Videos tagged with First Submachine Gun

The MP-18,I is recognized as the first submachine gun to see combat, developed by Germany in late 1915 for trench clearing. It features a simple open-bolt, blowback-operated mechanism with full-auto fire only, lacking a disconnector. The design includes a Trommel magazine with a sleeve to prevent over-insertion, and early models bear distinct markings like 'M.P. 18,I.' and the year of manufacture.

The MP-18,I, designed by Hugo Schmeisser, is recognized as the first true submachine gun to see combat, establishing a design standard. It features a simple blowback, open-bolt mechanism and was initially intended for box magazines but adapted to use 32-round Luger drum magazines. Its tactical employment involved specialized machine gun squads or distribution among riflemen, influencing close-quarters combat tactics.