FMBP-48


FMBP-63, FMBP-76


Overview


FMBP-48

Left side view of FMBP-48 sub machine gun with stock in extended position.
Source: www.deactivated-guns.com - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Portugal
Type
Sub machine gun
Entered service
1948
Status
Obsolete
Development
1940 - 1948 for FMBP-48
Developer
Portugal
Gonçalves Cardoso
Production
1948 - 1955 (FMBP-48)
1961 - 1980's (FMBP-63 & 76)
Producer
Portugal - FBP - Fabrica Militar de Braco de Prata
Designations
FBP M1948 (alternative designation)
m/948 (Portuguese designation for FMBP-48)
m/963 (Portuguese designation for FMBP-63)
m/976 (Portuguese designation for FMBP-76)
Notable users
Portugal

Description


Introduction

The FMBP-48 is an early Cold War era sub machine gun of Portuguese origin. It is named after the year of introduction and the factory "Fabrica Militar de Braco de Prata", also known as FBP. The original design was patterned after the MP40. Due to World War 2 the production was delayed and after the war several principles of the M3 Grease Gun were implemented. Overall the FMBP-48 was a cheap and well performing weapon.

Design

The design of the FMBP-48 is based on the German MP40. The same same bolt, telescoping spring and magazines are used. The stamped receiver and retractable metal wire stock are patterned after the M3 Grease Gun. Most FMBP-48 are fitted with a barrel lug to allow the standard Mauser bayonet to be fitted. Over time the design was upgraded and resulted in the FMBP-63 and FMBP-76.

Firepower

The FMBP-48 fires the 9x19mm round from 32 round MP40 magazines. The cyclic rate of fire is 500 rpm. The FMBP-48 fires fully automatic only, later models are select-fire. The maximum effective range is quoted as 200 meters.

Users

The main user of the FMBP-48 and its variants was Portugal. The FMBP-48 was actively used during conflicts in the former Portuguese colonies. The FMBP-48 remained in use with many of the former Portuguese colonies.

Variants


FMBP-48

FMBP-48: Portuguese sub machine gun that fires the 9x19mm round. It features many elements of the German MP40 and US M3 Grease Gun. FMBP-63: Improved FMBP-48 introduced in 1961 and adopted in 1963. It is similar to the FMBP-48, but has a fire selector and the ability for semi-automatic fire. The FMBP-63 was never produced in large quantities.

FMBP-76

FMBP-76: Much improved model of the FMBP-63. It features a grip safety, improved sights and a barrel shroud. Even with these additions the FMBP-76 is lighter than the previous model. The rate of fire has been increased from 500 to 600 rpm. Officially, the FMBP-76 replaced many older types of sub machine guns in Portuguese service. But it seems that not that many were replaced before the introduction of the Uzi and G3 rifle.

Details


Facts FMBP-48 FMBP-63 FMBP-76
General
Origin
Portugal
Type
Sub machine gun
Caliber
Caliber
9x19mm Parabellum
Feed system
32 round detachable box
Barrel length
249 mm
Rifling
6 grooves, right hand twist
Muzzle velocity
381 m/s
Operation
Action
Simple blowback
Locking
None
Fire selector
0 - F
Rate of fire
500 rpm
Dimensions
Stock type
Retractable
Length
813 mm stock extended
635 mm stock retracted
Weight
3.75 kg empty
4.43 kg loaded
Sights
Mechanical
Iron sights

Related articles


M3 Grease Gun

The FMBP-48 uses many design features from the M3 Grease Gun.

IMI Uzi

In Portuguese service the FMBP-48 was replaced by the Uzi sub machine gun.