Submachine Guns

The Agram 2000 is a compact, selective-fire submachine gun designed and manufactured by RH-Alan (formerly Alan Arms) of Croatia. Its primary design philosophy centers on concealability and close-quarters combat (CQB) effectiveness, making it suitable for military special forces, law enforcement, and personal defense roles. The weapon is distinguished by its extremely compact size, achieved through a telescoping bolt design that allows the magazine to be housed within the pistol grip, similar to the Uzi and MAC-10. Key innovations include a simple blowback operation with a fixed firing pin, a side-folding metal stock for reduced carry profile, and a high rate of fire (approximately 800-900 rounds per minute) that enhances suppressive capability in close engagements. The Agram 2000 is known for its rugged reliability and ease of maintenance, though its accuracy is limited by its short barrel and open-bolt design. It has a reputation as a cost-effective, no-frills submachine gun, often compared to the Croatian-made Šokac and the Israeli Uzi. Notable design characteristics include a manual safety selector (safe/semi-auto/full-auto), a threaded barrel for suppressors, and a simple rear aperture sight. Its compactness and firepower have made it a niche choice for specialized units and private security contractors.

The Ares FMG (Folding Machine Gun) is a highly innovative, ultra-compact submachine gun designed for covert operations and personal defense. Its defining feature is a clamshell-style folding mechanism that transforms the weapon from a compact, rectangular package resembling a small briefcase or radio into a functional submachine gun in seconds. The design philosophy prioritized extreme concealability and rapid deployment for special forces, bodyguards, and law enforcement personnel requiring a discreet yet effective firearm. Key innovations include the folding stock and receiver assembly that houses the barrel, bolt, and magazine in a collapsed state, with the trigger guard and grip folding out for use. The FMG is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and feeds from standard Uzi magazines, leveraging existing logistics. Its reputation in the firearms community is that of a fascinating but rare and somewhat impractical design; while ingenious, the folding mechanism adds complexity and potential reliability concerns, and the weapon lacks a conventional stock for stable shoulder firing. Notable design characteristics include a simple blowback action, a fixed firing pin, and a minimalist sight system. The FMG remains a sought-after collector's item and a notable example of 1980s 'briefcase gun' concepts.

The B&T APC9 is a compact, modern SMG with a unique hydraulic buffer system for reduced recoil. Adopted by the U.S. Army as the Mk 22 Sub Compact Weapon. Highly modular with M-LOK handguards and Picatinny rails.

The B&T MP9 is a compact submachine gun from Brügger & Thomet of Switzerland. Developed from the Steyr TMP, it features a polymer housing and is used by specialized military and law enforcement units worldwide for VIP protection.

The B&T MP9-SD is an integrally suppressed variant of the B&T MP9 submachine gun, itself a development of the Steyr TMP. It features a large-diameter suppressor with advanced baffle design wrapped around the barrel. The weapon is chambered in 9x19mm and is designed for discreet security operations.

The BXP is a South African submachine gun developed by Mechem (a division of Denel). It was designed in the 1980s as a compact and lightweight SMG for military and police use. The BXP uses a telescoping bolt blowback system to minimize length while retaining a decent barrel. It is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and feeds from a 32-round box magazine. The BXP has a distinctive look with its side-folding wire stock and integrated mounting points. It was designed for close-quarters combat and as a personal defense weapon for vehicle crews.

The Beretta M12S is an improved version of the Beretta PM12 submachine gun, a blowback-operated weapon in 9x19mm. It features a telescoping bolt design that allows a compact overall length while maintaining a longer barrel. The M12S relocated the safety from the rear of the receiver to the trigger guard for easier access. It has a 200 mm barrel and a cyclic rate of 550 rounds per minute. The M12S was adopted by Italian military and police forces as well as numerous other countries.

An Italian submachine gun from World War I, chambered in 9mm Glisenti. One of the earliest SMGs ever produced.

The Beretta M38/42 is an Italian submachine gun produced during World War II as a simplified version of the earlier Beretta Model 38. It was designed to reduce production costs while maintaining the excellent reliability of the original design. The M38/42 features a simplified receiver made from stamped steel rather than machined components. It uses a unique two-trigger system: the front trigger for semi-automatic fire and the rear trigger for fully automatic fire. The weapon was highly regarded by Italian and German troops for its accuracy and reliability.

The Beretta PM12 (Pistola Mitragliatrice Model 12) is an Italian open-bolt blowback-operated submachine gun. Designed in the 1950s, it features a unique telescoping bolt and cylindrical receiver design that makes it extremely compact and reliable, serving as the standard Italian SMG for decades.

The Beretta PMX is a compact submachine gun chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. It was developed by Beretta as a modern replacement for the PM12 series. The PMX uses a closed-bolt blowback operating system for accuracy. It features a full-length Picatinny top rail and M-LOK compatible handguard. The weapon has a telescoping stock and an ambidextrous fire control group. It is used by military and law enforcement units for close-quarters combat.

The Bergmann MP-18 is the world's first practical submachine gun, designed by Theodor Bergmann in 1918. It was developed for the German Army during World War I to provide infantry with a high volume of close-range firepower. The MP-18 fires the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge from a 32-round drum magazine. It uses a simple blowback action with an open bolt. The MP-18 established the basic concept of the submachine gun that would dominate close-quarters battle for decades.

The CZ Scorpion EVO 3 is a modern Czech 9×19mm blowback-operated submachine gun/PDW manufactured by Česká Zbrojovka. Known for its ergonomic design, ambidextrous controls, and extensive modularity, it has been widely adopted by law enforcement and military units worldwide.

The Carl Gustav m/45, commonly known as the Swedish K, is a Swedish submachine gun designed by Gunnar Johnsson with a distinctive tubular receiver and fixed perforated barrel jacket. It was renowned for its extreme reliability, simplicity, and ease of field stripping without tools. The m/45 was widely exported and saw extensive service with U.S. special forces in Vietnam.

The F1 is a submachine gun designed and manufactured in Australia. It was adopted by the Australian Defence Force in 1962 as the standard SMG. The F1 features a side-mounted magazine that allows the shooter to keep a prone position close to the ground. It uses a simple blowback action chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. The submachine gun has a distinctive plastic pistol grip and a folding metal buttstock. It is known for its robust construction and reliable operation in jungle conditions encountered in Southeast Asia.

The FMK-3 is a submachine gun manufactured by Fabrica Militar de Armas Portatiles of Argentina. It was introduced in 1974 and was based on the design of the American M3 Grease Gun. The FMK-3 uses a blowback action with a telescoping bolt that reduces the overall length of the weapon. The receiver is made from stamped steel with a synthetic stock and a forward vertical grip. It is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and feeds from a 40-round magazine. The FMK-3 was designed as a compact, close-quarters weapon for military and police use. It was adopted by the Argentine armed forces and security forces.

The FN P90 is a Belgian bullpup personal defense weapon (PDW) chambered in FN's proprietary 5.7×28mm cartridge. Known for its futuristic appearance, 50-round top-mounted horizontal magazine, and compact bullpup layout, it is designed to defeat body armor while being small enough for vehicle crews and support personnel.

The Grand Power Stribog is a semi-automatic pistol-caliber carbine chambered in 9x19mm. It was developed by Grand Power in Slovakia. The Stribog uses a rotating barrel locking system that reduces recoil and improves accuracy. It is available in direct blowback and roller-delayed blowback operating systems. The carbine features a monolithic aluminum receiver with a full-length Picatinny rail. It accepts a variety of magazines including CZ Scorpion EVO 3 compatible magazines.

The Heckler & Koch MP5 is a 9x19mm Parabellum submachine gun renowned for its reliability, accuracy, and widespread adoption by military, law enforcement, and special operations units globally. Its design philosophy centers on providing a compact, controllable, and highly effective weapon for close-quarters combat. A key innovation is its roller-delayed blowback operating system, adapted from the G3 rifle, which allows for a lighter bolt and smoother recoil impulse compared to direct blowback designs. The MP5's modularity, with various stock, handguard, and trigger group options, further enhances its adaptability. Its reputation stems from its accuracy, even at extended ranges for a submachine gun, and its reliability in adverse conditions. The MP5 remains a benchmark for submachine gun design, influencing numerous subsequent weapons.

The MP5K is a compact version of the famous Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun chambered in 9x19mm. The K stands for Kurz, German for short, with the weapon being significantly shorter than the standard MP5. It uses a roller-delayed blowback action inherited from the HK G3 rifle. The MP5K has a 115 mm barrel and a vertical foregrip instead of a standard handguard. It is designed for concealed carry by plainclothes security personnel and special operations forces.

The Heckler & Koch MP7 is a German personal defense weapon (PDW) designed as a compact, lightweight, and highly effective firearm for military and law enforcement personnel who require a weapon with greater penetration capabilities than traditional submachine guns. Its design philosophy centers around providing a weapon system capable of defeating modern body armor while remaining easily concealable and maneuverable in close-quarters combat. A key innovation is its proprietary 4.6x30mm cartridge, optimized for armor penetration and flat trajectory. The MP7 is highly regarded for its accuracy, reliability, and controllability, setting a new standard for PDWs. Its compact size, lightweight construction, and high rate of fire make it a formidable weapon in specialized roles. Notable design characteristics include a telescoping stock, folding foregrip, and ambidextrous controls.

The Heckler & Koch UMP (Universale Maschinenpistole, 'Universal Submachine Gun') is a blowback-operated submachine gun developed by German manufacturer Heckler & Koch in the late 1990s. Designed as a lighter and more cost-effective alternative to the roller-delayed HK MP5, the UMP is chambered primarily in .45 ACP, though versions in 9×19mm (UMP9) and .40 S&W (UMP40) are also available. It features extensive use of polymer for the receiver and furniture, a side-folding stock, and Picatinny rails for accessory mounting. The UMP has been adopted by various law enforcement agencies and military units worldwide.

The Uzi is a family of Israeli open-bolt blowback-operated submachine guns designed by Uziel Gal in the late 1940s. One of the most recognizable firearms in the world, it has been adopted by military and law enforcement agencies in over 90 countries.

A Finnish 9mm submachine gun with an unconventional design featuring a delayed-blowback action and a forward offset magazine. It was optimized for one-handed firing.

A Hungarian 9mm submachine gun developed as a replacement for the earlier Kucher Models. It features a telescoping bolt and compact design.

The Kriss Vector is an American submachine gun manufactured by Kriss USA. Its most distinctive feature is the patented Super V recoil mitigation system, which redirects recoil energy downward rather than into the shooter's shoulder, dramatically reducing muzzle climb and felt recoil.

The Lanchester is a British submachine gun manufactured by the Sterling Armaments Company during World War II. It was a direct copy of the German MP 28 designed by Hugo Schmeisser, modified for the .45 ACP cartridge. The Lanchester featured high-quality machined construction, a distinctive wooden stock, and a side-mounted magazine. It was primarily used by the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

The M3 is a .45 ACP submachine gun developed by the United States during World War II as a cheaper, faster-to-produce alternative to the Thompson submachine gun. Its distinctive appearance earned it the nickname 'Grease Gun.'

The M3A1 is a .45 ACP submachine gun developed by the United States Army during World War II. It was designed as a cheaper and faster-to-produce alternative to the Thompson submachine gun. The weapon earned the nickname Grease Gun due to its resemblance to the automotive tool used for applying grease. The M3A1 simplified the original M3 design by eliminating the cocking handle and using a finger hole in the bolt instead. It remains one of the most cost-effective submachine gun designs ever put into mass production.

The MAB 38 (Moschetto Automatico Beretta Modello 1938) is an Italian submachine gun designed by Tullio Marengoni for Beretta. It is widely considered the finest SMG of World War II for its outstanding build quality, accuracy, and innovative two-trigger fire control system. The MAB 38 features a distinctive wooden stock, perforated barrel jacket, and high-quality machined construction.

The MAB Model D is a French submachine gun produced by Manufacture d'Armes de Bayonne from 1949 to the 1960s. It was developed to equip the French Army with a modern submachine gun after World War II. The MAB D is a blowback-operated submachine gun chambered in 9x19mm. It features a wooden stock, a perforated barrel shroud, and a 32-round magazine. The MAB D is known for its quality construction and distinctive appearance.

The MAC-10 (Military Armament Corporation Model 10) is a compact, blowback‑operated submachine gun designed in the late 1960s for close‑quarters combat and personal defense. Emphasizing extreme simplicity, the weapon uses a straight‑line, telescoping bolt and minimal parts to achieve a high rate of fire—approximately 1,100 rpm in .45 ACP and 1,200 rpm in 9 mm. Its primary purpose has been law‑enforcement and paramilitary use, though it also found a niche among civilian collectors. The MAC‑10’s distinguishing features include its short, stubby barrel, a folding wire stock, and a distinctive vertical foregrip that doubles as a heat sink. Its reputation is mixed: praised for compactness and ease of manufacture, but criticized for poor controllability and excessive muzzle climb. The design’s unique blend of high cyclic rate, inexpensive production, and iconic silhouette has made it a cultural symbol of the “compact SMG” concept.

The MAC-11 is a compact blowback-operated submachine gun chambered in .380 ACP. It is a smaller version of the MAC-10, designed for even greater concealability. The weapon has a stamped steel receiver with a telescoping bolt and a 114 mm barrel. Its cyclic rate is approximately 1,200 rounds per minute, making it one of the fastest-firing submachine guns ever produced. The MAC-11 uses 16-round or 32-round magazines and features a simple open-bolt design.

The MAS-38 is a submachine gun designed and manufactured by the French MAS armory. It was chambered in 7.65mm Longue, a unique French pistol cartridge. The weapon features a distinctive canted barrel and bolt assembly that was visible through the receiver. It served as the standard submachine gun of the French military during World War II. The MAS-38 is known for its unusual appearance and compact design.

The MAT-49 is a submachine gun designed and manufactured by Manufacture Nationale d'Armes de Tulle (MAT) in France. It served as the standard submachine gun of the French military and police from 1949 through the French Indochina and Algerian wars.

The MP 38 is a submachine gun developed by the German company Erma Werke and adopted by the German military in 1938. It was one of the first submachine guns to feature a folding stock and extensive use of stamped metal components. The MP 38 uses a simple blowback action and fires the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge. It introduced modern manufacturing techniques that influenced subsequent submachine gun designs worldwide. The weapon is known for its compact size and high rate of fire.

The MP 41 is a submachine gun produced by Haenel Waffen und Fahrradfabrik during World War II. It was a hybrid design that combined the receiver and bolt assembly of the MP 40 with a wooden rifle stock and a selector switch for semi-automatic fire. The MP 41 was produced in limited numbers and primarily issued to Waffen-SS and police units. It is one of the few German submachine guns of the era to offer a semi-automatic firing mode.

The MP40 (Maschinenpistole 40) is a German open-bolt blowback-operated submachine gun developed during World War II. An evolution of the MP38, it was produced in vast numbers and is one of the most iconic firearms of the 20th century, widely recognized by its distinctive folding metal stock.

The Madsen M-50 is a submachine gun designed by Dansk Industri Syndikat (DISA) of Denmark. It was introduced in 1950 as a successor to the earlier Madsen M-45. The M-50 uses a simple blowback action with a fixed firing pin and a telescoping bolt. The receiver is made from stamped sheet steel welded together. The weapon is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and feeds from a 32- or 36-round box magazine. The M-50 features a folding stock and a distinctive perforated barrel shroud. It was designed for military and law enforcement use. The Madsen M-50 is known for its simplicity, reliability, and low cost of production.

The Owen Gun is an Australian submachine gun designed by Evelyn Owen and manufactured by Lysaght's Works. It is distinguished by its top-mounted magazine, dual pistol grips, and reputation as one of the most reliable SMGs ever built. The Owens unique design provided a clear line of sight and operated flawlessly in the mud and sand of the Pacific theater.

A Polish 9mm submachine gun with a distinctive blowback-operated design. It features an integrated folding foregrip and was issued as a personal defense weapon.

The PM-84 Glauberyt is a Polish submachine gun designed at the OBRSM Tarnow facility. It was developed as a compact personal defense weapon for Polish military and law enforcement. The Glauberyt uses a simple blowback action chambered in 9x18mm Makarov with later variants in 9x19mm Parabellum. It features a folding stock and an integral foregrip for improved handling. The weapon is compact enough for concealment yet accurate enough for effective fire at close range. It was designed as a replacement for the earlier PM-63 RAK submachine gun.

The PP-19 Bizon is a Russian submachine gun developed in the 1990s at the Izhmash factory by a design team including Victor Kalashnikov, the son of Mikhail Kalashnikov. Its most distinctive feature is the underbarrel helical magazine with a capacity of 64 rounds of 9x18mm Makarov ammunition, giving it exceptional firepower in a compact package. The Bizon shares over 60% parts commonality with the AKS-74U, from which it was derived, including its receiver, stock, and trigger group. It uses a simple blowback operating mechanism and fires from a closed bolt, with semi-automatic and fully automatic firing modes. The helical magazine's compact profile avoids the awkward length of conventional high-capacity magazines, making the Bizon surprisingly maneuverable in tight spaces.

The PP-19 Vityaz is a modern Russian submachine gun developed by the Kalashnikov Concern, sharing approximately 70% parts commonality with the AK-74M. It was designed to replace the earlier PP-19 Bizon which had complex helical magazine feeding issues. The Vityaz uses standard 30-round box magazines and features a Picatinny rail system for modern accessories.

The PP-2000 is an ultra-compact Russian submachine gun designed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau for personal defense and concealed carry. It has a distinctive design where the magazine well serves as a forward grip, and the folding stock stores compactly when not in use. The weapon is made largely from polymer materials, weighing only 1.4 kg empty.

The PP-90 is a folding submachine gun developed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau of Russia. It was designed as a concealed carry weapon for VIP protection and special operations. The weapon folds completely flat for storage and can be deployed rapidly by rotating the two halves apart. It was chambered in 9x18mm Makarov. The PP-90 is one of the most compact submachine guns ever produced.

The PPD is a Soviet submachine gun designed by Vasily Degtyaryov in the 1930s. It was the standard Soviet SMG before the PPSh-41. The PPD fires the 7.62x25mm Tokarev cartridge from a 71-round drum magazine. It was based partly on the German MP-28 but with significant modifications. The PPD features a wooden stock, a perforated barrel jacket, and a blowback action. It was produced in several variants with the PPD-40 being the final production model.

The PPS-43 is a Soviet submachine gun designed during the Siege of Leningrad by Alexei Sudaev, representing a significant evolution in small arms design philosophy by prioritizing manufacturing simplicity and material efficiency. Chambered in 7.62x25mm Tokarev, it uses a straight blowback action firing from an open bolt with a 770 rpm cyclic rate. The PPS-43 is constructed almost entirely from stamped steel, with a folding stock and a barrel shroud that also serves as a muzzle brake. Weighing just over 3 kg, it was considerably lighter than the PPSh-41 while providing equal firepower. The PPS-43 is considered one of the most efficient and ergonomic submachine guns of World War II and was widely copied and exported after the war.

The PPSh-41 (Pistolet-Pulemyot Shpagina) is a Soviet open-bolt blowback-operated submachine gun designed by Georgy Shpagin. Firing the 7.62×25mm Tokarev cartridge, it was one of the most produced firearms of World War II with over 6 million units manufactured.

The PTR 9CT is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. It is a clone of the classic H&K MP5 design manufactured by PTR Industries in the United States. The 9CT uses a roller-delayed blowback operating system identical to the original MP5. It features a fluted chamber and a fixed barrel design for accuracy. The weapon has a wide handguard and a paddle-style magazine release. It accepts standard MP5-style magazines with 15, 20, and 30-round capacities.

The QJZ-89 is a lightweight 12.7mm heavy machine gun developed by Norinco for the People's Liberation Army. It was designed to provide infantry with a highly mobile heavy support weapon capable of engaging light armored vehicles, helicopters, and fortified positions. Its most distinguishing feature is its exceptionally low weight for a 12.7mm HMG, achieved through extensive use of lightweight alloys and a recoil-reducing operating system. The gun is gas-operated, air-cooled, and belt-fed, with a quick-change barrel. It is typically mounted on a lightweight tripod but can also be vehicle-mounted. The QJZ-89 is known for its portability, allowing a two-man crew to carry and deploy it rapidly. It has a reputation for reliability and firepower, though some users note its recoil is brisk. It remains in service with Chinese forces and has been exported to several countries. Its design influenced later Chinese lightweight support weapons.

The RPK (Ruchnoy Pulemyot Kalashnikova) is a squad automatic rifle derived from the AK‑47 family, designed to provide sustained fire support while retaining the rugged simplicity of its assault‑rifle counterpart. Developed by the Kalashnikov Design Bureau in the early 1960s, the RPK features a longer, heavier barrel, reinforced receiver, and a bipod, enabling higher rates of fire and improved accuracy at the squad level. Chambered primarily in 7.62×39mm, it uses the same gas‑operated, rotating‑bolt system as the AK‑47 but with a heavier bolt carrier and a larger gas piston to handle the increased heat. Its reputation rests on exceptional reliability under adverse conditions, ease of maintenance, and logistical compatibility with standard AK magazines and ammunition, making it a staple in Soviet and Warsaw‑bloc forces. The weapon’s distinctive features include a stamped steel receiver with reinforced ribs, a detachable steel bipod, and a unique muzzle device that can accept a flash suppressor or a rifle grenade launcher, underscoring its versatility as both a light machine gun and a rifle grenade platform.

The Reising M50 is an American submachine gun designed by Eugene Reising and produced by Harrington & Richardson. It features a unique delayed-blowback operating system with a toggle-lock mechanism derived from the Savage 1907 pistol design. Unlike most SMGs of its era which used open bolts, the closed-bolt Reising offered greater accuracy in semi-automatic fire.

The SIG MPX is a modern submachine gun manufactured by SIG Sauer, chambered in 9×19mm. Unlike most SMGs that use simple blowback actions, the MPX uses a closed-bolt, short-stroke gas piston system derived from the SIG MCX rifle platform, providing superior controllability and accuracy.

The SIG Sauer MPX is a modular submachine gun manufactured by SIG Sauer. It uses a gas-operated piston system instead of traditional blowback, reducing recoil and improving accuracy. The MPX is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum with interchangeable barrel lengths.

The Sa vz. 23 is a Czechoslovak submachine gun developed shortly after World War II. It was one of the first submachine guns to feature a telescoping bolt design that wraps around the barrel, allowing for a compact weapon with a longer barrel. The vz. 23 was designed by Vaclav Holek and shares its basic operating system with the later Sa vz. 25 and vz. 26. It features a stamped steel receiver, a folding stock, and a distinctive pistol grip with an integrated magazine housing. The weapon is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum.

The Sa vz. 25 is a variant of the Czechoslovak vz. 23 submachine gun featuring a folding metal stock instead of the fixed wooden stock on the vz. 23. It was designed for use by paratroopers, vehicle crews, and special forces who needed a more compact weapon. The vz. 25 shares the same telescoping bolt action and receiver as the vz. 23. Its folding stock folds to the side, reducing overall length for storage and transport. The weapon is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and feeds from a magazine inserted in the pistol grip.

The SITES Spectre M4 is a compact blowback-operated submachine gun developed by SITES of Turin, Italy, in the 1980s. It features a unique clamshell opening design that allows the entire receiver to be opened for cleaning, and a four-fire selector including safe, semi-auto, three-round burst, and full auto. The Spectre M4 has a 30-round four-column magazine that is wider than standard SMG magazines but shorter for better prone shooting. It was designed for military and law enforcement special operations. The Spectre M4 was one of the most innovative submachine gun designs of the 1980s.

The Star Z-45 is a submachine gun designed by Star Bonifacio Echeverria of Spain. It was based on the German MP40 design and used a similar telescoping bolt system. The weapon was chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and fed from a 30-round magazine. It served as the standard submachine gun of the Spanish military for several decades. The Z-45 is known for its robust construction and reliability.

The Star Z-70B is a selective-fire submachine gun manufactured by Star Bonifacio Echeverria of Spain. It was chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and used a blowback action. The weapon was an improved version of the earlier Z-62 model. It featured a telescoping bolt and a side-folding metal stock. The Z-70B was adopted by the Spanish military and other nations.

The Star Z-84 is a submachine gun designed and manufactured by Star Bonifacio Echeverria of Spain. It was introduced in 1984 as a compact, lightweight personal defense weapon. The Z-84 uses a blowback-operated action with a telescoping bolt design that allows for a compact overall length. The receiver is made from stamped steel with a synthetic handguard and pistol grip. The weapon is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and feeds from a 30-round detachable box magazine. The Z-84 features a folding stock and a forward grip for improved control. It was designed for military and law enforcement use as an alternative to larger assault rifles.

The Sten is a family of British open-bolt blowback-operated submachine guns chambered in 9×19mm. Designed for mass production during World War II, it became the standard British SMG and was produced in the millions, famously simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

The Sterling L2A3 is a British 9×19mm open-bolt blowback-operated submachine gun that served as the standard British military SMG from 1953 to 1994. Known for its exceptional reliability and distinctive perforated barrel jacket, it was highly regarded by the soldiers who carried it.

The Sterling L34A1 was a suppressed version of the British Sterling submachine gun with an integral silencer. It featured perforated barrel shroud and a large-diameter suppressor body extending the full length of the barrel. The weapon was used by British special operations forces for covert operations.

The Suomi KP/-31 is a Finnish submachine gun designed by Aimo Lahti and manufactured by Tikkakoski. It is known for its exceptional reliability in Arctic conditions, outstanding accuracy, and a distinctive 71-round quad-stack drum magazine. The Suomi was considered one of the finest SMGs of World War II due to its heavy weight and sturdy construction.

The Thompson submachine gun, often called the "Tommy Gun," is a blow‑back, selective‑fire SMG designed in the early 1920s to provide a high‑rate, close‑quarters firepower platform for law‑enforcement, military, and civilian markets. Its hallmark is the exceptionally fast cyclic rate of 600–1,250 rpm, achieved through a heavy bolt and a simple open‑bolt blow‑back system. The weapon’s distinctive vertical‑handguard, cut‑away rear sight drum, and iconic wooden stock set it apart visually. Originally chambered for .45 ACP, the Thompson was praised for its stopping power and reliability, gaining a reputation as both a feared gangster weapon and a beloved "trench broom" in World War II. Unique features include a two‑stage trigger for semi‑automatic fire, a built‑in compensator on the barrel, and interchangeable 20‑, 30‑, and 50‑round drum magazines, making it versatile for both rapid suppressive fire and controlled single shots.

The Type 100 was the only submachine gun mass-produced by Japan during World War II, chambered in the 8x22mm Nambu pistol cartridge. It featured a distinctive design with a left-side magazine well and a slightly downward-angled stock. The late-model variant had a folding stock and simplified construction for paratrooper use.

The United Defense M42 is an American submachine gun designed by Carl Swebilius. It was produced for the Office of Strategic Services during World War II. The M42 uses a blowback action chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and feeds from a 25-round box magazine. It features a wooden stock, a perforated barrel jacket, and a folding magazine well. The weapon was designed to be compact and concealable for clandestine operations. It was one of the first submachine guns designed specifically for intelligence and special operations work.

The Walther MPL is a submachine gun developed by Walther for police and military use. It was chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and used a telescoping bolt design. The MPL featured an aluminum receiver and a side-folding stock. It was developed alongside the shorter MPK variant. The MPL was adopted by several German police forces and exported to other nations.

The ZK-383 is a submachine gun designed by the Koucky brothers at Zbrojovka Brno in Czechoslovakia. It was chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and featured a unique quick-change barrel system. The weapon was equipped with a bipod and could be used in a light machine gun role. It was one of the few submachine guns that allowed the operator to change the rate of fire by swapping bolt weights. The ZK-383 served both Czechoslovak forces and various European nations.

The Škorpion vz. 61 is a Czechoslovak machine pistol designed by Miroslav Rybář. Originally developed for security and special forces use, it features a unique rate-of-fire reducer mechanism and fires the .32 ACP cartridge from a vertical box magazine.