Steyr MP34
Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft (Steyr) · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1929
Also known as: MP34(ö), Solothurn S1-100, Steyr-Solothurn S1-100
Overview
The Steyr MP34 is an Austrian open-bolt, blowback-operated submachine gun introduced in 1929 and produced by Waffenfabrik Steyr. Derived from the Rheinmetall-designed Solothurn S1-100, it was renowned for its exceptional machining quality and durability, feeding from 20- or 32-round box magazines that inserted into a housing on the right side. Adopted by the Austrian Army and Gendarmerie, it was later pressed into German service after the 1938 Anschluss.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4250 g (149.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4480 g (158.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 850 mm (33.46") |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 415 m/s (1362 fps) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 500 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
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Bolt Lock
- Features: Open Bolt Operation, Magazine Housing Loading Aid, Select Fire, Wooden Stock
Variants
- Solothurn S1-100 — Export Designation
Service history
Operators
- Austrian Army · adopted 1930 · as MP34(ö)
- Austrian Gendarmerie
- Wehrmacht / Waffen-SS · adopted 1938 · as MP34(ö)
- Portuguese Army · adopted 1942 · as m/942
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
- Chaco War (1932-1935)
Production
Production years: 1929-1945
Designed in Germany by Rheinmetall, prototyped in Switzerland by Solothurn, and manufactured in Austria by Steyr; a high-quality but expensive weapon that was later superseded in German service by the cheaper MP40.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Louis Stange (Rheinmetall)
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Available in numerous chamberings for export, including 9x19mm Parabellum, 9x23mm Steyr, 9x25mm Mauser, 7.63x25mm Mauser, .45 ACP and 7.65x21mm Parabellum. The magazine housing doubled as a loading aid: a fresh magazine could be clipped into a recess to recharge the active magazine.
Background
The MP34's convoluted origin let Rheinmetall sidestep the Treaty of Versailles' ban on German weapons development: the design was routed through a Swiss subsidiary (Solothurn) and produced in Austria (Steyr), so a 'German' submachine gun was legally born abroad.