The Submachine Gun: From Battlefield Staple to Niche Role

The submachine gun (SMG), once a ubiquitous symbol of 20th-century warfare, has largely faded from frontline military service. The decline isn’t due to inherent flaws, but rather a combination of advancements in weapon technology, changing battlefield dynamics, and the rise of more versatile alternatives. Today, the primary reason submachine guns are not used anymore is the emergence of compact, intermediate-caliber carbines that offer superior range, penetration, and stopping power while remaining relatively maneuverable.

The Rise and Fall of the SMG

The submachine gun’s heyday was undoubtedly in the era between World War I and the 1980s. Its appeal stemmed from several factors:

• High Rate of Fire: The ability to deliver a high volume of fire quickly made it devastating in close-quarters combat (CQB).
• Compact Size: SMGs were significantly shorter and lighter than rifles of the time, making them easier to handle in confined spaces like trenches, buildings, and vehicles.
• Relatively Simple Design: Simplicity translated to easier mass production and lower manufacturing costs, critical during wartime.
• Pistol Caliber Ammunition: SMGs used pistol ammunition, which was typically lighter and allowed soldiers to carry more rounds.

However, the SMG’s strengths were ultimately overshadowed by its weaknesses:

• Limited Effective Range: Pistol rounds lose velocity and accuracy quickly, making SMGs ineffective beyond relatively short distances (typically under 100 meters).
• Poor Penetration: Pistol rounds struggle to penetrate body armor and other forms of cover.
• Lower Stopping Power: Compared to rifle rounds, pistol rounds generally have less stopping power, making it harder to incapacitate an enemy with a single shot.

The Carbine Revolution and Technological Advancements

The game-changer for the SMG was the development of more compact and effective carbines chambered in intermediate rifle cartridges. The M4 carbine, a shortened version of the M16 rifle, and the AKS-74U, a compact variant of the AK-74, exemplify this trend. These carbines offered:

• Longer Effective Range: Intermediate rifle cartridges retain velocity and accuracy at longer ranges, extending the engagement distance.
• Improved Penetration: Rifle rounds are far more effective at penetrating body armor, barriers, and vehicles.
• Greater Stopping Power: Rifle rounds deliver significantly more energy, increasing the likelihood of incapacitating an enemy.
• Modularity: Modern carbines are highly modular, allowing users to customize them with various optics, sights, lights, and other accessories to suit specific mission requirements.

Technological advancements in body armor also played a crucial role. As body armor became more commonplace, the effectiveness of pistol rounds fired from SMGs diminished significantly. The rise of reliable optics and sighting systems further widened the gap, making carbines even more accurate and effective at longer ranges.

The SMG’s Niche Roles Today

While largely absent from frontline combat roles, the SMG still finds limited use in specialized scenarios:

• Special Operations Forces: Some special operations units still employ SMGs, particularly in CQB scenarios where maneuverability and a high rate of fire are paramount.
• Law Enforcement: SMGs remain a viable option for law enforcement agencies in certain situations, particularly where collateral damage is a concern, and the threat level does not require the higher power of a rifle cartridge.
• Personal Defense Weapons (PDWs): Weapons like the Heckler & Koch MP7, classified as PDWs, are designed to provide soldiers who are not primarily infantry with a lightweight and effective self-defense weapon. These PDWs often bridge the gap between SMGs and carbines.
• VIP Protection: The Secret Service and similar protection details use SMGs for their concealability and effectiveness in close-quarters engagements.

FAQs: Submachine Guns in the 21st Century

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the current status of submachine guns:

Are submachine guns obsolete in the military?

Effectively, yes. While niche roles exist, the core capabilities of the SMG have been surpassed by carbines and PDWs. The benefits they once offered in terms of size and weight are now available in platforms with superior range and penetration.

Why can’t civilians own MP7s?

The absence of civilian MP7 clones is due to a combination of factors, including design patents, licensing agreements, and regulatory considerations. The MP7’s close association with military and law enforcement use also makes it a less desirable product for the civilian market from a manufacturing and marketing perspective.

Do Navy SEALs use SMGs?

Yes, Navy SEALs and other elite counter-terrorist units around the world do use SMGs in specific situations, often in CQB scenarios. Their compact size and high rate of fire can be advantageous in confined spaces.

What’s better: SMG or assault rifle?

In most modern combat scenarios, the assault rifle or carbine is generally superior. It offers greater range, accuracy, penetration, and stopping power. However, an SMG may be preferable in situations where maneuverability and concealment are crucial.

Why use an SMG over an assault rifle?

The primary reasons for using an SMG over an assault rifle are its smaller size, lighter weight, and potentially higher ammunition capacity. These factors can be beneficial in extremely confined spaces or when stealth is paramount.

What is the most famous submachine gun?

The Heckler & Koch MP5 is arguably the most famous submachine gun in history, known for its reliability, accuracy, and widespread adoption by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. The Israeli Uzi is another strong contender.

Was the Tommy gun a submachine gun?

Yes, the Thompson submachine gun, often called the “Tommy gun,” is a classic example of an early submachine gun. It was chambered in .45 ACP and was widely used during Prohibition and World War II.

Is an Uzi an SMG?

Yes, the Uzi is a family of Israeli open-bolt, blowback-operated submachine guns and machine pistols. It’s known for its compact size and high rate of fire.

What are the disadvantages of SMGs?

The primary disadvantages of SMGs are their limited range, lower stopping power, and poor penetration compared to rifles and carbines. Their effectiveness drops off significantly beyond short distances.

What is the fastest submachine gun?

The KRISS Vector is known for its exceptionally high rate of fire, reaching up to 1,500 rounds per minute in some configurations.

What is the best machine gun in the US?

The M240 is widely regarded as one of the best machine guns in the US arsenal, prized for its reliability, durability, and effectiveness in sustained fire engagements. However, it’s important to note that the M240 is a general-purpose machine gun, not a submachine gun.

What is the best SMG to use right now?

The “best” SMG depends on the specific application and user preference. In video games like Call of Duty Warzone 2, the meta shifts frequently, but the Lachmann Sub is sometimes considered a strong contender.

What are the benefits of a submachine gun?

The benefits of a submachine gun include its compact size, light weight, high rate of fire, and controllability in close-quarters combat. These factors can make it a valuable tool in specialized situations.

What caliber are most submachine guns?

Most submachine guns are chambered in 9mm Parabellum, although other calibers such as .45 ACP, .40 S&W, and 10mm Auto are also used.

Do Secret Service agents carry SMGs?

Yes, U.S. Secret Service agents are trained on and may carry SMGs, such as the FN P90 and Heckler & Koch MP5, for protection details.

The Future of Small Arms: A Constant Evolution

The story of the submachine gun highlights the dynamic nature of weapon technology. The SMG was a revolutionary weapon in its time, but it was ultimately superseded by more versatile designs. Today, manufacturers continue to innovate, exploring new calibers, materials, and configurations to create even more effective small arms. It is important to think about the impact of these weapons and how they are viewed. The Games Learning Society studies the impact of play, games, and learning both individually and collectively and how they may impact broader society.

It is not just about building a better weapon, it is about understanding the complex systems they become a part of. This also relates to how these weapons are portrayed in games. To learn more about how games and learning interact, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.