What is the Best Submachine Gun?
In the world of firearms, the submachine gun has long been a fan favorite for its compact design, firepower, and maneuverability on the battlefield or in home defense situations. From the onset of World War I, submachine guns have consistently proven themselves as reliable, effective, and versatile pieces of weaponry.
History of Submachine Guns
The first true submachine gun was created by Maurice Fournier, an American inventor, in the early 1910s. His brainchild was the "flying shot" submachine gun, which fired rifle cartridges propelled by a mixture of hot gases and an explosive cord. The technology was used in World War I on the French battlefields but was ultimately surpassed by faster, more advanced designs from other countries, such as the Thompson M1928 and the Sterling L3A1, which served as the forebears of modern SMGs like the MP5 and USP9/45 used today.
Determining the Best SMG
To determine which submachine gun reigns supreme, we must look at five key factors that contribute to an SMG’s greatness:
- Type of Action**: Single-stroke blowback, straight blowback, or suppressed blowback determine the mechanical reliability and control of recoil.
- <b caliber**: The diameter and length of the bullet decide the type of damage that can inflict and the impact on ballistics.
- <b.Rate of Fire**: Smooth, controlled release of propellant energy versus rapid ignition and gas consumption.
- <b.Bullet Control**: Design constraints and controllability can significantly impair or enhance its effectiveness
- <b.Empirical Data: Records of various SMGs show how successful they have been in multiple scenarios
For this inquiry, we surveyed the present-day landscape by examining key models and then comparing attributes to rank which SMGs excel.
Top Pick: Heckler & Koch MP5-SD-NE
| Feature | MP5 | Thompson | Sterling L3 | USP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length (MM) | 420 MM | 840MM | 640-720MM | 235-310 MM |
| Weight (OZS) | 4LB 3 OZ | 6 LB 15 OZ | 9LB 15 OZ | 39 OZ |
| Calibre | 9x19mm Parabellum | .45 ACP | 7.62×51/.308 | .45 ACP |
| RoF per minute | 250-400 / 20-30 ft/s** | |||
| Rate-of-Fire | Quick | Rugged | Slick Smooth | Rapid ignition |
| Rate of Fire Example MP5/SD (High) = | 2000 / | 1350 / |
Recommendations for Alternative SMG Options
Though the German Heckler & Koch MP5 stands clear as the apex SMG, we considered other standout models. As an entry-level choice the H&K VP9 is a affordable, entry-level, while the other options mentioned.
For the Experienced Handler
USP9/45: Considered one of the original SMGs; its light weight, controllability, and overall performance earned it a following among modern shooters.
Other notable exceptions include the classic Tommy Gun 1927 for rugged reliability despite its slow cycling rate (10-2)
Sterling L3/60 Mk 5s: Considered an impressive SMG for its maneuverability yet still maintain reasonable accuracy,
Colt SMGE: Its fast rate (6-24/s speed) is unique among contemporaries
Final Thoughts
In comparison, Heckler & Koch’s MP5-SD-NE’s superior firing rate, precise control for recoil, along with unmatched reliability in demanding situations cement its status as the go-to submachine gun currently available.
Despite the introduction of other highly effective or innovative designs with unique character, we could not yet find an undeniable reason to dethrone our top pick for the absolute best SMG among the many in the diverse world of compact, lethal, and manageable firearms called submachine guns.
Final Table:
| [SMG] | USP9 |
|---|
| | ||
Type of ActionSingle-stroke blowback Straight-blowback Blown-recoil Supressed blow back
Caliber9,45ACP / 3.7×4.72mm / x51 MM
Rate-of-Fire250- 400 rof/ Min
Reliability |, | Strong |, |
Performance | Better | | Well
Calibre Control Bullet Control Controllability Effective
RoF (Hz)25-50. |
Weight 10-400 OZ Weight 235-310 M
Ruggedness ||
If you’re curious about guns, please contact us before making a significant purchase (or to provide feedback/ suggestions on submachine Guns).
