being manufactured so far. Very little proven and factual information is available on this design, so description below may have some speculations and assumptions rather than facts.
The 7ET9 is a simple blowback weapon. It uses stamped steel receiver and fires from open bolt. Charging handleis made in the form of dual sliders located at either side of receiver. Magazine is inserted into pistol grip. Submachine gun is fitted with top-folding shoulder stock and folding front grip, which can be dismounted and replaced by forend with integral tactical light or laser pointer. Special silencer could be attached to the barrel. All accessories for 7ET9 are made by the TASCO corporation.
MAT Modele 1949 / MAT-49 submachine
gun (France)
MAT-49 submachine gun, right side. Shoulder stock is retracted, ejection window dustcover is closed.
MAT-49 submachine gun, left side.
MAT-49 submachine gun, with shoulder stock retracted, magazine removed and magazine housing folded forward for compact storage or transportation.
Characteristics
Caliber: 9x19mm Luger/Parabellum
Weight: 3.6 kg w/o magazine
Length (stock closed/open): 404 / 660 mm
Barrel length: 230 mm
Rate of fire: 600 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 20 and 32 rounds
Effective range: 100 meters
Weight: 3.6 kg w/o magazine
Length (stock closed/open): 404 / 660 mm
Barrel length: 230 mm
Rate of fire: 600 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 20 and 32 rounds
Effective range: 100 meters
MAT-49 submachine gun was developed at the French state arms factory MAT (Manufacture Nationale d'Armes de Tulle) in the late 1940s, and was adopted by the Armee de Terre (French Army) in 1949. First batches were delivered in 1950, and production of the MAT-49 continued at Tulle until mid-1960s, when it was transferred to the MAS factory at the St.Etienne. Production was ceased in about 1979, when French army officially adopted the FAMAS assault rifle. For some 30 years the MAT-49 was widely used by French military and police forces, and it was brought through the Indo-China and Algeria campaigns, and it still could be encountered in ex-French colonies in Africa and Indo-China. It should be noted that North Vietnamese once produced local copy of the MAT-49, chambered for 7.62mm TT round. MAT-49 is no longer used by French army, but still can be sometimes seen in the hands of the Police and Gendarmerie officers. For police use, MAT also produced a specialized version, known as MAT-49/54. This was fitted with longer barrel and with selective fire mechanism with dual triggers.
MAT-49 is a blowback operated, box magazine fed submachine gun which fires from open bolt. Most parts of the gun, including the receiver, pistol grip and a magazine housing, are stamped from sheet steel. Magazine housing can be folded forward and below the barrel when gun is not in use, to save space. Buttstock is made of steel wire and is retractable. MAT-49 is equipped with automated grip safety, located at the back of the pistol grip. Bolt retracting handle is located on the left side of the receiver; its slot is covered with sliding dustcover. Ejection window on the right side also is fitted with spring-loaded dustcover which opens up automatically when bolt is cocked. Army issue MAT-49 submachine guns can only fire in full automatic mode, but some batches were made for Gendarmerie and Police with dual triggers, and those guns were capable of both full-auto and single shots. Police guns also sometimes were made with longer barrels and non-retractable wooden stocks. Rear sights are of flip-up type, "L"-shaped and marked for 50 and 100 meters distance.
Hotchkiss "type Universal" submachine
gun (France)
Hotchkiss "type Universal" submachine gun in ready-to-useconfiguration.
Hotchkiss "type Universal" submachine gun in collapsed configuration(note that the size of package can be further decreased by telescoping thebarrel back into receiver by about 1/2 of its length).
Characteristics
| Caliber | 9x19mm Luger / Parabellum |
| Weight | 3,43 kg empty |
| Length (stock closed/open) | 540 / 776 mm (440 mm when completely "folded") |
| Barrel length | 273 mm |
| Rate of fire | 650 rounds per minute |
| Magazine capacity | 32 rounds |
| Effective range | 150-200 meters |
Hotchkiss "type Universal" submachine gun is one of most unusual weapons that appeared during early post-WW2 period. It was announced by once famous French arms-making company Societe des Armes a Feu Portatives Hotchkiss et Cie in 1949, and was produced until about 1952. The idea behind this gun was to made it as compact as possible when carrying or storing; the intended market for such weapon could be either paratroopers or people engaged in all sorts of clandestine operations. As a result of development, the "type Universal" submachine gun was able to be folded into a rather small package, only 440mm long when completely "collapsed". On the minus side, resulting weapon was overly complicated and expensive to make. It had many parts and probably was not reliably enough for any serious use. Small number of Hotchkiss "Universal" submachine guns saw action during earlier stages of war in the Indochina; few were purchased by Venezuela during early 1950s, but there were no more buyers and production of this gun has stopped.
It is also possible that it was the Hotchkiss "Universal" submachine gun that inspired Eugene Stoner when he devised his Ares Folding Machine Gun.
It is also possible that it was the Hotchkiss "Universal" submachine gun that inspired Eugene Stoner when he devised his Ares Folding Machine Gun.
Except for its ability to fold down into a small package, Hotchkiss "type Universal" submachine gun is rather conventional weapon, using simple blowback action. It fires from open bolt, and capable of selective fire (fire mode selector is made in the form of cross-bolt button above pistol grip). The cocking handle has a sliding dustcover on its slot, and does not move when gun is fired. The sights consist of hooded front and flip-type aperture rear, marked for 50 and 100 meters.
The buttstock and pistol grip are made from sheet steel. When gun need to be collapsed, the pistol grip is pivoted forward to cover trigger guard, and magazine housing is folded forward to lie below the barrel. The buttstock then folds down and forward, and locks to the outer walls of magazine housing. If gun has to be further collapsed, operator shall depress a special latch that is located at the front of receiver, below the barrel. barrel then can be pushed backwards and into the receiver. It must be noted that it took more than fewseconds to bring gun back to action from "fully collapsed" state.
SIG MP-48 MP-310 submachine gun
(Switzerland)
SIG MP-48 submachine gun.
SIG MP-310 submachine gun.
Characteristics
| Caliber | 9x19mm Luger / Parabellum |
| Weight | 2.35 kg unloaded |
| Length (stock closed/open) | 610 / 735 mm |
| Barrel length | 200 mm |
| Rate of fire | 900 rounds per minute |
| Magazine capacity | 40 rounds |
| Effective range | 150-200 meters |
After the WW2 Schweizerishe Industrie-Gesellshaft company, also known as SIG,decided to produce an all-new submachine gun, better suited for modern tactics and significantly less expensive that relatively unsuccessful SIG MKMO submachine guns of pre-WW2 period. The first such weapon appeared in 1948. Known as SIG MP-48, it was relatively simple and compact design, which made good use of modern precision steel casting techniques. Despite of its merits, sales of MP-48 were relatively weak, with the only one major customer being the Chile. During late fifties, when SIG switched over to special model numbers rather than year of introduction model designation, a final SIG submachine gun was brought to the market. Known as SIG MP-310 (the 3xx model indexes were reserved for submachine guns, while 2xx indexes were reserved for pistols and 5xx - for assault rifles), this weapon was also sold internationally in limited numbers. The key difference between MP-48 and MP-310 was that the latter used precision cast polymer stock instead of the wooden stock of the predecessor. Otherwise both guns were quite similar. Production of the SIG MP-310 continued until about 1972, and in limited numbers. Few were sold to South America, and some were purchased by various Swiss police organisations.
SIG MP-310 submachine gun is simple blowback operated weapon that fires from open bolt. Fire mode selection is made by the pull of the trigger, short pull producing single shots and long pull producing automatic fire. No manual safety was provided on the weapon, as the folding magazine housing was considered sufficient for this purpose. When magazine was folded forward, to lie horizontally below the barrel, the gun was completely safe and compact. A push on the magazine housing lock button, located on the left side of the gun, released the magazine and permitted it to fall under its own weight to vertical (ready to fire) position, where it was locked by same button-operated catch. Sights were adjustable for range between 50 and 200 meters (rotary drum-type rear sight with 4 notches). Stock was made from plastic integral with pistol grip, with telescoped buttstock made of steel wire.
SIG MP-310 submachine gun is simple blowback operated weapon that fires from open bolt. Fire mode selection is made by the pull of the trigger, short pull producing single shots and long pull producing automatic fire. No manual safety was provided on the weapon, as the folding magazine housing was considered sufficient for this purpose. When magazine was folded forward, to lie horizontally below the barrel, the gun was completely safe and compact. A push on the magazine housing lock button, located on the left side of the gun, released the magazine and permitted it to fall under its own weight to vertical (ready to fire) position, where it was locked by same button-operated catch. Sights were adjustable for range between 50 and 200 meters (rotary drum-type rear sight with 4 notches). Stock was made from plastic integral with pistol grip, with telescoped buttstock made of steel wire.
B&T Advanced Police Carbine / APC
submachine gun (Switzerland)
B&T Advanced Police Carbine / APC submachine gun
B&T Advanced Police Carbine / APC submachine gun with B&T Helmet stock
self-loading 'civilian' version of the B&T Advanced Police Carbine / APC
Caliber
|
9x19 NATO / Luger, .45ACP
|
Weight
|
2,5 kg w.empty 30-rd magazine and red-dot sight
|
Overall length
|
597 / 379 mm
|
Barrel length
|
175 mm
|
Rate of fire
|
1080 rounds/min
|
Magazine capacity
|
15, 20, 25 or 30 rounds
|
Advanced Police Carbine (APC in short) is a most recent creation of the well-known Swiss company B&T AG (formerly known as Brugger & Thomet AG). It was first announced to general public in 2011. This weapon is a result of careful analysis of current requirements of Law Enforcement and Military Special Forces for a compact and versatile pistol-caliber weapon, which can be used for either defensive role (as PDW) or as an offensive weapon for many CQB and MOUT scenarios. B&T APC submachine gun is a modular weapon which will be available in several calibers (initial offerings are ubiquitous 9x19 Luger and .45APC, still popular in USA) and in several configurations, including selective-fire submachine guns strictly for ‘government users’ and semi-automatic only carbines for certain police and security applications as well as for civilian use (where permitted by law). B&T APC submachine gun is offered as a ‘package’, with nice set of accessories including red dot sight, detachable forward grip, sling, detachable flashlight mount, so it is ready for serious tactical use right out of the box. It is built with typical Swiss quality and attention to details, and is compliant with NATO qualification requirements. Serious considerations also were made to ensure affordable cost of the package.
B&T Advanced Police Carbine / APC submachine gun is a simple blowback operated weapon, firing from closed bolt. It is available in two versions, selective-fired and semi-auto only. In either version, it has a hammer-fired ignition system. Safety / fire selector switches are of ambidextrous design, and conveniently located at the top of the pistol grip. Selective-fired APC submachine guns have three position levers (Safe – Semi – Auto) while semi-automatic carbines have two-position levers (Safe – Fire). One interesting aspect of the semi-auto APC is that it uses AR15-style trigger unit, which will accept many after-market replacement parts. All other controls, such as bolt hold-open release button and magazine catch button, also are duplicated on either side of the gun for ambidextrous use, and charging handle can be installed on either side of the bolt, according to user preferences. Construction of the B&T APC submachine gun involves modern materials, such as aerospace-grade alloy for upper receiver and polymers for lower receiver / pistol grip, magazines and shoulder stock. B&T APC submachine gun is designed to handle most, if not all types of factory ammunition in its respective caliber, feeding from double stack, double feed magazines of various capacities, originally developed for B&T MP9 or MP45 submachine guns. All B&T APC submachine guns come with 3-lug barrels which would accept quick-detachable sound suppressors (‘silencers’), also developed by B&T.
Special version of the B&T APC submachine gun, known as APC-LE, is adapted for effective use of standard, normally supersonic 9mm ammunition in conjunction with the sound suppressor. This version features built in, manually switchable gas valve which allows to release some powder gases from the bore, decreasing average working pressures and thus dropping muzzle velocity of the bullets below the speed of sound, to further decrease firing signature. When silencer is not required or when special subsonic ammunition is available, this valve can be disengaged to use all available energy of the powder gases to propel the bullet.
Standard furniture for the B&T Advanced Police Carbine / APC submachine gun includes side-folding shoulder stocks (either more or less typical skeletonized one or proprietary B&T Helmet Stock, intended for use by police personnel wearing helmets with protective ballistic visors). Other accessories like forward grip, tactical lights and/or lasers can be mounted on NATO accessory rails, also known as Picatinny-type rails, installed on the forend. Standard sighting equipment includes Aimpoint TL1 red dot sight, mounted using B&T quick detach mount onto the top accessory rail, and integral back-up iron sights on folding bases, which are normally folded out of sight but can be rapidly popped up for emergency use.
Carl Gustaf Kpist M/45 submachine gun
(Sweden)
Original Carl Gustaf Kpist M/45 submachine gun with detachable magazine housing.
Carl Gustaf Kpist M / 45B submachine gun with fixed magazine housing.
Carl Gustaf M/45B submachine gun fitted with typical Swedish accessory - a catcher bag for spent cases.
Characteristics
Caliber: 9x19mm Luger/Parabellum/NATO
Weight: 3.43 kg empty
Length (stock closed/open): 552 / 806 mm
Barrel length: 203 mm
Rate of fire: 600 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 36 or 50 rounds
Effective range: 200 meters
Weight: 3.43 kg empty
Length (stock closed/open): 552 / 806 mm
Barrel length: 203 mm
Rate of fire: 600 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 36 or 50 rounds
Effective range: 200 meters
This submachine gun had been developed by Swedish state-owned Carl Gustaf Arms company in 1945. It is long out of production but still in service with Swedish Army, and was manufactured under license in Indonesia and Egypt (under the name of "Port Said"). Carl Gustaf M/45 submachine gun is a simple and well-designed weapon, made in a typical Swedish manner -that is, very durable and reliable.
Carl Gustaf Kpist M/45 submachine gun (Kpist stands for Kulsprutepistol- submachine gun in Swedish) is a relatively simple, blowback operated, full automatic onlyf irearm that fires from open bolt. The receiver is made from steel tube, the separate barrel jacket is also made from perforated steel tube.Original M/45 submachine guns had removable magazine housings of two types - one for Finnish Suomi-type 50-round four-column magazines, and another - for proprietary 36-round two columns magazines. Later, the Suomi magazines were dropped from service, and the M/45B variant appeared with fixed magazine housings. The manual safety is made in the form of a hook-shaped cut made at the rear of the cocking handle slot; itis used to engage cocking handle when bolt is in retracted position. The sights consist of front blade and flip-type rear sight, marked for 100 and 200 meters.Shoulder stock is made from thin steel tubing and folds forward and to the right.
SKORPION / SCORPION EVO III
submachine gun (Czech republic)
Prototype Laugo submachine gun, which served as a starting point for the design of SKORPION EVO III submachine gun.
SCORPION EVO III submachine gun.
SCORPION EVO III submachine gun.
Characteristics
| Caliber | 9x19mm Luger / Parabellum |
| Weight | 2.1 kg empty |
| Length (stock closed/open) | 400 / 650 mm |
| Barrel length | 196 mm |
| Rate of fire | 1100 rounds per minute |
| Magazine capacity | 20 or 30 rounds |
SCORPION EVO III submachine gun is a most recent product of the famous Czech small arms manufacturer Česká Zbrojovka Uherský Brod (CZ-UB). This weapon began its life in Slovakia in around 2002, as the Laugo submachine gun / personal defense weapon. Once the design became mature, it was sold to CZ-UB, which brought it to public attention in 2009 as SKORPION EVO III submachine gun. It seems that this weapon is targeted for police market, but it also can found some use by certain military units. An export version of the SKORPION EVO III submachine gun is also proposed, chambered for .40SW ammunition which is very popular as a police round in USA and certain South American countries.
SCORPION EVO III submachine gun is a simple blowback operated, selective fired weapon that fires from closed bolt. It has a separate hammer unit, with ambidextrous safety / fire mode selector, that offers single shots, 3-round bursts and full automatic fire modes. The charging handle is located on the left side of the gun, above the forend. The receiver, pistol grip / trigger unit and the forend all are made from polymer. The side-folding shoulder stock is also made from polymer, and can be adjusted for length of pull due to telescopic design. Iron sights are installed on removable bases, using integral Picatinny type rail on the top of receiver. Additional sighting equipment can be added using this same rail; three more accessory rails are installed at the sides and bottom of the forend. Feed is from detachable box magazines, made of semi-translucent plastic, that hold 20 or 30 rounds of ammunition.
BXP (South Africa)
BXP.
Characteristics
Caliber: 9x19mm Luger/Para
Weight: 2.5 kg
Lenght (stock closed/open): 387 / 607 mm
Barrel lenght: mm
Rate of fire: 1000 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 22, 32 rounds
Effective range: 50-100 meters
Weight: 2.5 kg
Lenght (stock closed/open): 387 / 607 mm
Barrel lenght: mm
Rate of fire: 1000 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 22, 32 rounds
Effective range: 50-100 meters
The BXP submachine gun had been developed in the South Africa by Mechem company for police and military use in mid-1980s and brought into production in 1988. It was designed due to significant shortage of arms in the South Africa due to international sanctions against regime. The BXP bears significant similarity to the American-made Ingram MAC-10 submachine gun, having similar general layout, receiver and bolt design, but with some improvements.
BXP is a blowback operated, selective fire weapon that fires from the open bolt. The receiver is made from stamped steel and consist of two halves - upper and lower. The bolt, in closed position, "sleeves" around the rear part of the barrel to save the overall length of the gun. The cocking handle is located at the top of the receiver. Unlike the MAC-10, the BXP has ambidextrous safety lever and separate fire mode selector, built into the trigger - when trigger is pressed partially, a single shot is fired; when trigger is pressed all the way back, gun fires in full-auto. Additional safety feature is a interceptor notch in the bolt that catches the bolt if it is released during the cocking but prior to be caught by the sear.
Another interesting feature of the BXP is a wide variety of muzzle devices, including silencers, heat shields, and even grenade launchers, that allow to fire non-lethal and explosive projectiles by the means of blank cartridge. BXP also features underfolding buttstock, made from stamped steel. The standard sights are of open type, but BXP can be equipped with laser aiming modules and collimating sights.
The rate of fire is relatively high at some 1000 rounds per second but BXP is said to be adequately controllable and accurate.
Minebea M-9 submachine gun (Japan)
Minebea M-9 submachine gun.
Characteristics
| Caliber | 9x19mm Luger / Parabellum |
| Weight | 2.8 kg / 6.2 lbs |
| Length | 399 mm / 15.7" |
| Barrel length | 120 mm / 4.7" |
| Rate of fire | 1100 rounds per minute |
| Magazine capacity | 25 rounds |
| Effective range | 50-100 meters |
Minebea M9 submachine gun was developed by Japanese Minebea company to replace obsolete US-made M3 submachine guns in service with Japan Self-defense Forces (JSDF). JSDFadopted this weapon during early 1990s to arm secondary military personnel like tank, vehicle and artillery crews (M9 is issued as a personal defense weapon instead of the traditional pistol). Minebea M9is based on Mini-Uzi submachine gun. It was produced under license from IMI (now IWI Ltd), and it seems that it is no longer made. Some sources in Japan suggest that JSDF is looking to replace this submachine gun (which has some dubious features) with German-made HK MP5 submachine guns.
In its basic design, Minebea M9 submachine gun closely resembles the Mini-Uzi.It has the same simple blowback action with bolt that telescopes around the rear part of the barrel. Firing is from open bolt (presumably), infull and semi-automatic modes. Unlike its prototype, Japanese submachine gun is fitted with additional front grip and a flash hider on the barrel. On the other hand, there's no shoulder stock, and this greatly limits the accuracy of fire, especially when firing in full automatic mode with such high rate of fire.
SIMA-CEFAR MGP-84 submachine gun
(Peru)
SIMA-CEFAR MGP-84 submachine gun
SIMA-CEFAR MGP-84 submachine gun with sound suppressor (silencer)
Caliber, mm
|
9x19
|
Length, overall, mm
|
284 / 503
|
Weight, kg
|
2.3 unloaded
|
Barrel length, mm
|
166
|
Magazine capacity, rounds
|
20 or 32
|
Rate of fire, rounds per minute
|
650 - 700
|
MGP-84 submachine gun was developed during second half of 1980s by SIMA-CEFAR (Servicios Industriales de la Marina-Centro de Fabricacion de Armas), arms manufacturing branch of the Peruvian Navy. It was intended to replace aged Micro-Uzi submachine guns and FN Browning “High Power” pistols in service with Peruvian Special Forces. Production of the MGP-84 commenced in 1989, and it is in use by Peruvian military and certain Special Forces of other Latin American countries.
SIMA-CEFAR MGP-84 submachine gun is a simple blowback weapon, firing from open bolt in single shots and full automatic modes. Bolt is of telescoping design, with most of its length located in front of the breech face. Fire mode selector / safety switch is located on the left side of the gun, above the trigger. Magazines are inserted into the pistol grip and compatible with Israeli UZI submachine guns. Shoulder stock is made from metal and folds forward and to the right. When folded, shoulder stock buttplate can be used as a forward grip for non-firing hand. For Special Forces use, MGP-84 can be equipped with removable sound suppressor (silencer).
