Taurus SMT-40
Forjas Taurus S.A. · Submachine Gun · In Production · 2011
Also known as: Taurus SMT40, Taurus SMT .40, SubMetralhadora Taurus
Overview
The Taurus SMT-40 is a Brazilian selective-fire submachine gun chambered in .40 S&W, developed by Forjas Taurus for military and law enforcement use. It operates on a conventional closed-bolt blowback system and offers semi-automatic, two-round burst, and full-automatic fire through an ambidextrous selector. The polymer-framed weapon features a full-length top Picatinny rail, a three-position folding stock, and feeds from 30-round straight box magazines.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3250 g (114.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 760 mm (29.92") |
| Folded Length | 470 mm (18.50") |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Closed Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Select Fire |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .40 S&W · primary — also known as .40 Smith & Wesson, 10x22mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Burst 2, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: 30-Round Straight Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Fire Selector, Manual Safety
- Features: Closed Bolt, Three Position Folding Stock, Full Length Picatinny Top Rail, Optional Side And Bottom Rails, Ambidextrous Controls
Production
Production years: 2011-present
Development began in 2002 with prototypes around 2010; Brazilian Army certification and production from 2011.
Origin
Country of origin: Brazil
Designer: Forjas Taurus
Notes
Roughly 6,000 SMT-40 units were delivered to the São Paulo State Military Police but were withdrawn from service over quality and safety concerns and placed in storage. The SMT-40 is the .40 S&W chambering of the SMT family; the SMT-9 is the 9x19mm variant.
Background
Conceived as Brazil's bid for a domestically produced military submachine gun to replace ageing imports, the SMT family was meant to arm the country's airborne and police units. Quality disputes around the São Paulo police order, however, left thousands of SMT-40s crated in storage, and the program struggled to find traction beyond limited domestic and Bangladeshi police use.