SMG

Sub-Machine Gun

Generic term for fully-automatic carbines firing pistol ammunition. Were also variously called Machine Carbines by the Brits and Machine Pistols by the Boxheads. Normally firing from an open bolt, they are terribly inaccurate. Examples include:

• MP18 (Germany)

• MP28 (Germany)

• MP40 (Germany)

• Thompson (USA)

• STEN (UK)

• Sterling (UK)

See also: operating principles of firearms

Also known as the 'Small Metal Gun' or 'Smudge' gun.

Blimey, after all these years I thought it meant Sub Machine Gun? [Erm... small metal gun is a joke, you fool! Edited cos clearly the humour was too deep for some people.]