Airsoft Basics: What is an SMG?

What is an SMG?

SMG stands for Submachine Gun, and in Airsoft terms, an SMG is simply an Airsoft gun that is styled externally after a real-world Submachine Gun. Famous examples include the SMG-5/MP5, the P90, the STEN gun and the Kriss Vector, all of which are available as Airsoft replicas. 

Real Submachine guns came about before assault rifles and were generally used for close range and urban warfare, as well as other situations where a more compact and controllable alternative to a full-sized rifle would be preferable. Sweeping trenches? An SMG is what you need, likewise, if you are fighting room to room. Real SMGs use pistol calibre cartridges, which means they could be simple and easy to manufacture while being easy to control when fired in full automatic. 

In the real world, SMGs fell out of fashion for a short while in favour of the "PDW" (Personal Defense Weapon), which is a short-barreled weapon firing rifle cartridges instead of pistol cartridges. In recent years SMGs have made a comeback after AR-9 style SMGs (also known as PCCs - Pistol Caliber Carbines) gained a huge following in the US civilian tactical shooting scene, and advanced new SMG designs like the APC-9 and Sig MPX entered the fray. 

In Airsoft SMGs are very popular for more mobile playstyles and are most commonly seen in CQB skirmishes, though many Snipers out in the woods also choose to carry a compact SMG as a backup weapon. SMGs benefit from being short, lightweight and easy to carry, lending themselves to aggressive tactics, and are perfect for the skirmisher who likes to close ground with the enemy team. 

 

Airsoft SMG types

So what type of SMGs are there? Airsoft SMGs come in all different shapes and sizes, but before you decide what look you want you'll need a rough knowledge of how each type of Airsoft SMG works.

Why use an SMG?

Both AEG and GBB Submachine Guns are appreciated by Airsofters for their compact size and CQB-optimised handling, offering an easy-to-corner-with primary weapon with all the performance of a longer rifle but with far more agility. In Airsoft, most of our engagements happen at very close range, and as such SMGs are well-liked amongst almost all Airsofters, and most of us have at least 1 SMG in our collection.

An SMG would be a great choice for any skirmisher who likes to get stuck in and lead the charge against the enemy, taking either a front line role or a sneaky special forces style flanking attack, both of which will benefit from a short and handy AEG and some rapid movement. 

AEG SMGs are the best kind of SMG for new players as they are easy to operate, have wide availability of magazines, accessories and spare parts, and are simple to maintain and keep running long term. Some AEG SMGs such as the Double Eagle UTR.45 are very light and manoeuvrable, and others, like the S&T PPSh-41, are made entirely from steel and real wood, and are as hefty to wield as the real thing!

AEG SMGs also have great performance in all weather conditions and can be upgraded with all the goodies an Assault Rifle AEG can be, meaning you can extend your range and accuracy or improve your rate of fire with some research and appropriate expertise. If you are all about in-game performance and upgrade possibilities, an AEG would be the SMG choice for you!

GBB SMG users love them for their realism, high quality external build and satisfying recoil with each shot fired. GBB SMGs often have an extremely high rate of fire, which makes GBB SMGs like the ASG MP9 and the HFC MAC-11 perfect backup weapons for Airsoft snipers who need to keep heads down as they relocate. 

Larger GBB SMGs such as the WE Apache SMG-5 and the Cyber Gun Thompson M1A1 are generally used as primary weapons and are appreciated for their exact 1:1 scale components, strong recoil impulse and flawlessly realistic functionality. All of the controls on GBB SMGs work just like the real thing, meaning the charging handle and other controls will need to be used as part of a reload, which is complex and taxing in the heat of battle. 

An experienced Airsofter who wants more of a challenging and realistic playstyle will get what they need from a GBB SMG, which is practically as realistic as SMGs get in non-lethal form! 

Now you know a bit more about Airsoft SMGs you should be well equipped to make the right choice when it comes to decision time! Whether it's for indoor CQB or outdoor skirmishes, whether you need a full steel and real wood historical piece or a lightweight and modern polymer wonder weapon, the sheer number of Airsoft SMGs on the market means there is something for everyone!