What Does SMG Stand For?
To kick things off: SMG stands for submachine gun, a compact automatic weapon firing pistol ammunition. But there‘s a lot more to unpack about this iconic class of firearm!
As a passionate gamer and military history buff, I‘ve handled my share of virtual SMGs. And while in-game depictions aren‘t always accurate, SMGs deserve credit for their pivotal role in 20th century warfare.
Let‘s explore some SMG basics before getting into theirspecs and combat record over the years.
A Lightweight Slaughterhouse: What is a Submachine Gun?
Submachine guns (SMGs) emerged in World War I when trench-fighting demanded a new breed of weapon – something between a rifle and pistol.
Compact and lightweight automatic weapons firing pistol rounds fit the bill. Less recoil meant better control in rapid fire at short distances.
By definition, submachine guns have these key characteristics:
- Fully automatic fire
- Chambered for pistol ammunition
- Effective range of 100-200 yards or less
- Small size – can be fired with one hand
- High ammo capacity (20-100 round magazines)
Common pistols rounds used include 9×19mm Parabellum, .45 ACP, .40 S&W, and .380 ACP.
Deadly Effectiveness: Submachine Guns of World War II
World War II saw massive proliferation and tactical employment of submachine guns by all major powers. I‘ll spotlight some of the deadliest SMGs of the era.
Thompson
The classic American "Tommy Gun" gained notoriety as a gangster weapon in the 1920s before serving with Marines in the Pacific. It blasted .45 ACP rounds at 600+ RPM.
MP40
Germany‘s MP40 submachine gun armed hundreds of thousands of troops. It fired 9mm rounds at 500 RPM and supported blitzkrieg tactics with high mobility.
PPSh-41
The Russian-made PPSh sprayed pistol-caliber destruction at 1000+ RPM. Nicknamed the "burp gun," it gave Red Army squad fire superiority.
Other SMGs like the British Sten, American M3 "Grease Gun," and German MP18 also saw frequent frontline use. By mid-war infantry squads regularly carried more SMGs than rifles.
Their fast-firing compact design fit the dynamics of close combat. Entire Soviet units dedicated to urban warfare like "storm groups" were issued almost exclusively SMGs.
SMG Use in Major 20th Century Conflicts
Submachine guns brought unparalled volume of fire to small units in close-range fighting. Analyzing their combat statistics sheds light on tactical impact.
Conflict Statistics for Iconic Submachine Guns
| SMG Model | Conflict Used In | Number Manufactured |
|---|---|---|
| Thompson | World War II | ~1,700,000 |
| MP40 | World War II | ~1,100,000 |
| PPSh-41 | World War II | ~6,000,000 |
| Uzi | Arab-Israeli Wars | ~10,000,000 |
These millions of SMGs decisively armed troops worldwide in clashes determining the course of history.
High ammo capacity allowed single soldiers to unleash a wall of lead. More analysis could determine the relative casualties inflicted per weapon compared to rifles and other arms.
But raw manufacturing figures alone confirm the sheer numeric footprint of SMGs in engagments during this era.
Specialty Tool: Modern Submachine Gun Usage
While assault rifles now dominate as standard infantry weapons, submachine guns retain several specialty roles where their capabilities shine.
CQB Operations
In close quarters battle (CQB), counterterror teams value compact profile, high RPM, and large magazines of submachine guns for precision room-clearing.
The Heckler & Koch MP5 became a gold standard SMG for these types of operations. Its 9mm ammo reduces overpenetration concerns. Top-tier special forces like SAS/SBS, SEAL Team 6, GSG-9 and other still field MP5 variants.
Personal Defense Weapon
For vehicle crews, special operators, and rear area troops, a "personal defense weapon" (PDW) provides ample firepower in a conveniently tiny package. Submachine gun-sized PDWs firing pistol rounds fit perfectly for lightweight self-defense.
The FN P90 and H&K MP7 PDWs exemplify this concept. Their small bullpup designs allow full-length barrel in tiny frames.
Compact Primary Weapon
Short length helps in confined spaces like armored vehicle interiors. So tank crews may use an SMG type weapon as their primary personal firearm over a rifle. The Russian Vityaz-SN is issued to vehicle crews partly for this reason.
SMGs in Gaming
As an avid gamer, I appreciate how well various video game franchises have simulated SMG combat over the years.
The Call of Duty series stands out for accurately rendering many iconic submachine guns. Blazing through maps hip-firing something like the Thompson or MP40 captures their run-and-gun role historically.
Battlefield 1 actually restricts SMGs to certain classes encouraging close-in mobility. Storming trenches with an automatico feels right for WWI gameplay.
Of course CounterStrike offers genre-defining SMG choices. Few can resist tec-9 rushing terrorists on Dust II for some classic run-and-spray excitement!
So while game physics always diverge from reality, players get an engaging SMG experience matching their compact size and blistering fire rates in real life.
Parting Shots
In closing, while many know SMG simply as shorthand for "submachine gun," there‘s rich history and continuing relevance behind the weapon type.
They armed millions in 20th century conflicts that shaped global politics. And they fill unique tactical niches for today‘s most elite military and police units.
So respect the SMG‘s trailblazing contributions our armories when you next pick one up wandering a virtual battlefield or Rainbow Six siege!
