Pleter 91
OROPLET · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1991
Also known as: Pleter M91, Pleter
Overview
The Pleter 91 is a Croatian blowback, open-bolt submachine gun chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, improvised in 1991 to arm Croatia's forming military during the Croatian War of Independence after the breakup of Yugoslavia left the country desperately short of weapons. Produced by the OROPLET factory in Pleternica, it accepts Uzi-pattern 32-round magazines and uses simple stamped-steel construction. With roughly 4,500 examples made, it became the most widely manufactured of Croatia's domestic wartime submachine guns.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3150 g (111.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3550 g (125.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 710 mm (27.95") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 390 m/s (1280 fps) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 630 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Open Bolt Firing, Front Blade Sight, Rear Aperture Sight 100m, Uzi Pattern Magazine
Service history
Operators
- Croatian Army · adopted 1991
- Croatian forces
Conflicts
- Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995)
Production
Estimated total produced: 4,500 · Production years: 1991-1990s
Most widely manufactured of Croatia's domestic submachine guns; about 4,500 units built
Origin
Country of origin: Croatia
Notes
Open-bolt full-automatic-only operation typical of improvised wartime SMGs. Sights are a front blade and rear single aperture set for 100 m. Proved an effective insurgency weapon that filled gaps in the undergunned early Croatian Army.
Background
When Yugoslavia broke apart and left Croatia almost weaponless against a far better-armed adversary, a factory in the small town of Pleternica began turning out the Pleter from stamped steel, becoming an emblem of Croatia's improvised, locally-made wartime arsenal.