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M56 submachine gun (Yugoslavia)

M56 submachine gun, butt folded

The M56 submachine gun appears to be a simplified clone of German MP40 submachine gun, adapted for 7,62x25mm pistol ammunition, which, compared to 9x19mm ammunition of MP40 provided longer effective range and better penetration, but slightly less stopping power. The M56 submachine gun had a relatively long service life.

M56 submachine gun is blowback operated, full automatic only weapon that fires from open bolt. The bolt system is of simple design, with exposed, large diameter return spring. The cocking handle is located at the right side of the bolt and doubles as a manual safety - pushing it inwards locks the bolt in open or closed position. The stock is copied from MP40 and folds down and forward to save the length. Sights are of open type, with flip-up rear, marked for 100 and 200 meters range. One unusual feature of M56 is that it has a bayonet lug on the barrel and thus can accept a knife-bayonet.

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