The history, rise, decline, and current niche applications of submachine guns (SMGs) in warfare. The SMG, a portable weapon firing pistol rounds, emerged during World War I due to the need for a weapon suitable for close-range trench warfare. Despite their decline with the advent of short carbines, they still find use in specialized military and police roles.
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Key Points:Â
- The SMG originated during World War I as a response to the need for a weapon that bridged the gap between cumbersome bolt-action rifles and handguns. The weapon found immense success on the battlefield, particularly with German stormtroopers.
- The effectiveness of the SMG was confirmed during World War II when it became a widely used weapon due to its portability and high rate of fire, especially in close-quarter combat scenarios.
- Post-World War II, the introduction of battle rifles and assault rifles started to replace SMGs. By the time of the Vietnam War, weapons like the M-16 had become more popular as they combined the functions of a rifle, automatic rifle, and submachine gun.
- Despite being overtaken by rifles, SMGs remained in use with special operations forces and counterterrorism units due to their compactness and ease of suppression. They became the weapon of choice for situations where firepower and maneuverability were needed, such as clearing aircraft of hijackers.
- Today, SMGs occupy a small niche within the military and police forces, used when compactness or a low profile is essential. They offer more firepower than a pistol, yet less weight and bulk than a rifle, making them a valuable asset in specific scenarios such as VIP protection or K9 handling.
Source: https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/the-death-of-the-submachine-gun/
