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The Swiss Suomi: MP43/44 (With Bayonet) (Ad-free)
🕑 Added 2025-03-19 12:00:05 +0000 UTCDuring World War Two, the Swiss had adopted Adolf Furrer's toggle-locked MP41 submachine gun, and they found it too fragile, complex, and expensive. Looking for an alternative, one easy choice was the Finnish Suomi. Used and appreciated by the Finns, Danes, and Swedes it was reliable and available. It was adopted into service in the fastest set of trials in Swiss military history, and a batch was purchased from Tikkakoski along with a license to produce them at Hispano-Suiza in Geneva. The initial Finnish-made guns were designated MP43, and the Swiss-made ones were the MP43/44.
A total of 5200 MP43s were imported and MP43/44 production resulted in another 22,468 made between 1944 and 1951. The Swiss-made guns have a few distinctive features including an aluminum buttplate, two-position notch sights (100m/200m), and after the first few thousand, a bayonet lug to fit the standard Swiss K31 bayonet.
Comments
WayneWiiki
you don't really control the ground until someone is standing on it with a sharp pointy object.
Forgotten Weapons
It's far from the only one - the Japanese did it (naturally), but also the British Lanchester and Sterling and the early Italian M38s, to name a few.
David Forsberg
Poker on a sub.....now I seen it all.
Guido Schriewer
who doesn't like a blade on a shotgun. sure that thing need a bayo. maybe not as long but...
Bruce Brodnax
Hispano-Suiza: famed for aero engines, 20mm cannon, and now sub-guns! Always something to learn here on FW...
Bruce Brodnax
Submachineguns are typically issued to troops tasked with guarding prisoners, because 1 guard w/ sub-gun = 20 prisoners. Bayonets are cheaper than cattle-prods, and allow one to keep their primary weapon in the ready position.
Martin Morehouse
The story of how the hundred sample Suomis were shipped between Finland and Switzerland in November 1942 would be interesting. I doubt it was by DHL or UPS.
Nuke Road Warrior
Complicated and expensive, almost a design requirement for many Swiss arms.
David T Klein
What is the rationale for putting bayonet on a SMG? Was there really an expectation to turn it into a lance and charge with it? What could be achieved with it as a bladed weapon that could not be better achieved with it as accurate, reliable firepower?
