Description

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.

Product details

Published Apr 07 2017
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 1st
Extent 80
ISBN 9781472819659
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 25 b/w; 37 col
Series Weapon
Short code WPN 54
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Leroy Thompson

Leroy Thompson has trained military and police spe…

Illustrator

Adam Hook

Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his wo…

Illustrator

Alan Gilliland

Alan Gilliland, a contributor to more than 70 Ospr…

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