Walther MP

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Walther MP
Walther MPK
Type	Submachine gun
Place of origin	West Germany
Service history
Used by	Germany, Mexico, Portugal, United States
Wars	Vietnam War
Production history
Manufacturer	Carl Walther GmbH
Produced	1963—1987
Variants	MPL, MPK
Specifications
Weight	3.0 kg (6.6 lb) (MPL), 2.83 kg (6.1 lb) (MPK)
Length	(open/closed): 746 / 462 mm (18.2/29.4 in) (MPL), 659 / 381 mm (15/25.4 in) (MPK)
Barrel length	259 mm (10.2 in) (MPL), 173 mm (6.8 in) (MPK)

Cartridge	9x19mm Parabellum .380 ACP (limited number)
Rate of fire	550 rounds/min
Effective range	200 m (MPL) 100 m (MPK)
Feed system	32-round detachable box magazine
Sights	Iron sights

The Walther MP (Maschinenpistole) series is a family of 9x19mm Parabellum submachine guns produced in Germany from 1963 to 1987 by Walther.

[edit] Variants

There are two versions: MPL (Maschinenpistole Lang or "long submachine gun") and MPK (Maschinenpistole Kurz or "short submachine gun"). The high-quality guns were widely exported and used officially by German Landespolizei forces, the Mexican navy and the Portuguese Navy. The U.S. Navy SEALs used both versions in Vietnam.

[edit] Features

The only difference between MPL and MPK guns is the length of the barrel. They are blowback designs firing from "L"-shaped bolts. The bolts are above the barrel, permitting a shorter receiver. The receiver, made from stamped steel, forms a ventilated cooling jacket and the prominent cocking handle is located on its left front. A selective fire switch is also on the left side of the receiver, behind the trigger.

Both guns feature flip-up sights. The MPL has 100 and 200 meter settings.

Both guns feature side-folding buttstocks made from thin steel tubes.