Do soldiers use submachine guns?

After the war, new SMG designs appeared frequently. However, submachine guns are still used by military special forces and police SWAT teams for close-quarters battle (CQB) because they are “a pistol-caliber weapon that’s easy to control, and less likely to overpenetrate the target”.

Where are submachine guns used?

Submachine guns are used by special forces, police, and counter-terrorist units operating in urban environments or cramped interior areas. Submachine guns are also defense weapons for air crews, combat vehicle crews, and naval personnel.

Is a submachine gun a pistol?

Given the “sub” definition, it’s sometimes said submachine guns are undersized versions of machine guns. That can be true, but it’s a little backward. Submachine guns use handgun ammunition, and are basically dressed up pistols. Machine guns use rifle ammunition, and are basically dressed up rifles.

What handgun is used by the military?

M17 Sig Sauer
It looks like the U.S. military has struck gold with the M17 Sig Sauer service pistol. The pistol taking over from the Beretta M9 appears to be well worth it for military personnel.

What is a submachine gun used for?

Submachine guns were a staple of combat in the early 20th century. Their light weight and sleek profiles meant that they could be used in many close-quarters situations and their high rate of fire gave them a stopping power to be feared. By the 1980s, however, submachine guns were rarely seen in regular line units.

What happened to the M16 submachine gun?

The submachine gun, however, wasn’t able to hold up long in the jungles of Vietnam when the M16’s durability, range, and 5.56mm ammunition outperformed it in nearly every way. This, however, wasn’t its death rattle. The SMG’s maneuverability in close quarters didn’t go unnoticed by law enforcement — primarily by SWAT teams.

Are SMG rifles making a comeback?

Though modern rifles have made the SMG unpopular in warfare, it still serves a valuable purpose in the right hands. Modern conventional troops will use them sparingly. But word has it that they might come back. This week, National Geographic will air the first episode of The Long Road Home.

What was the tommy gun used for in WWII?

In WWII, the Tommy Gun gave American troops a lot of firepower in a small package. Paratroopers could easily carry them on planes, tankers could keep them handy in case anyone got too close, and infantrymen could maneuver through cities with them with ease.