Beretta M-38
Notes:
Just after
World War 1, Beretta designed a new version of the Vilar Perosa (said to be the
first true submachinegun), modifying the original design considerably and
calling it the M-1918. The original
version of the M-1918 removed a number of troublesome and cumbersome featured
from the Vilar Perosa; the more definitive model moved the magazine feed to the
bottom of the weapon and lengthened the barrel somewhat, and it is a judgment
call as to whether the M-1918 is a submachinegun or an automatic carbine.
The magazine move simplified both the sights and general construction
considerably. The later M-1930
(also called the M-1918/30) is a semiautomatic version of the M-1918, and is
therefore what would be called today a “short-barreled rifle.”
Both of
these weapons fired from a closed bolt and used an unusual bolt carrier group
that was nicknamed the A Siringa
after its resemblance to a syringe, especially in the shape of the cocking ring.
Both fired from 12 or 25-round magazines.
If the cocking ring is already pulled back, the magazine will
automatically feed a round and be ready to fire; otherwise, the cocking ring
must be pulled. Some features from
already-existing Italian weapons were borrowed to speed development and
production; the bayonet is the standard Carcano M-91 bayonet, the stock is
modified from the Vilar Perosa, the trigger guard is from a popular Italian
training rifle of the time. Both
the M-1918 and M-1930 were meant to be civilian weapons, so cost was a factor,
though most ended up being used by the Italian Army.
Barrel length is 12.5 inches.
Perhaps its greatest weakness was its ammunition – 9mm Glisenti.
The M-38 series
was a long-lived submachinegun in Italian service, being used by the Italians
starting in late 1937 and continuing in use until the early 1960s.
It is sometimes found in use in some African countries to this day.
The first version, the M-38A, was an upgrade of the Model 1918.
It was chambered for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge and also for an Italian
round of slightly different dimensions but of equal power and ballistics.
The M-38A uses unusual twin triggers; the front trigger is used for
semiautomatic fire, and the rear trigger for automatic fire.
The M-38A,
though an excellent weapon, uses expensive and time-consuming milled steel
construction. In addition, the
Italian round proved to be unreliable, and the ability to fire that cartridge
was removed. The stock was
shortened so that it ran only to the magazine well; this saved some wood and
money. The result of these
modifications was the M-38/42. A
minor change of this weapon, with a simplified bolt and the return spring
strengthened, became the M-38/44.
The M-38/49,
also known by the postwar designation of Model 4, is an M-38A with a cross-bolt
safety. In addition, the M-38/49
could be customized to a certain extent; versions are available with a folding
bayonet, a wooden stock or a folding metal stock, a grip safety, and various
types of slings. This model
continued in production until 1961.
Despite
appearances, the M-3 is merely a modified form of the M-1938 series of
submachineguns. The mechanism is
basically the same, but changes were made to simplify production and make the
weapon less expensive. Despite
this, the M-3 was never a great success and few were built.
An M-4 was also made; it differs from the M-3 only in having a folding
bayonet. There is no manual safety
catch, but there is a grip safety.
The Model 5 was
the last version of the M-38A. It
is an M-38/49 with a spring-loaded safety catch which had to be depressed when
firing the weapon (making one-handed fire impossible).
Weapon |
Ammunition |
Weight |
Magazines |
Price |
M-1918 |
9mm Glisenti |
3.63 kg |
12, 25 |
$320 |
M-1930 |
9mm Glisenti |
3.63 kg |
12, 25 |
$317 |
M-38A |
9mm Parabellum and 9mm M-38A |
4.19 kg |
10, 20, 30, 40 |
$374 |
M-38/42 & M-38/44 |
9mm Parabellum |
3.26 kg |
20, 40 |
$333 |
M-3 |
9mm Parabellum |
3.47 kg |
20, 40 |
$352 |
M-38/49 & Model 5 (Wooden Stock) |
9mm Parabellum |
3.26 kg |
20, 40 |
$247 |
M-38/49 & Model 5 (Folding Stock) |
9mm Parabellum |
2.76 kg |
20, 40 |
$272 |
Weapon |
ROF |
Damage |
Pen |
Bulk |
SS |
Burst |
Range |
M-1918 |
10 |
2 |
1-Nil |
6 |
1 |
5 |
32 |
M-1930 |
SA |
2 |
1-Nil |
6 |
1 |
Nil |
32 |
M-38A |
5 |
2 |
1-Nil |
6 |
1 |
2 |
32 |
M-38/42 & M-38/44 |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
5 |
1 |
2 |
22 |
M-3 |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
3/5 |
1 |
2 |
20 |
M-38/49 & Model 5 (Wood Stock) |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
5 |
1 |
2 |
22 |
M-38/49 & Model 5 (Folding Stock) |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
4/5 |
1 |
2 |
22 |
Beretta PM-12/PM-12S/PM-12S2
Notes: Work on
the PM-12 began in the early 1950s, but the first production examples did not
appear until 1958. The PM-12 is
simply made of sheet metal stampings that are spot-welded together.
The PM-12 is a reliable weapon that is formed and sealed as well as
possible to continue operation even when wet or dirty.
The grip safety is unusual in that it must be held in when the weapon is
cocked; this helps prevent an accidental fire during loading.
The normal stock is a folding metal one, but this can be replaced by a
wooden butt.
The PM-12S was
produced to make a number of improvements to the PM-12.
The manual safety has been improved; before the PM-12S, the weapon could
be switched to Safe without the weapon actually being fully on safe.
When the manual safety is engaged, the grip safety automatically deploys
and is held in. The catch for the
cap at the rear of the receiver (used when stripping the weapon) was moved top
of the receiver to make it both easier to intentionally release and more
difficult to accidentally release.
The catch for the folding is also improved so that the stock is sure to remain
locked when in the extended position.
Further improvements resulted in the PM-12S2; changes include a charging
handle safety to further enhance safety.
Options for all of the PM-12 series include a modified foregrip with
high-intensity white light or IR light built in, a mount fitted to the top of
the receiver to allow the use of night vision scopes or laser aiming modules, a
modified barrel threaded for a suppressor or silencer, and a grenade launcher
attachment allowing the firing of irritant gas grenades (this also requires a
ballistite cartridge, a modified recoil spring, and a modified end cap for the
receiver).
Other than Italian use,
the PM-12 and 12S can be found in several South American, African, and Middle
Eastern countries.
Weapon |
Ammunition |
Weight |
Magazines |
Price |
PM-12 (Folding Stock) |
9mm Parabellum |
3 kg |
20, 32, 40 |
$375 |
PM-12 (Wooden Butt) |
9mm Parabellum |
3.4 kg |
20, 32, 40 |
$345 |
PM-12S (Folding Stock) |
9mm Parabellum |
3.2 kg |
20, 32, 40 |
$375 |
PM-12S (Wooden Butt) |
9mm Parabellum |
3.6 kg |
20, 32, 40 |
$345 |
PM-12S2 (Folding Stock) |
9mm Parabellum |
3.4 kg |
20, 32, 40 |
$375 |
PM-12S2 (Wooden Butt) |
9mm Parabellum |
3.8 kg |
20, 32, 40 |
$345 |
Weapon |
ROF |
Damage |
Pen |
Bulk |
SS |
Burst |
Range |
PM-12 (Folding Stock) |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
3/4 |
1 |
3 |
22 |
PM-12 (Wooden Stock) |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
4 |
1 |
2 |
22 |
PM-12S (Folding Stock) |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
3/4 |
1 |
3 |
22 |
PM-12S (Wooden Butt) |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
4 |
1 |
2 |
22 |
PM-12S2 (Folding Stock) |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
3/4 |
1 |
2 |
22 |
PM-12S2 (Wooden Butt) |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
4 |
1 |
2 |
22 |
FNAB-43
This weapon was
built by FNA-B starting in 1942.
Unlike most Italian weapons of the period, it is almost over-engineered, having
complex but reliable operation, but making the gun heavy. Some 7000 copies were
made during World War 2. From Italy’s Army, the FNAB quickly found itself in
large numbers in the hands of resistance fighters, and was also used by the
Nazis. A muzzle brake is used, which is attached to the casing. Operation is by
lever-delayed blowback and is selective fire.
ROF is slow (400 rpm). The FNAB looks as if it borrowed features from the
PPS-43 and the MP-40, though I doubt it actually happened that way. Barrel
length is 7.79 inches.
Weapon |
Ammunition |
Weight |
Magazines |
Price |
FNAB-43 |
9mm Parabellum |
3.25 kg |
20, 40 |
$301 |
Weapon |
ROF |
Damage |
Pen |
Bulk |
SS |
Burst |
Range |
LF-57 |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
3/4 |
1 |
2 |
20 |
Franchi LF-57
Notes: This
small weapon is in use in small numbers by the Italian Navy, and somewhat larger
numbers by a few African nations.
The weapon uses the telescoping bolt to decrease size, and is very easy to
maintain and disassemble. It was
not a commercial success, and it is a rather rare weapon.
The weapon is made entirely of steel stampings, including the pistol
grip. This weapon is made by the
same company (Franchi) that makes the SPAS-12 and SPAS-15 shotguns (see Italian
Shotguns).
Merc 2000 Notes:
Production of this weapon quietly restarted in 1999, and they were sold to a
variety of clandestine agencies in the world, and reportedly some rather
unsavory individuals as well.
Weapon |
Ammunition |
Weight |
Magazines |
Price |
LF-57 |
9mm Parabellum |
3.17 kg |
20, 40 |
$304 |
Weapon |
ROF |
Damage |
Pen |
Bulk |
SS |
Burst |
Range |
LF-57 |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
3/4 |
1 |
2 |
21 |
Socimi Type 821
Notes: This is a
small submachinegun, similar in design and concept to Uzi-type weapons.
Designed for use by vehicle crews, special operations, and paramilitary
and police forces, the Type 821 was sometimes carried by Italian police guarding
places like airports, as well as bodyguards and some Carabineri officers, but
was generally a little-seen weapon.
Socimi is supposedly still making the 821, but for whom, it is not known.
Twilight 2000
Notes: This weapon was placed into large-scale production in 1996, and issued to
Italian troops (and later, partisans loyal to the government).
Weapon |
Ammunition |
Weight |
Magazines |
Price |
Type 821 |
9mm
Parabellum |
2.45 kg |
32 |
$302 |
Weapon |
ROF |
Damage |
Pen |
Bulk |
SS |
Burst |
Range |
Type 821 |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
2/4 |
1 |
3 |
20 |
SITES Spectre M-4
Notes: An
Italian submachinegun used by the Swiss armed forces and by Italian special
forces, and has otherwise been sold to “undisclosed recipients.” It is a compact
and light weapon, with several unusual features.
The barrel shroud completely hides the barrel. The Spectre uses special
50-round four-column magazines which are the same length as standard 32-round
magazines and short 30-round magazines which are half the length of a normal
30-round magazine. It can also use normal magazines. The safety is incorporated
into the trigger mechanism. A rare
variant of the Spectre fires .40 Smith & Wesson ammunition and has 22- and
35-round four-column magazines, but is otherwise identical.
Twilight 2000
Notes: the .40 Smith & Wesson variant does not exist in the Twilight 2000
timeline.
Weapon |
Ammunition |
Weight |
Magazines |
Price |
Spectre M-4 |
9mm Parabellum |
2.9 kg |
30, 32, 50 |
$324 |
Spectre M-4 |
.40 Smith & Wesson |
3.08 kg |
22, 30, 35 |
$397 |
Weapon |
ROF |
Damage |
Pen |
Bulk |
SS |
Burst |
Range |
Spectre M-4 (9mm) |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
2/3 |
1 |
2 |
16 |
Spectre M-4 (.40) |
5 |
2 |
1-Nil |
2/3 |
1 |
2 |
17 |
TZ-45/BA-52
Notes:
This Italian design was produced very quickly by the thousands in World
War 2 between 1944 and 1945. After
the war, the design was sold to the Burmese Army, where it was again produced by
the thousands and issued to the Burmese Army as the BA-52.
The Burmese sold it far and wide across the Middle East, Far East, and
Southeast Asia. Today, it can be
expected to show up anywhere in those locales.
Weapon |
Ammunition |
Weight |
Magazines |
Price |
TZ-45/BA-52 |
9mm
Parabellum |
3.26 kg |
20,
40 |
$315 |
Weapon |
ROF |
Damage |
Pen |
Bulk |
SS |
Burst |
Range |
TZ-45/BA-52 |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
4/5 |
1 |
2 |
24 |
Villar Perosa Twin Fiat
Notes: This
weapon is just weird-looking. They
were introduced in 1915, making the supposed “first submachinegun,” though
tactical handing and employment was made difficult by the design. Perhaps the
weirdest part of the design is its twin barrel (yes, a double-barreled
submachinegun). It has an integral
bipod and can be mounted on a tripod – it reminds me more of a light machinegun
excerpt for its barrel length and cartridge.
An AV1 gun shield could also be fixed ahead of the receiver.
Double magazines fed the Fiat.
The Fiat is just
odd.
Weapon |
Ammunition |
Weight |
Magazines |
Price |
Twin Fiat |
9mm
Glisenti |
4.19 kg |
2x25 |
$550 |
Weapon |
ROF |
Damage |
Pen |
Bulk |
SS |
Burst |
Range |
Twin Fiat |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
6 |
1 |
4 |
21 |
With Bipod |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
6 |
1 |
2 |
27 |
With Tripod |
5 |
2 |
Nil |
6 |
1 |
1 |
41 |
Villar Perosa OVP
Notes: Bearing a
vague resemblance to the M-1 Carbine, the OVP does look more like a rifle than
submachinegun. It may be that it is included in the submachinegun category due
to the caliber and a barrel that was much shorter than a rifle or carbine. It
was introduced in the late 1920s and used in World War 2.
It has a stock much like a rifle stock, and it’s barrel is 11 inches.
The OVP used a lengthened Twin Fiat
barrel as well as some of the mechanism and the magazines of the Twin Fiat.
The cocking mechanism was made more ergonomic, and the trigger guard held
two triggers. The rear trigger was
for semiautomatic fire, while the front is for automatic fire.
Weapon |
Ammunition |
Weight |
Magazines |
Price |
OVP |
9mm
Glisenti |
3.67 kg |
25 |
$590 |
Weapon |
ROF |
Damage |
Pen |
Bulk |
SS |
Burst |
Range |
OVP |
5 |
2 |
1-Nil |
5 |
1 |
2 |
29 |