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Submachine Guns
(SMGs)
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FN P90 -
5.7x28mm FN - Belgium - 900 RPM - The P90 was designed as a Personal Defense Weapon (PDW): a compact, yet powerful weapon for heavy weapons crews, radio operators, vehicles crews, etc. The 5.7mm FN cartridge has amazing armor penetration, yet recoils less than a
9x19mm pistol cartridge. The unconventional nature of the design has hampered its commercial success.
Tactics: the FN
P90 is very small and is most effective in tight spaces. It's small high velocity round does best against unarmored
or lightly armored targets. If used in multiplayer against medium armored opponents use an
AP round. The large
magazine also makes this an attractive SMG. 1x Reflex sight.
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FN P90-SD -
Suppressed/Subsonic - 5.7x28mm FN - Belgium - 900 RPM - The
suppressed P90 was carried by point men in the rescue of the
Japanese embassy in Lima, Peru. It was used successfully to
pierce the body armor and kill the leader of the Tupac Amaru
terrorists. The standard Gemtech suppressor is surprisingly
small.
Tactics: See FN
P90. The subsonic round is light and weak but makes this weapon the quietest primary. Try for head shots if you
can. 1x Reflex sight.
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H&K 53A3 -
5.56x45mm NATO - Germany - 700 RPM - The HK 53 gives the power of the 5.56mm round in a package the size of a
MP5. The muzzle flash has been significantly reduced in recent production models, but it still suffers from unpleasant blast. It is a particular favorite among US State Department dignitary protection teams and other units that need the ability to pierce soft body armor, but can’t carry/conceal a full-sized rifle or carbine.
Tactics: This weapon
has a lot of power in a small package. It is best used in small spaces against almost any target. The recoil, however,
is significant so try to use single fire or small bursts and control it. Be careful of it's small magazine capacity,
it will run out of ammo fast. Diopter iron sights.
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H&K MP5/10 -
10x25mm Norma - Germany - 800 RPM - The preferred submachine gun of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, the MP5/10 delivers the same energy at 100 meters as a pistol at the muzzle. It is the hard hitting successor to the elderly Thompson SMG favored by the 'G-Men' of the 1930s. Unfortunately, sales have not been as impressive, and HK has made the decision to drop the MP5/10 and
MP5/40 in favor of a UMP variant chambered for
.40 S&W. There is no word whether there will be a 10x25mm version, but clearly there is room enough in the design.
Tactics: This is
a fine all-around short range weapon. The 10mm round has a lot of power so keep those bursts under control. Use
AP against armored targets to get through the chest armor or aim for the head/legs. Diopter iron sights.
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H&K MP5/10-SD
- Suppressed/Subsonic - 10x25mm Norma - Germany - 800 RPM - The preferred submachine gun of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, the MP5/10 delivers the same energy at 100 meters as a pistol at the muzzle. The suppressor designed by Knight Armament Company can even be used when filled with water; in fact, it becomes even quieter! Unfortunately, sales have not been as impressive, and HK has made the decision to drop the MP5/10 and MP5/40 in favor of a UMP variant chambered for .40 S&W. There is no word whether there will be a 10x25mm version, but clearly there is room enough in the design.
Tactics: A favorite
of some of the Red Storm staff. It is another good all around weapon and is quiet. The 10mm subsonic round still
has a lot of power. Diopter iron sights.
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H&K MP5/40 -
.40 S&W - Germany - 800 RPM - A by-product of the development of the MP5/10, the Heckler & Koch's MP5/40 maintains its predecessor's reliability and accuracy. Like all of the members of the
MP5 family, the MP5/40 can be fitted with trigger groups offering any combination of semi-auto, 2 round burst, 3 round burst, and full-auto fire. Even when firing on full automatic, the added punch of the .40 S&W cartridge is easily controlled. Unfortunately, sales have not been as impressive, and HK has made the decision to drop the MP5/10 and MP5/40 in favor of a UMP variant chambered for .40 S&W.
Tactics: Best used
against unarmored targets. A lower power version of the MP5/10. Diopter iron sights.
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H&K MP5/40-SD
- Suppressed/Subsonic - .40 S&W - Germany - 800 RPM - A by-product of the development of the MP5/10, the Heckler & Koch's MP5/40 maintains its predecessor's reliability and accuracy. Like all of the members of the
MP5 family, the MP5/40 can be fitted with trigger groups offering any combination of semi-auto, 2 round burst, 3 round burst, and full-auto fire. Even when firing on full automatic, the added punch of the .40 S&W cartridge is easily controlled. The suppressor designed by Knight Armament Company can even be used when filled with water; in fact, it becomes even quieter! Unfortunately, sales have not been as impressive, and HK has made the decision to drop the
MP5/10 and MP5/40 in favor of a UMP variant chambered for .40 S&W.
Tactics: Best used
against unarmored targets. A lower power version of the MP5/10-SD. Diopter iron sights.
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H&K MP5A4 -
9x19mm NATO - Germany - 800 RPM - In 1964, HK engineers led by Tilo Moller started work on 'Project 64': a 9x19mm submachine gun based on the
G3 rifle design. By 1966, the new SMG was introduced to the world as the HK54. The Bundeswehr was not interested, preferring to stick with their MP2 SMGs
(IMI Uzi). While users quickly noticed the high accuracy potential along with the controllable recoil provided by the closed bolt operation with the roller-locked breach, it was theorized that the design would not be robust enough for infantry use. However, this was not an issue for police organizations, and the Bundesgrenzschutz (Federal Border Guard) and Bundeszollpolizei (Federal Customs Police) took to the new design immediately. Upon the approval of funds by the West German Parliament, the HK54 was type classified as the MP5. The MP5 entered the CT community through the creation of the Bundesgrenzschutz's GSG9. From there, it filtered to the British SAS. After high-profile operations by both organizations, the MP5 became a status symbol among CT units and police SWAT organizations around the world.
Tactics: Best used
against unarmored targets in hostage rescue situations. THE standard SMG of almost any Counter Terrorist team world-wide.
Showing it's age compared against the newer H&K SMG's.
Diopter iron sights.
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H&K MP5K-PDW
- 9x19mm NATO - Germany - 900 RPM - Heckler & Koch's 9mm MP5K-PDW is a compact variation of the classic
MP5 design. While end-users desired a compact model, the original MP5K was actually too compact. The lack of a shoulder stock made control problematic given the high cyclic rate. The simple addition of a Choate designed folding stock made a dramatic difference in control while retaining the concealable profile. The PDW is an ideal choice when a full rifle or submachine gun is unmanageable and a handgun is a poor compromise. As a result, it has become a favorite among dignitary protection specialists and military helicopter crews. The PDW is typically equipped with the 'Navy' trigger group (Safe/Semi/Full); however, any standard MP5K trigger group can be fitted.
Tactics: Great for
tight quarters against unarmored targets in hostage rescue situations. Compact with good accuracy for short range
engagements. The short barrel makes the small round weaker than the MP5 however. Diopter iron sights.
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H&K MP5K-PDW-SD
- Suppressed/Subsonic - 9x19mm NATO - Germany - 900 RPM - Heckler & Koch's 9mm MP5K-PDW is a compact variation of the classic
MP5 design. While end-users desired a compact model, the original MP5K was actually too compact. The lack of a shoulder stock made control problematic given the high cyclic rate. The simple addition of a Choate designed folding stock made a dramatic difference in control while retaining the concealable profile. The PDW is an ideal choice when a full rifle or submachine gun is unmanageable and a handgun is a poor compromise. As a result, it has become a favorite among dignitary protection specialists and military helicopter crews. The PDW is typically equipped with the 'Navy' trigger group (Safe/Semi/Full); however, any standard MP5K trigger group can be fitted. The PDW's barrel has both a three lug mount and threads for the addition of suppressors and other devices.
Tactics: Great for
tight quarters against unarmored targets in hostage rescue situations. Compact with good accuracy for short range
engagements. The short barrel and subsonic rounds makes it's power weak however. It is very quiet. Diopter iron
sights.
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H&K MP5SD5 -
Suppressed/Subsonic - 9x19mm NATO - Germany - 800 RPM - Once the MP5 entered use in the CT community, it was only brief time before a suppressed version was requested. As a result, work began on the MP5SD in 1974. In order to eliminate the sonic 'crack' from ordinarily supersonic service ammunition, it was decided to port the barrel. In the final design, thirty 2.5mm holes are drilled around the circumference of the barrel, directly ahead of the chamber. As a result, the velocity of the projectile is reduced below the speed of sound. While the installed aluminum suppressor is not the most advanced or effective design on the market, the sound of firing is still reduced to that of an air hose 'puff'. The 'clicking' noise of the bolt cycling is more distinct. Be aware, this level of performance comes with a down-side. The attenuated velocity dramatically reduces the terminal ballistics and effective range of the chosen ammunition. This reduction is even more dramatic if the user is redundantly issued subsonic ammunition. As such, the user is advised to aim for the cranial vault in order to insure rapid incapacitation of the target.
Tactics: Best used
against unarmored targets in hostage rescue situations. THE standard supressed SMG of almost any Counter Terrorist
team world-wide. Diopter iron sights.
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H&K PDW - 4.6x30mm HK
- Germany - 950 RPM - The latest Heckler & Koch creation to carry the PDW label is designed to compete directly with Fabrique Nationale’s
P90. The Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) concept is intended to provide a compact, yet powerful weapon for heavy weapons crews, radio operators, vehicles crews, etc. who cannot otherwise by burdened with a full-size rifle or carbine.
The NATO requirements for a PDW insist that such weapons to be effective against targets wearing body armor (20 layers of Kevlar and a 1.6mm titanium trauma plate) out to a minimum of 30m while hand-held and 100m while shoulder-fired. However, the specs indicate that effective ranges of 50m and 200m (respectively) would be desirable. A loaded PDW should also weigh no more than 1.0kg for a hand-held weapon (0.7kg desired) and 3kg for a shoulder-fired weapon. The PDW is also to be ambidextrous and suitable for use with winter clothing, body armor, and NBC gear.
Unlike the unconventional arrangement of the P90, the HK PDW has its controls laid out like a pistol and borrows features from the Czech vz23 family, the Polish Wz63, the
IMI Uzi, and the Steyr
TMP. The pistol grip mounted magazine allows for a rapid and instinctive reload. The PDW is offered with a flush 20rd magazine and an optional extended 40rd mag. With the flush seating retractable stock and a folding vertical
foregrip, it is conceivable that the new PDW could even be carried in a holster like the similar Wz63. By moving the cocking handle to the rear of the receiver like an M16 (and Steyr
TMP), the top of the receiver is free for the mounting of a variety of optical devices including the recently prolific array of ultra-compact reflex sights. The center of the Picatinny mounting rail is relieved so that a crude set of notch and post sights can be used while the optics are not mounted. In an odd choice for a SMG-sized weapon, the HK PDW uses a scaled down version of the G36 gas-operation system. However, this should add plenty of strength for the 4.6x30mm cartridge.
The 4.6x30mm cartridge has been developed in conjunction with Royal Ordnance’s Radway Green appears to draw upon HK’s experimental 4.6x36mm cartridge for the HK36 ACR in the early ‘70s, while deleting its unique Loffelspitz (spoon-nose) projectile. Like the FN entry, the 4.6x30mm has amazing armor penetration, yet recoils less than a
9x19mm pistol cartridge. The smaller HK projectile appears to gives superior penetration over the FN variant, but this also detracts from the permanent wound cavity.
Tactics: Best
used against unarmored targets. Very light and compact. A good
replacement for the H&K MP5K-PDW. 1x Reflex sights.
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H&K UMP45 -
.45 ACP - Germany - 700 RPM - Another part of "Project 50" was the creation of a SMG family to replace the
MP5; the UMP45 is the first product of this new line. While it weighs less than the
MP5K-PDW, the low bore line of the UMP45 allows it to be as controllable as the full-sized MP5.
Tactics: The .45
ACP is best against unarmored targets. With JHP ammo it has very little
over penetration. The low rate of fire makes
it very controllable in full-auto bursts. Not very good against
armor, even with AP rounds. Diopter iron sights.
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H&K UMP45-SD - Supressed/Subsonic
- .45 ACP - Germany - 580 RPM -An HK UMP45 equipped with a sound suppressor. Of course, the suppression is not
as complete as the integral suppressor of the MP5SD. A good choice when a balance between power and silence is
required.
Tactics: The .45
ACP subsonic round retains a lot of it's power and so this weapon is nearly as powerful as the non-SD version.
It is very quiet, but a little heavier and bulkier. Diopter iron sights.
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IMI Tavor Micro
- 5.56x45mm NATO - Israel - 900 RPM - Following the example of the
Steyr AUG and more specifically the
Vektor CR21, the Tavor is yet another entry in the growing field of highly ergonomic bullpup rifles. Controls are easily swapped from one side to the other to suit the needs of the 'south-paw' population. Instead of an etched reticule reflex sight, IMI has made the decision to use a battery operated red dot sight. However, this is easily exchanged for any optical sight of the user's choice.
Several variations of the Tavor have been made, including a ‘sniper' version, the standard ‘full-size’, a shortened ‘Commando’ model, and the SMG-sized Micro Tavor. While the IDF may not adopt the standard Tavor in favor of the ‘freebie’
Colt M16A2 and M4A1 provided by US military aid funding, the shorter versions probably have a good chance on the export market. The current trend among SWAT and CT teams has been away from
9x19mm SMGs to compact 5.56x45mm weapons, which can easily pierce soft body armor while retaining favorable terminal ballistics. However, the downside to the SMG-sized 5.56x45mm weapons is their daunting blast and flash. Combine this with a bullpup design like the Micro Tavor, and you have a certain headache maker for the user.
Tactics: Rifle power
in a SMG size. This weapon is quite impressive however it's recoil is quite high because of it's light weight and
size. Use it on single fire for best results size most of your targets will only require one shot anyway, unless
in medium or heavy armor. 1x Reflex sight.
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IMI Uzi -
9x19mm NATO - Israel - 600 RPM - Influenced by the Czech M23 SMG series, Uziel Gal borrowed its telescoping bolt concept and in-grip magazine style for his own SMG, the UZI. Introduced in 1951, the UZI was rapidly adopted by many countries, including West Germany (MP2) and the Netherlands. FN even acquired a license to produce it. The combination of weight and low cyclic rate make the UZI easy to control. While many users now prefer the closed bolt SMGs like the
MP5 for accuracy, users such as the US Secret Service seem to have no complaints. Unfortunately, the UZI has found its way into terrorists' hands as well when purchasers such as Cuba and Iran have suffered revolutions.
Tactics: The UZI
is quick and small but it's poor stock make for poor recoil characteristics. Standard
aperture iron sights.
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VZ61 Skorpion -
7.65x17mm Browning - Czech Republic - 700 RPM - The vz61 Skorpion has been a favorite amongst European terrorists. Barely larger than a heavy caliber pistol, the Skorpion is easily concealable for urban operations. The flimsy wire shoulder stock is nearly useless; thus, most users deploy the Skorpion as a machine pistol. The low recoil of the 7.65x17mm cartridge along with the buffer system makes the Skorpion very controllable in this role. The Skorpion's most famous victim was Italian Prime Minister Aldo Mora; kidnapped and executed by Red Brigade terrorists, his corpse was abandoned in the trunk of a car.
Tactics: Very small
and quick but with no real stock and a feebly powered round. Best used when placed directly against the targets
eye. Don't even bother using it against armored targets. Iron sights. Notch and post iron sights.
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Z-M LR300 M/L -
5.56x45mm NATO - USA - 950 RPM - The LR300 M/L is a compact conversion of the M16/AR15 family. Allan Zitta has designed an entirely new upper receiver which uses an Armalite AR18 style gas piston and relocates the recoil spring over the barrel. The latter feature allows the elimination of the M16/AR15 buffer tube, and provides the base for a folding stock. The resulting product is more compact and reliable than the Colt Commando.
Tactics: Rather
like a small carbine than a SMG because of it's power. This weapon trades size for power. It has good accuracy
along with an 1x Red Dot sight.
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