43M Kiraly
Danuvia Fegyvergyar · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1943
Also known as: 43.M Kiraly, Danuvia 43M, 43M Kiraly-Danuvia
Overview
The 43M Kiraly is a Hungarian World War II submachine gun designed by Pal Kiraly and built by Danuvia, chambered for the powerful 9x25mm Mauser Export cartridge. It uses Kiraly's signature two-stage lever-delayed blowback action, in which a two-part bolt and a pivoting eccentric lever hold the front bolt closed against high chamber pressure until the rear travels a set distance. The 43M is the compact, folding-stock derivative of the earlier 39M Danuvia: it shortened the barrel, added a down-folding steel stock with a separate pistol grip, and used a forward-raked detachable magazine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3640 g (128.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 953 mm (37.52") |
| Folded Length | 749 mm (29.49") |
| Barrel Length | 424 mm (16.69") |
| Action Type | Lever Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 40 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 410 m/s (1345 fps) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x25mm Mauser · primary — also known as 9mm Mauser Export
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Fire Selector
- Features: Two Stage Lever Delay, Down Folding Stock, Forward Raked Magazine, Separate Pistol Grip, Wood Forestock, Adjustable Rear Sight
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Royal Hungarian Army · adopted 1943 · as 43M
Conflicts
- World War II (1941-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 8,000 · Production years: 1943-1945
Estimates range 8,000-20,000; rare and collectible today
Origin
Country of origin: Hungary
Designer: Pal Kiraly
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The 43M magazine is not interchangeable with the 39M's due to a different feed angle. Production estimates range widely (8,000-20,000) and the gun is rare and collectible today. One source erroneously lists the chambering as 9x19mm; consensus is 9x25mm Mauser.
Background
Pal Kiraly's lever-delay mechanism was unusual for a submachine gun, letting the 43M safely fire the hot, high-energy 9x25mm Mauser round that was too powerful for simple blowback. The same principle later resurfaced in lever-delayed designs like the FAMAS rifle and Benelli shotguns.