Better than a Sten gun? The Giandoso TZ45 with curator, weapon and firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on March 17, 2021
Duration: 7:53

The Giandoso TZ45, a 1944 Italian submachine gun, is compared to the British Sten gun. While both are blowback-operated, the TZ45 features a more advanced grip safety that prevents accidental discharge by requiring a firm grip to cycle the bolt. Approximately 6,000 TZ45s were produced in Italy, with the design later copied in Burma as the BA-52.

Quick Summary

The Giandoso TZ45 is a 1944 Italian 9mm submachine gun featuring a blowback, open-bolt design. It incorporates a more advanced grip safety than the British Sten gun, requiring a firm grip to prevent accidental discharge. Around 6,000 were made in Italy, with the design later copied in Burma.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Giandoso TZ45
  2. 00:53Production and Context: TZ45 vs. Sten
  3. 01:41Blowback Operation and Safety Risks
  4. 03:46Safety Comparisons: Sten vs. TZ45
  5. 04:45The TZ45 Grip Safety Mechanism
  6. 06:46Legacy and Production Numbers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Giandoso TZ45?

The Giandoso TZ45 is a 9mm Parabellum submachine gun designed by Tonon and Zorzoli (TZ) and produced in Brescia, Italy, in 1944. It's considered a 'last-ditch' weapon from World War II.

How does the TZ45's safety mechanism compare to the Sten gun?

The TZ45 features a more advanced grip safety on the magazine housing, requiring a firm grip to allow the bolt to cycle. This is considered safer than the Sten gun's safety features, which included a modified cocking handle and a receiver hole.

What are the risks associated with open-bolt submachine guns like the TZ45?

Open-bolt designs, including the TZ45 and Sten gun, carry an inherent risk of accidental discharge if the cocking handle is snagged or the weapon is dropped, as the bolt is not locked when ready to fire.

What is the production history of the Giandoso TZ45?

Approximately 6,000 Giandoso TZ45 submachine guns were produced in Italy. The design was later copied and manufactured in Burma (Myanmar) as the BA-52 submachine gun.

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