Top 5 Submachine Guns of All Time
Submachine guns, or SMGs, are compact automatic firearms primarily chambered in pistol calibers. Designed for close-quarters combat, they’ve carved a distinct place in military, law enforcement, and even pop culture history. But choosing the “top” submachine guns isn’t simple it depends on a mix of historical significance, battlefield performance, and global adoption. After combing through expert sources and military analysis, here’s a carefully considered list of the top 5 submachine guns in the world.
Top 5 Submachine Guns
This list was built to reflect real-world use, legacy, and design excellence. Here are the top contenders:
1. Heckler & Koch MP5
Arguably the most iconic modern SMG, the MP5 has been in use since the 1960s. Known for its roller-delayed blowback system, this German-made weapon is praised for its accuracy, low recoil, and high reliability. It’s been adopted by over 90 countries, including elite forces like the Navy SEALs and Germany’s GSG 9. Variants like the MP5K make it versatile for both military and law enforcement use.
2. Uzi
The Israeli Uzi, designed by Uziel Gal in 1949, is one of the most widely produced submachine guns ever over 10 million units. Chambered in 9mm, it’s renowned for simplicity and reliability. Its open-bolt design allows for rapid fire and ease of maintenance. The Uzi played a central role in conflicts like the Six-Day War and was used by over 70 countries.
3. Thompson (Tommy Gun)
If you think submachine guns, chances are the Thompson comes to mind. Developed during World War I and made famous during WWII and Prohibition-era America, this .45 ACP beast became a symbol of firepower. Known for its 50-round drum magazines and heavy-hitting rounds, the “Tommy Gun” had a huge impact on 20th-century warfare and culture alike.
4. FN P90
While technically a Personal Defense Weapon (PDW), the FN P90 makes this list for its widespread military use and futuristic design. Introduced in the late 1980s, it fires the 5.7×28mm cartridge effective against modern body armor. With a top-mounted 50-round magazine and bullpup layout, it’s compact, ergonomic, and ideal for close-quarter urban combat. Despite its PDW classification, it’s frequently listed alongside SMGs due to its operational role.
5. Beretta M12
Italy’s Beretta M12 is another Cold War-era SMG still in service today. First produced in the late 1950s, the M12 fires 9mm rounds at around 550 rpm. Its rugged design, simple mechanics, and effective performance have made it a staple in 24 nations, including Italy’s Carabinieri and several South American forces.
Survey-Based Insights: What Makes a Top SMG?
To determine this list, I analyzed rankings from multiple firearms-focused platforms including Firearms News, 19FortyFive, SSBCRACKEXAMS, Adda247, Part-Time-Commander, and more. Each source provided unique perspectives, but several models consistently appeared in top spots.
Source | Rank 1 | Rank 2 | Rank 3 | Rank 4 | Rank 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Firearms News | MP40 | Uzi | MP5 | MAC10 | HK UMP |
19FortyFive | Thompson | Uzi | MP5 | M3 Grease Gun | Beretta M12 |
SSBCRACKEXAMS | MP5 | Uzi | FN P90 | HK MP7 | HK UMP |
Part-Time-Commander | MP5 | FN P90 | M12 | HK MP7 | CZ Scorpion EVO 3 |
From this data, the MP5 and Uzi clearly lead the pack, followed by other repeat mentions like the Thompson, FN P90, and Beretta M12. While weapons like the MP40 and M3 Grease Gun had notable service lives, they lacked the broad consensus of the top five.
Why These Five Stand Out
MP5
A marvel of German engineering, the MP5 combines smooth operation with elite-level performance. Its closed-bolt design enhances accuracy, making it a favorite among special forces. From airport takedowns to hostage rescues, the MP5 has seen it all and it’s still going strong.
Uzi
What it lacks in elegance, the Uzi makes up for in sheer functionality. Its compact build and open-bolt system are perfect for battlefield conditions. Its global proliferation speaks to its cost-effectiveness and dependability under pressure.
Thompson
The Thompson’s .45 ACP punch and iconic look made it a favorite for trench raids and street battles alike. While heavy and outdated by modern standards, it laid the groundwork for future SMG design and remains an enduring symbol of firepower.
FN P90
Built for a new kind of battlefield, the P90’s unique shape, top-fed magazine, and armor-penetrating rounds make it a game-changer. It straddles the line between SMG and PDW, but its real-world use earns it a spot among the best.
Beretta M12
While less flashy than the others, the Beretta M12 is a no-nonsense SMG that just works. Its straightforward blowback system, low recoil, and ease of use make it a trusted tool in tight situations.
The Grey Zone: PDWs and Legacy Guns
Some weapons nearly made the cut, including:
MP40 – Germany’s WWII-era SMG, reliable and historically important but limited to older conflicts.
M3 Grease Gun – Cheap and effective, used by U.S. troops from WWII through Desert Storm.
HK UMP – Modern, modular, and used by over 20 countries, but often seen as a successor rather than a standout.
A contentious issue is how to classify weapons like the FN P90 or HK MP7, which use non-traditional pistol calibers. While they technically fall under PDWs, their role overlaps significantly with traditional SMGs so many lists include them for their operational relevance.
Conclusion
The world of submachine guns is vast and full of nuance, but certain names rise above the rest. The MP5 and Uzi dominate through sheer legacy and global use. The Thompson adds historical weight. The P90 brings futuristic performance, while the Beretta M12 stands as a workhorse of postwar design.
Whether you’re looking at past conflicts or modern operations, these five SMGs represent the pinnacle of compact firepower across generations.