Sub-machine gun
A submachine gun is a type of machine gun. In particular, a submachine gun is a machine gun which fires ammunition normally used in pistols. Other characteristics distinguishing them from other machine guns include: light weight, a short barrel, and an inability to fire for sustained lengths of time (due to small magazine and a tendency to overheat quickly). They have typically been issued to special commando forces in the military. Their basic function is for fighting at close range like house fighting where a weapon's range is less important than the ability to easily hit and neutralize a target.
Prominent examples include the Thompson submachine gun, Israeli Military Industries Uzi submachine gun, and the Heckler und Koch MP5 series.
In the United States, submachine guns have been categorized as NFA weapons (also known as Title II weapons), so being because they are regulated under the National Firearms Act of 1934 and as ammended by Title II of the Gun Control Act of 1968. NFA firearms can be legally owned if state and local law permits it, all the proper paperwork is submitted and approved, and a one time tax of $200 is paid.
Compare machine pistol, carbine.
See also: Blowback, Firearm action
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