This is an overview article, listing content appearing in multiple games. |
A submachine gun (SMG) is an automatic carbine, designed to fire pistol cartridges. It combines the automatic fire of a machine gun with the cartridge of a pistol. An assault rifle, in contrast, uses an intermediate-power cartridge with more power than a pistol but less than a standard rifle or battle rifle.
Models
H&K MP9 10mm SMG
It's considered to be one of the finest weapons in the world. The single shot is acceptable, comparable to the 6520 pistol, but the burst mode is excellent. The MP9 is easy to control, and can dish out punishment like other firearms in its size category. Consequently, it is highly popular among people requiring a powerful but compact source of firepower with low maintenance requirements. This weapon is vital amongst freelance-mercs as it can spew death at close range. It is an excellent weapon early in the game and can shred unarmored foes. It is very deadly at close range. Ammo can be found almost anywhere.
M3A1 "Grease Gun"
This submachine gun filled National Guard arsenals after the Army replaced it with newer weapons. However, the "Grease Gun" was simple and cheap to manufacture so there are still quite a few still in use. It's very powerful, but its .45 rounds lack the bonuses of 10mm rounds.
Thompson M1928
This Thompson M1928 submachine gun is a sinister looking weapon; every time you hold it, you have an urge to put on a fedora hat and crack your knuckles. The Thompson is well-fed by a large 50 round drum magazine. Like the Grease gun, the Thompson is pretty powerful, but fires nondescript .45 rounds.
H&K P90c
The Heckler & Koch P90c was just coming into use at the time of the war. The weapon's bullpup layout, and compact design, make it easy to control. The durable P90c is prized for its reliability, and high firepower in a ruggedly-compact package.
H&K G11
This gun revolutionized assault weapon design. The weapon fires a caseless cartridge consisting of a block of propellant with a bullet buried inside. The resultant weight and space savings allow this weapon to have a very high magazine capacity. While the 4.7mm caseless rounds are rare, the G11 is one of the best SMGs in Fallout 2.
H&K G11E
A variant of the H&K G11, the E variant is equipped with a low-light scope and a suppressor. It also fires more rounds in a burst and deals more damage with each individual round.
Unnamed 10mm SMG
This 10mm SMG is most effective at close-range by unleashing a hail of bullets. However, the SMG is next to useless at longer ranges. The SMG simply has too much spread to be of much use beyond close-range combat. Another downfall of the SMG is its ammunition consumption; if ammunition is not properly managed, the SMG can eat through 10mm rounds at alarming speeds. Even so, it's a common weapon that packs a nasty punch; a very valuable thing.
For the unique 10mm SMG found in Fallout 3, see: Sydney's 10mm "Ultra" SMG
Unnamed 9mm SMG
The 9mm SMG is a decent small weapon, emptying its full magazine in 3 seconds flat.
For the unique 9mm SMG found in Fallout:New Vegas, see: Vance's 9mm Submachine Gun
Unnamed 12.7mm SMG
More common in higher levels, the 12.7mm submachine gun is a heavy duty large caliber SMG. It features a unique top mounted magazine, the bullets lie at a right angle to the weapon.
MP5 H&K
The following is based on information from Fallout Tactics. |
The MP5 H&K is a submachine gun of German design, developed in the 1960s by a team of engineers from the German small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH. It's one of the most popular submachine guns, used by law enforcement and militaries all over the world.
UZI
The following is based on information from Fallout Tactics. |
The Uzi was designed by Major Uziel Gal in the late 1940s. The prototype was finished in 1950; first introduced to IDF special forces in 1954, the weapon was placed into general issue two years later. The Uzi has found use as a personal defense weapon by rear-echelon troops, officers, artillery troops and tankers, as well as a frontline weapon by elite light infantry assault forces.
Scorpio
The following is based on information from Fallout Tactics. |
The Scorpio is a decent enough little SMG. Once used by members of the Spetznas, it's not as great a submachine gun as the MP5.
Sten Gun
The following is based on information from Fallout Tactics. |
The Sten Gun was developed by the British during WW2 as a cheap alternative to the more expensive Thompson SMG offered by the Americans. The Sten proved to be extremely reliable and, due to its fairly loose tolerances, could perform in poor conditions much more reliably than ostensibly better weapons.
MP38
The following is based on information from Fallout Tactics. |
The MP38 was created during World War Two by the German army, who need a compact weapon that provided more firepower than a simple pistol to arm its paratroopers, tank crews and officers. This weapon was immediately so successful that the Army established an ombudsman to all its troops.
Walther MPL
The following is based on information from Fallout Tactics. |
The Walther MPL is a parabellum submachine gun produced in West Germany from 1963 to 1985 by Walther. It serves as a slightly better all-around SMG, compared to the MP5.
FN P90c
The following is based on information from Fallout Tactics. |
A P90 produced by Fabrique Nationale. It's chambered for the lightweight and common 9mm round, and serves as one of the best submachine guns throughout the game. The P90 is only eclipsed by the Ruger AC556F.
Ruger AC556F
The following is based on information from Fallout Tactics. |
The Ruger AC556F is a development of the Ruger Mini 14, a 5.56 mm assault rifle originally used only by police forces, but also popular on the open market. A large magazine and full auto fire makes this weapon a real crowd pleaser.
Steyr
The following is based on information from Fallout Tactics. |
Army Universal Gun Steyr. Invented in Austria, the Steyr's unique design and visual look was the perfect compliment to any war-time ensemble. It's a high-power SMG used by the Reavers.
Calico Liberty 100
The following is based on information from Fallout Tactics. |
The Calico Liberty 100 is a SMG manufactured by Calico Light Weapons Systems.
Home-Made Machine Gun
The following is based on information from Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel. |
A jerry-rigged Machine Gun with a bayonet.
Unnamed 9mm model
The following is based on information from Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel. |
A classic 9mm SMG.