What is a Submachine Gun?
A submachine gun, also known as a machine pistol or MP, is a type of firearm that is designed to fire handgun cartridges, such as 9x19mm Parabellum or.45 ACP, at a rate of more than 500 rounds per minute. Unlike machine guns, which are designed to fire rifle cartridges, submachine guns are designed to fire handgun cartridges, which are smaller and less powerful than rifle cartridges.
History of Submachine Guns
The first submachine gun was invented in the 1910s by John Browning, an American gun designer. The first production model was the M1921 Thompson submachine gun, which was chambered in.45 ACP and became famous for its use by gangsters during the Prohibition era in the United States.
Design and Function
Submachine guns are typically designed to be compact, lightweight, and easy to handle. They are often used by military and law enforcement personnel due to their portability and versatility. Here are some key features of submachine guns:
• Rate of fire: Submachine guns are designed to fire at a rate of more than 500 rounds per minute, making them useful for suppressive fire.
• Cartridge size: Submachine guns fire handgun cartridges, which are smaller and less powerful than rifle cartridges.
• Barrel length: Submachine guns typically have short barrels, usually less than 10 inches (25 cm) in length.
• Caliber: Submachine guns are available in a variety of calibers, including 9x19mm Parabellum,.45 ACP, and 10mm Auto.
Types of Submachine Guns
There are several types of submachine guns, including:
• Fully automatic: These submachine guns fire continuously as long as the trigger is depressed and the magazine is full.
• Semiautomatic: These submachine guns fire one shot for each trigger pull and do not fire continuously.
• Burst mode: These submachine guns fire a predetermined number of rounds with each trigger pull.
Military and Law Enforcement Use
Submachine guns are widely used by military and law enforcement personnel due to their portability and versatility. Here are some key benefits of using submachine guns:
• Compact size: Submachine guns are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry and maneuver in tight spaces.
• High rate of fire: Submachine guns are capable of firing at a high rate of fire, making them useful for suppressive fire.
• Less recoil: Submachine guns have less recoil than larger firearms, making them easier to control.
Civilian Use
Submachine guns are also used by civilians, although their use is heavily regulated in many countries. Here are some key restrictions on civilian ownership of submachine guns:
• Background checks: In many countries, including the United States, civilian ownership of submachine guns requires a background check to ensure the buyer is not a criminal or a threat to public safety.
• Licensing requirements: In some countries, including the United States, civilian ownership of submachine guns requires a special license or permit.
• Ban on private ownership: In some countries, including the United Kingdom, private ownership of submachine guns is banned altogether.
Table: Submachine Gun Calibers
| Caliber | Description |
|---|---|
| 9x19mm Parabellum | One of the most common submachine gun calibers, widely used by military and law enforcement personnel. |
| .45 ACP | Another common submachine gun caliber, known for its high stopping power. |
| 10mm Auto | A larger caliber submachine gun, known for its high velocity and penetration. |
| 9x18mm Makarov | A Soviet-designed submachine gun caliber, widely used in Eastern Europe and other parts of the world. |
Conclusion
Submachine guns are a type of firearm that is designed to fire handgun cartridges at a high rate of fire. They are widely used by military and law enforcement personnel due to their portability and versatility. However, their use is heavily regulated in many countries, and civilian ownership is subject to strict laws and regulations.
