BXP
Mechem · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1988
Also known as: Mechem BXP
Overview
The BXP is a South African 9x19mm submachine gun developed by Mechem in the mid-1980s and brought into production in 1988. It is a compact, blowback-operated, selective-fire weapon firing from an open bolt, with an underfolding stock that allows it to collapse to 387 mm for concealed carry. Conceived as a domestic replacement for imported weapons during the arms embargo against South Africa, its layout drew on the American MAC-10 but added ambidextrous controls, a grip safety, and compatibility with suppressors and muzzle-launched grenades. The BXP saw service with the South African Police and defence forces.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2500 g (88.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 607 mm (23.90") |
| Folded Length | 387 mm (15.24") |
| Barrel Length | 208 mm (8.19") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 1000 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety, Grip Safety
- Features: Underfolding Stock, Open Bolt Operation, Selective Fire, Ambidextrous Controls, Suppressor Compatible, Grenade Launcher Compatible
Variants
- Sanna 77 — Semi Automatic Civilian
Service history
Operators
- South African Police · adopted 1988
- South African National Defence Force
Conflicts
- South African Border War (1966-1990)
Production
Production years: 1988-present
Originally produced by Mechem; manufacture later taken over by Milkor
Origin
Country of origin: South Africa
Designer: Andries Piek
Notes
Magazines are offered in 22- and 32-round capacities. The weapon could launch rifle grenades and accept a suppressor. Production later passed to Milkor.
Background
The BXP was developed under the international arms embargo imposed on apartheid-era South Africa, part of a broader push to make the country self-sufficient in small-arms production.