SIG MP-46 submachine gun (Switzerland)

The SIG MP-46 Submachine Gun was produced by SIG – Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft GmbH shortly after World War Two. It was produced primarily for the purpose of export. One of several destinations for its export was Ethiopia. The design of the gun was based on an earlier SIG MP-41 and the MP-44 submachine gun designs.

It is a rare gun to come across now, which was produced for only a few years before being replaced in production by the more compact SIG MP-48, which is of a generally similar construction.

 

SIG MP-46 submachine gun

SIG MP-46 Submachine Gun

 

The SIG MP-46 Submachine Gun features design solutions from both the 1st and 2nd generations of submachine gun designs. Its wooden stock with semi-pistol grip is a heritage of pre World War Two first generation designs, while its stamped steel barrel jacket and forend are reminiscent of the second generation guns that appeared during the war.

The SIG MP-46 employs simple blowback action and fires from the open bolt, in both single shot and fully automatic modes. It does not have any dedicated manual safeties, instead relying on a folding magazine housing. When not in use, the magazine housing can be folded forward and up, to lie below the barrel, protected from both sides by the forend. So, in this position, the gun cannot be fired at all.

To commence firing, the shooter has to press a magazine housing catch on the left side of the receiver. This releases the magazine, which then rotates down to a vertical (firing) position under its own weight. It then locks there automatically.

Other features include an adjustable rear sight with settings for ranges between 50 and 300 meters, and double stack magazines holding 40 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

 

SIG MP-46 submachine gun

SIG MP-46 Submachine Gun with magazine folded forward and up to rest inside a hollow forend, below the barrel

 

Specification Value
Full text name SIG MP-46 submachine gun (Switzerland)
Caliber cartridge 9mm Luger - 9x19 Luger / Parabellum
Action type select-fire
Trigger type sa
Overall length, mm 830
Barrel length, mm 300
Weight empty, kg 4.3
Magazine capacity, rounds 40
Cyclic rate of fire, rounds/min 800