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The Suomi Submachine Gun book cover
The Suomi Submachine Gun
2017
First Published
4.33
Average Rating
118
Number of Pages

Part of Series

Entering service in 1931, the 9x19mm Suomi KP/-31 submachine gun saw extensive combat with Finnish troops during their fight against Soviet forces in 1939–44. It was also manufactured under licence in Switzerland, Denmark and Sweden, and remained in Finnish service until the 1980s, an indication of its durability. Rugged and accurate, the Suomi was a favourite with Finnish ski troops who would strike from ambush, cutting down Soviet troops, then skiing away into the woods. Initially used by the Finns as a light machine gun at infantry squad level, it eventually became a dedicated submachine gun, and since it had been designed to be more accurate than the typical SMG, it was often even used as a sniping weapon, or to supplement longer-ranged rifles such as the Mosin-Nagant. Featuring first-hand accounts and specially commissioned colour artwork, this is the story of one of World War II's most distinctive and respected infantry weapons.

Avg Rating
4.33
Number of Ratings
6
5 STARS
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4 STARS
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3 STARS
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2 STARS
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Author

Leroy Thompson
Leroy Thompson
Author · 16 books

Leroy Thompson has trained and advised military and police special operations units around the world, focusing especially on the tactical use of firearms. He has previously had 38 books published. He has also appeared as a weapons expert on documentaries for Discovery, National Geographic and the BBC. Leroy Thompson served in Vietnam with the U.S. Air Force and was a police officer for several years after leaving the military.

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