Husqvarna m/37-39
Husqvarna Vapenfabrik · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1939
Also known as: Kpist m/37-39, Swedish Suomi, m/37-39
Overview
The Husqvarna m/37-39 is a Swedish blowback-operated submachine gun, a licensed derivative of the Finnish Suomi KP/-31 designed by Aimo Lahti. Built by Husqvarna Vapenfabriks, it retained the Suomi's hollowed-out bolt and high cyclic rate but adopted simplified iron sights, a shortened barrel, and a raised buttstock. The m/37-39 variant was chambered for the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge (Swedish 9mm patron m/39) and fed from a 50-round drum or a box magazine, serving the Swedish Army through the Second World War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 770 mm (30.31") |
| Barrel Length | 213 mm (8.39") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 50 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Drum |
| Muzzle Velocity | 396 m/s (1299 fps) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 900 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm, 9mm patron m/39
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Drum Magazine, Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Wooden Stock, Quick Change Barrel, Drum Magazine, Box Magazine Compatible
Service history
Operators
- Swedish Army · adopted 1939 · as Kulsprutepistol m/37-39
- Norwegian Armed Forces
- Danish Resistance
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 35,000 · Production years: 1939-1945
Manufactured under license in Sweden by Husqvarna Vapenfabriks AB; approximately 35,000 units produced before and during World War II.
Origin
Country of origin: Sweden
Designer: Aimo Lahti
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The original m/37 was chambered for the 9x20mm Browning Long with a 56-round quad-stack magazine; the m/37-39 reverted to 9x19mm Parabellum and reduced magazine capacity to 50 rounds. It was preceded in Swedish service by the m/45 (Carl Gustaf K) in the post-war years.
Background
Sweden, unable to license a domestic Suomi quickly enough, first bought Finnish-made guns before Husqvarna tooled up to build them at home. Surplus m/37-39 guns later reached the Danish resistance, where the rugged Swedish-built Suomi earned a reputation as a reliable underground weapon.