Vigneron M2
Société Anonyme Précision Liégeoise · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1953
Also known as: Vigneron, Mitraillette Vigneron
Overview
The Vigneron M2 is a Belgian 9x19mm blowback, open-bolt, select-fire submachine gun designed by Colonel Georges Vigneron and produced from 1953. It served as the standard submachine gun of the Belgian Army and saw extensive use by Belgian colonial forces in the Congo. It features a long perforated barrel, a telescoping wire stock, and a grip safety.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3290 g (116.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 875 mm (34.45") |
| Folded Length | 695 mm (27.36") |
| Barrel Length | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 395 m/s (1296 fps) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 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: Manual Safety, Grip Safety
- Features: Open Bolt, Select Fire, Telescoping Wire Stock, Perforated Barrel Jacket
Variants
- Vigneron M1 — Early Production
Service history
Operators
- Belgian Armed Forces · adopted 1953
- Force Publique (Belgian Congo)
Conflicts
- Congo Crisis (1960-1965)
Production
Production years: 1953-1962
Standard Belgian Army submachine gun of the 1950s-1960s
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Georges Vigneron
Notes
Manufactured by Société Anonyme Précision Liégeoise (Precision Liège) in Herstal/Liège, Belgium. Remained in Belgian service into the 1980s and circulated widely through Central Africa following Congolese independence.
Background
Designed by an artillery colonel, the Vigneron followed the Belgian Congo into independence and turned up in conflicts across Central Africa long after Belgium had moved on to newer weapons.