The Short-Lived Suomi SMG for Armored Vehicle Mounts

Published on January 31, 2022
Duration: 5:45

This video explores the rare Tank Suomi variant of the M31 SMG, designed for Finnish armored vehicles in the 1930s. Modifications included a pistol grip for cramped spaces and a heavy barrel shroud for vehicle mounts. Lacking traditional sights, it relied on instinctive aiming or tracer observation. By 1944, these were replaced by more numerous Soviet DT machine guns.

Quick Summary

The Tank Suomi variant of the M31 SMG was adapted for Finnish armored vehicles with a pistol grip for reduced length and a heavy barrel shroud for ball mounts. It lacked traditional sights, relying on instinctive aiming. A modular design allowed crews to use it for self-defense if they bailed out.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Tank Suomi
  2. 00:45Vehicle-Specific Modifications: Pistol Grip
  3. 01:12Weight and Barrel Jacket Comparison
  4. 02:08Barrel Shroud and Ball Mount Mechanics
  5. 03:16Sighting System: Lack of Front Sight
  6. 03:40Modular Bail-out Feature
  7. 04:28Historical Context & Obsolescence

Frequently Asked Questions

What modifications were made to the Suomi SMG for armored vehicle use?

The Suomi SMG was modified for armored vehicles by removing the traditional stock and adding a vertical pistol grip to reduce its length. It also featured a heavier barrel jacket designed to fit into a vehicle's ball mount.

Why did the Tank Suomi lack traditional iron sights?

The Tank Suomi variant lacked a front sight because it was intended for use within cramped armored vehicles. Aiming was expected to be instinctive or by observing bullet impacts and tracers, rather than using conventional sights.

What was the purpose of the modular bail-out concept for the Tank Suomi?

The modular design allowed tank crews to quickly detach the gun from its vehicle mount shroud and attach a standard barrel shroud. This enabled them to use the SMG for self-defense if they needed to abandon the vehicle.

Why were the Tank Suomi variants eventually replaced?

By 1944, the Tank Suomi variants were replaced in Finnish inventory primarily by captured Soviet DT (Degtyarev) tank machine guns. The DT was more powerful, used rifle-caliber ammunition, and was available in much larger quantities.

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Category:General
Date: Oct 4, 2018
Duration: 1:20:21

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