Vigneron M1
Societe Anonyme Precision Liegeoise · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1952
Also known as: Pistolet Mitrailleur Vigneron M1
Overview
The Vigneron M1 is a Belgian 9x19mm blowback submachine gun designed by retired Belgian Army Colonel Georges Vigneron and produced by Societe Anonyme Precision Liegeoise of Liege. Firing from an open bolt with a progressive trigger (short pull for single shots, full pull for automatic), it borrowed heavily from the American M3 'Grease Gun' and adopted by the Belgian Army in 1953. The M1 is the initial production model; the later M2 was the main production version, differing chiefly in its rear sight and a reinforced dust cover.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3280 g (115.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3680 g (129.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 872 mm (34.33") |
| Folded Length | 695 mm (27.36") |
| Barrel Length | 300 mm (11.81") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 381 m/s (1250 fps) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 620 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| 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: Grip Safety, Fire Selector Lever
- Features: Telescoping Wire Stock, Tubular Steel Receiver, Muzzle Compensator, Non Reciprocating Charging Handle, Spring Loaded Dust Cover
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Belgian Army · adopted 1953
- Force Publique
Conflicts
- Congo Crisis (1960-1965)
Production
Estimated total produced: 90,000 · Production years: 1952-1962
At least ~90,000 units across the M1 and M2; M1 production ran 1952-1954
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Georges Vigneron
Discontinued: 1954
Notes
Sources give close but varying dimensions (872/695 mm vs 887/708 mm, 300 vs 305 mm barrel). It features a grip safety on the backstrap plus a combined safety/selector and a two-port muzzle compensator behind the front sight (described in some texts as a perforated jacket).
Background
Designed by a retired Belgian colonel for a post-war indigenous SMG, the Vigneron earned its reputation in Africa rather than Europe, seeing heavy use in the Congo Crisis of the early 1960s and later being licensed by Portugal as the Pistola Metralhadora m/961 for its colonial wars.