Sub-Machine Guns

The compact and efficient submachine gun has largely been replaced by assault rifles in modern armies, but they still are in use for special purposes. Highly refined designs like the Uzi or MP5 continue to provide much more firepower than a pistol while remaining easily portable and even concealable.

Soldier stands in a White Scout Car, aiming his M1928A1 Thompson submachine gun. During this training exercise, smoke has been generated over the battlefield. Fort Riley, KS, April 1942
Soldier stands in a White Scout Car, aiming his M1928A1 Thompson submachine gun. During this training exercise, smoke has been generated over the battlefield. Fort Riley, KS, April 1942. Thanks to 'NaMe LeSS' for correct ID of the Thompson.

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Submachine Guns

Submachine guns are automatic or selective fire weapons defined by their compact size and by the fact that they fire pistol ammunition. This section of Olive-Drab.com has information and photos of most of the important submachine guns used by the U.S. military and a few from other countries. Each of the submachine guns is described on its own page which can be reached by clicking on the links below.

M-1928A1 Thompson Submachine Gun with 50 round drum magazine. Photo taken June 1942 at Ft. Knox, KY
M-1928A1 Thompson Submachine Gun with 50 round drum magazine. Photo taken June 1942 at Ft. Knox, KY. Thanks to 'NaMe LeSS' for correct ID of the Thompson.

Recommended Books about Military Submachine Guns

Using the flight deck as a firing range, Gunnery Sergeant Barry E. Morgan and another two dozen Marines fire on targets with their MP5 Submachine Guns, 13 November 1998
Using the flight deck as a firing range, Gunnery Sergeant Barry E. Morgan and another two dozen Marines fire on targets with their MP5 Submachine Guns, 13 November 1998.

Find More Information on the Internet

There are many fine websites that have additional information on this topic, too many to list here and too many to keep up with as they come and go. Use this Google web search form to get an up to date report of what's out there.

For good results, try entering this: gun submachine or sub-machine. Then click the Search button.

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