Submachine guns

Bergmann / Schmeisser MP-18/I submachine gun (Germany)







fame: world's first practical submachine gun and it also inspired future models
country: German Empire
year: 1917
produced: 1918-1920s

range: short
size: compact
weight: 4,1 kg
length: 83 cm
action: open bolt blowback
rounds: 32
sight: 100-200 metres
firing position: shoulder fire
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MP18






Shpagin PPSh-41 submachine gun (USSR)




fame: first general issue SMG
country: USSR, Soviet Union
year: 1941
Wars: WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Cambodian War
range: 500 metres, later 100-200 metres
length: 84 cm
weight: 3.63 kg
rounds: 71 (drum) and then 35 (curved box)
rate of fire: 900/min
range: 200-300 metres
action: blowback open bolt
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PPSh-41








MP-5N 9mm Submachine Gun








fame:
year: 1966-
country: West Germany
manufacturer: Heckler and Koch
number built: 6,000,000 (the same number as a Jews killed by Hitler)
features: flashlight
modes: automatic and semiautomatic
action: roller delayed blowback, closed bolt
uses: counter-terrorist organizations; armed forces and law enforcement in over 40 countries
bore diametre: 9mm
range: close quarters battle, 100 metres
weight: 3.38 kg
length: 49-66 cm
rate of fire: 800/minute
magazine: 30 rounds
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_MP5


Why are they named "sub" machine guns? They are one of the kinds of "machine guns", which includes SMG, autocannons, and machine guns (light, medium, heavy). A machine gun is bigger and fully automatic.


Vocabulary: magazine, safety, scope, tactical, general issue, striker, muzzle, trigger, barrel, blowback, bolt, spring, receiver, recoil, butt, "rate of fire", "bore diameter", barrel, stock