#Smg

Built at State Factory 66, the weapon used a simple blowback action and was chambered for the 7.62x25mm Tokarev cartridge. Crucially, the Type 64 was optimized to run a subsonic variant of that round. At the same time, it could fire standard supersonic ammunition, which generated a ballistic crack that negated much of the suppressor’s effect. To further reduce the report, the barrel was vented near the muzzle to bleed gas into the suppressor, thereby lowering the effective muzzle velocity. These measures were intended to maximize sound reduction without compromising reliability and to prioritize stealth over long-range performance.

TFB’s Photo Of The Day, with a lot of history in just one image. The Smith & Wesson Model 76 was developed in 1967 at the Navy’s request and put into production through 1974. Designed to meet SEAL requirements for a rugged, serviceable 9×19mm SMG, the M76 combined stamped-steel construction, a folding stock and a simple blowback action to keep parts count low and maintenance straightforward.

When most people think of Vietnam and small arms, they picture battle-worn AKs carried through the jungles of the Cold War era. But half a century later, the country’s defense industry is no longer just a consumer of foreign weapons; it’s a creator. One of the most curious examples of this shift is the STL-15, a homegrown submachine gun inspired by Russia’s PP-19 Bizon. It is famous for its helical magazine, which was built not in Izhevsk but in Vietnam’s own Factory.

While visiting B&T’s headquarters in Switzerland, James gets hands-on with two new variants of one of the company’s most unique platforms: the KH9. If you're familiar with B&T’s KH9 series—short for “Karl’s Hobby,” a nod to its founder—you know it’s always been a bit of an oddball in the world of PCCs and SMGs. But these new versions might be the boldest iterations yet.

The Zastava Master FLG is a compact 9mm submachine gun developed by Zastava, the renowned Yugoslavian (now Serbian) arms manufacturer located in Kragujevac. Known for its heavy-duty line of military small arms, Zastava developed the Master FLG in the early 1990s as part of its effort to modernize personal defense weapons (PDWs) for military, police, and special operations forces. Although not widely known globally, the FLG represents a blend of Balkan engineering philosophy: durable, simple, and purpose-built.

When you think of Cold War-era submachine guns, the usual suspects come to mind: the Uzi, the MP5, maybe even the Sterling. But one of the most widely used, longest-serving, and most underappreciated designs of the era came from Italy: the Beretta PM12.

Every now and then, we get to experience new ideas in the firearms industry, and I think this is one of those moments. Introducing the Mimic Speed9, with a patent pending 60-round, double direction 9x19mm magazine designed with the same dimensions as a standard AR-15 magazine, allowing it to fit familiar platforms and standard mag pouches.

Ukraine’s latest 9mm submachine gun, the FORT-230, was developed by RPC Fort for military and law enforcement use. This compact blowback-operated SMG is designed for close-quarters combat, offering semi-auto and full-auto fire with a rate of 800 rounds per minute. The FORT-230 feeds from 20 or 30-round proprietary magazines inserted into the pistol grip keeping it lightweight and maneuverable. It features a full-length Picatinny rail, folding backup sights, a collapsible stock and a quick-attach suppressor-ready muzzle device. With an effective range of 200 meters, this Ukrainian SMG is built for modern urban warfare and special operations. Could this be the next go-to SMG for Ukrainian forces?

The Russian OTs-69 weapon system was publicly unveiled in 2012. It is developed by the TsKIB SOO subsidiary of the KBP Instrument Design Bureau. Information about the weapon is limited, primarily consisting of a few photographs and minimal published details. Its status is particularly intriguing, as it remains to be seen whether the development has been halted, is awaiting a customer, or if customer requirements have changed. This uncertainty adds an element of intrigue regarding the weapon's potential applications and future developments.

A new Russian submachine gun, heavily influenced by the FN P90, represents a significant departure from the Bizon and Vityaz submachine guns. This patent, numbered RU 2776332 C1, was filed in 2021 and registered in 2022 by the Penza Artillery Engineering Institute. The patent design specifies that this weapon is intended for use in confined spaces, such as during urban operations. It emphasizes a high firing rate along with a compact overall design.

Raine Peltokoski, Finland, is one of the best shooters in the history of practical shooting. Here you can see him with his Suomi submachine gun. Unfortunately, due to the latest European Union legislation, he can no longer keep it at home.