Suomi KP/-31 (Submachine gun)

[Louis]

The Suomi KP/-31 was a submachine gun of Finnish design that was in service during World War II.

The Suomi KP/-31 went into serial production in 1931 by Tikkakoski Oy and most of these weapons were bought by the Finnish Defence Forces. The Finnish Defence Forces were equipped with about 4000 Suomi KP/-31 submachine guns when the Winter War started. During the course of the war, the design was altered with the addition of a muzzle brake, which increased the submachine gun's overall length by 55 mm.

Specifications
Weight 4.6 kg (10.14 lb)
Length 870 mm (34.3 in)
925 mm (36.4 in) (SJR)
740 mm (29.1 in) (bunker version)

Barrel length 314 mm (12.4 in)
Cartridge 9x19mm Parabellum
Rate of fire 750–900 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity 396 m/s (1,299 ft/s)
Feed system 20, 36, 40, 50 box or 71-round drum. Also modified German MP 38 u. 40 32 round box magazine

 

[Vartuoosi]

Prototype M/42

This was a privately funded prototype by Tikkakoski (factory which manufactured the Suomi smg's) to address the very expensive and difficult manufacturing of the M/31. Only a few were made.
According to the Jaeger platoon-website the main differences of the M/31 and M/42 are:

• Barrel jacket: Attachment simplified.

• Rear sight: Replaced with new smaller and simpler design.
• Front sight: Protective "ears" added to both sides of front sight blade.
• Trigger guard: Replaced with simper and larger one, which made shooting while wearing gloves easier.
• Selector switch: Relocated from front part of trigger guard to right side of the weapon.
• Weapon stock: Pistol grip section with tighter angle introduced to improve grip.
• Stock attachment to receiver: Receiver now attached with a screw going through the pistol grip.

 

[Louis]

 

[Louis]

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