PDWs...and other small arms.

[LR1955]

Germany adopted the H&K MP7, although they seem to use it in the SMG role, rather than as a PDW. (Note that service pistols are worn, in addition to carrying the MP7.)







I have personally done limited testing of a compact 9mm SMG (SWD M11/Nine), to try to determine the validity of the PDW concept for myself.


Firing 3-rd bursts @ 25 meters, hit probability was significantly better versus a 9mm service pistol (M9 Beretta), when trying to engage the target as quickly as possible.

Is the foregoing what you wanted in asking for my "view of PDW's from a historical perspective"? If not, please clarify.

Stan:

Exactly. Right at your finger tips, too! Impressive.

OK guys -- there you go! PDW's. I recall in the late 80's that the US Mil wanted something for the CS and CSS other than a M-16A2 because of the conditions that the CS and CSS guys operated. TOC's, truck drivers, mechanics. Soldiers whose duty spaces were confined yet needed protection of some sort. Pistols were not a good consideration because of the time needed to make someone proficient with a pistol. Rifles were too big and bulky. Not hard qualifying with a sub gun and you don't need as much training to use one. As I can recall they were looking at that sub gun that had the magazine on top of the receiver. As others here have said -- 5.7 mm. Very short cartridge. I bet they decided against it because it would entail another round of ammo and another firearm with all the costs involved.

When I ended my work with units around five years ago, CS and CSS units were still using the M-16A2. In fact, for the conventional side, the only units who had the M-4 were the Infantry and Tankers. The Artillery guys could get them for deployments to Iraq but had to turn them in when they got back. This was fifteen years after the M-4 first made its appearance in SF and Rangers.

So some thirty years after the PDW notion, same, same.

LR55