Walther’s Forgotten SMG: The MPK (and MPL)

Published on December 3, 2025
Duration: 15:41

The Walther MPK and MPL are post-WWII submachine guns developed in the late 1950s and produced from 1963, competing with the Uzi and MP5. They feature a simple stamped sheet metal construction, ambidextrous controls, and a manageable 550 RPM rate of fire. While robust and portable, their sights are considered a weak point by the reviewer.

Quick Summary

The Walther MPK and MPL are post-WWII submachine guns produced from 1963, featuring stamped sheet metal construction and 32-round 9mm magazines based on the Carl Gustaf M45 design. They offer ambidextrous controls and a manageable 550 RPM rate of fire, though their sights are considered a weak point.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Walther MPK & MPL History
  2. 01:46Physical Specs & Magazines
  3. 02:52Stock & Ergonomics
  4. 04:01Controls & Charging Handle
  5. 05:49Safety Mechanisms & Rate of Fire
  6. 07:51Sights & Accuracy Issues
  7. 09:26Disassembly & Internal Design

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the Walther MPK and MPL submachine guns?

The primary difference lies in their barrel length and overall size. The MPK (Kurz) features a shorter 6.75-inch barrel and is more compact, while the MPL has a longer 10.25-inch barrel, making it slightly larger and heavier.

What type of magazines do the Walther MPK and MPL use?

Both the MPK and MPL utilize 32-round 9mm magazines. These magazines are based on the design of the Swedish Carl Gustaf M45 submachine gun magazines.

What is the rate of fire for the Walther MPK and MPL?

The Walther MPK and MPL have a relatively manageable rate of fire of approximately 550 rounds per minute. This allows for better control during full-automatic fire and makes it easier to fire controlled pairs.

What safety features are present on the Walther MPK?

The MPK includes an ambidextrous selector for Safe, Semi-Auto, and Full-Auto fire. A notable safety feature is a secondary sear catch that acts as an open-bolt safety, preventing accidental discharge if the weapon is dropped.

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