Estonia's Domestic Arms Production: Arsenal Tallinn SMG

Published on October 11, 2024
Duration: 15:46

The Arsenal Tallinn SMG was Estonia's primary interwar submachine gun, developed from the German MP18. It uniquely fires the 9x20mm Browning semi-rimmed cartridge and features a 50-round magazine designed to prevent rimlock. Approximately 600 were produced and issued to Estonian forces, with most later sold to Spain, making surviving examples rare.

Quick Summary

The Arsenal Tallinn SMG was Estonia's main interwar submachine gun, based on the German MP18. It uniquely fired the 9x20mm Browning semi-rimmed cartridge and used a 50-round magazine designed to prevent rimlock. Around 600 were made, with most later sold to Spain, making them rare today.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Arsenal Tallinn SMG
  2. 00:32History of Arsenal Tallinn Facility
  3. 03:06Design and Development Origins
  4. 03:46Unique 9x20mm Caliber and 50-Round Magazine
  5. 06:46Mechanical Operation: Blowback and Trigger
  6. 08:08Field Stripping and MP18 Similarities
  7. 11:32Production Numbers and Distribution
  8. 13:32Later History and Rarity Factors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Arsenal Tallinn SMG?

The Arsenal Tallinn SMG was the primary submachine gun developed and manufactured in Estonia during the interwar period. It was based on the German MP18 design and produced by the state-owned Arsenal facility in Tallinn.

What caliber does the Arsenal Tallinn SMG fire?

The Arsenal Tallinn SMG is chambered in the 9x20mm Browning semi-rimmed cartridge. This was Estonia's standard service pistol cartridge at the time of the SMG's development.

What is unique about the Arsenal Tallinn SMG's magazine?

It features a high-capacity 50-round magazine that is canted backward. This design was implemented to help prevent rimlock, a common feeding issue with semi-rimmed cartridges.

How many Arsenal Tallinn SMGs were produced and where did they go?

Approximately 600 units were produced and distributed among the Estonian Defense League, Army, and Police. Many were later sold to Spain during its Civil War, making surviving examples very rare.

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