FN P90, a personal defense weapon
A submachine gun (or SMG) is an automatic two-handed long gun designed to fire pistol cartridges. Smaller than rifles but larger than machine pistols, submachine guns combine the close range firepower of a machine pistol with a more ergonomic long gun layout (which almost always includes a stock) and a somewhat longer barrel. They are easy to use and carry, and they usually hold large amounts of ammunition (usually 30 rounds per magazine).
True submachine guns are select-fire and as such are usually not available to civilians. Semi-automatic variants of submachine gun designs are typically classified as "pistol-caliber carbines", but even these are illegal in some jurisdictions. As SWAT and special forces teams are overrun, however, it may become easier to obtain a fully automatic submachine gun.
H&K UMP45, a submachine gun. Customised with optic, vertical foregrip, suppressor, and tactical flashlight
The first true submachine guns saw combat in World War I, where they proved an asset in trench warfare. During the Prohibition era in the United States, the Thompson submachine gun grew infamous for its heavy use by gangsters and police officers, and was later used by U.S. soldiers in WWII. Submachine guns were used by all sides in WWII to provide soldiers (who were typically armed with bolt-action rifles) with superior close range firepower and continued to see service afterwards, but were soon usurped as standard military weapons by automatic rifles. In recent years, submachine guns are mainly used by law enforcement officers, counter-terrorism operatives and special forces soldiers, but they have begun to fall out of favor with these groups due to their poor effectiveness against modern body armor compared to assault rifles.
Submachine guns are commonly chambered in 9x19mm and .45 ACP - however, some can be found in other calibres such as .40 S&W.
H&K MP5, a submachine gun
Personal Defense Weapons[]
Personal defense weapons (or PDWs) are a relatively recent development in firearms designs.
H&K MP7, a personal defense weapon
Designed to fire small-caliber cartridges similar to scaled-down rifle cartridges, personal defense weapons can display superior penetration and velocity when compared to the pistol munitions used in submachine guns - however, they have poor stopping power, potentially failing to completely destroy a zombie's brain with a headshot. The two most well known designs in this category are the FN P90 and the H&K MP7.
The Russian AKS-74U, an extremely short variant of the AK-74 assault rifle, is not a submachine gun, as it fires the 5.45x39mm intermediate rifle cartridge. However, it is used in the PDW role by Russian forces, and can be used just like a submachine gun.
Effectiveness against zombies[]
Submachine guns occupy the middle ground between pistols and rifles in terms of effectiveness. They are lighter and shorter than rifle carbines, making them easy to maneuver in close quarters, and have somewhat lower recoil. On the other hand, they are less accurate at range than most rifles and have inferior stopping power due to their caliber. Despite this, submachine guns (and their semi-automatic equivalents) are far more practical than machine pistols due to their more ergonomic layout, and they will suffice for a primary weapon if you should come across one (though a rifle is preferable).
If you do choose to use a submachine gun, it is important to keep it on semi-auto mode, as fully automatic fire is a waste of ammo against zombies. The temptation to go full auto may be an argument against the use of these weapons by some people.
Examples[]
- HK MP5 - German. Typically 9x19mm. Classic submachine gun made famous by the SAS in the Iranian Embassy siege. Variants exist in 10mm Auto and .40 S&W.
- HK UMP series - German. 9x19mm, .45 ACP, and .40 S&W variants. Intended to be a successor to the MP5, but not quite as successful as hoped. Still, an excellent weapon.
- PP-19 Vityaz - Russian. 9x19mm. Derived from the AK-74.
- SIG MPX - American. 9x19mm.
- FN P90 - Belgian. 5.7x28mm. Famous personal defence weapon - good for piercing soft armor and very short, but has low stopping power and is unable to penetrate most hard armor vests. Unusual bullpup layout could possibly lead to ergonomics and operation issues.
- HK MP7 - German. 4.6x30mm. Personal defence weapon, competitor to the P90. With stock extended, ergonomics similar to the AR-15.
Effectiveness against raiders[]
Submachine guns are highly effective in close-quarters battle against most raiders. Their combination of a high rate of fire, low recoil, and short length makes them a great choice when clearing rooms in buildings. However, they suffer at long range due to their short range.
However, their usage of pistol calibers makes them ineffective against armored raiders - soft armor vests and ballistic helmets will stop most pistol rounds, and there is no chance of penetrating hard armor plates even with steel-core full metal jacket ammunition. This does not mean they are completely ineffective, however - aiming for the limbs, then shooting the disabled opponent in the head may be a good option.