Carl Gustav m/45
Port Said | Akaba | Smith & Wesson M76
Overview
Carl Gustav m/45
Original Carl Gustav m/45 with replaceable barrel well.
Source: www.world.guns.ru -
© copyright lies with original owner
Gunnar Johnsson
1965 - 1970 (Egypt)
1967 - 1974 (USA)
Egypt - Maadi
United States - Smith & Wesson
Kpist m/45 (abbreviated designation)
Swedish K (American nickname)
Port Said (Egyptian production)
S&W M76 (US production)
Description
Introduction
The Carl Gustav m/45 is a World War 2 era sub machine gun of Swedish origin. It was developed during the final stages of World War 2 and used new production techniques to reduce production costs.
Design
The Carl Gustav is a blowback operated weapon with a round receiver, wooden pistol grip and large barrel shroud. For a blowback operated sub machine gun the rate of fire is rather low. The magazine acts as the forward grip. A side-folding wire stock is attached to the receiver and pistol grip.
Firepower
The Carl Gustav fires the 9x19mm round from a 24 or 36 round magazine. It fires fully automatic only at the limited rate of fire of 600 rpm. This makes the Carl Gustav very controllable. The maximum range is quoted as 200 meters, with the effective range being closer to about 100 meters.
Users
The Carl Gustav was used by Sweden and exported to various nations around the world. It was also produced under license in Egypt and without license in the USA. Over time most have been replaced by assault rifles or more modern sub machine guns such as the MP5. Limited quantities still remain in service.
Variants
Carl Gustav m/45
In Sweden several versions of the Carl Gustav m/45 were produced.
m/45: Original production model with interchangable magazine well for Carl Gustav or Suomi type magazines and a dark finish. Also known as m/45S.
m/45B: The most common model. An improved m/45 with fixed magazine well, smaller holes in the barrel shroud and lighter grey-green finish.
m/45C: A ceremonial model of the m/45B with bayonet mount.
m/45D: Select fire model for police use with modified stock to allow a riot helmet to be used.
Port Said
The Carl Gustav m/45 was also produced under license in Egypt.
Port Said: Egyptian production version of m/45B. Can be idenfified by darker finish.
Akaba: Simplified Egyptian version with simpler sights, retractable wire stock and shorter barrel without shroud. Sometimes also known as "Kara".
S&W M76
In the USA a direct copy of the Carl Gustav m/45 was made at the request of the US Navy. The M76 is a direct copy of the m/45B produced by Smith & Wesson. It can be identified by the plastic grip and barrel shroud with many holes.
Details
Media
S&W M76
US MACV-SOG with S&W M76 during the Vietnam war.
Source: US DOD (unknown)
Copyright: public domain
Carl Gustav m/45B
Swedish Carl Gustav m/45B with a case bag attached.
Source: www.world.guns.ru
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Carl Gustav m/45B
Cut away diagram of internal mechanism of m45.
Source: www.gotavapen.se
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Port Said
An Egyptian Port Said with stock in folded position.
Source: www.world.guns.ru
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
S&W M76
A S&W M76 with stock in extended position.
Source: Unknown
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner