Steyr-Solothurn MP34

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	Weapon: Steyr-Solothurn MP34 Type: Submachine Gun Country of Origin: Austria Year Adopted: 1930 Caliber: 9mm Luger Action: Blow Back Fully Automatic Overall Length (mm): 850.0 Weight (kg): 4.00 Effective Range (m): 150

The Steyr-Solothurn MP34 is often referred to as one of the most finely crafted submachine guns of its time. Designed in Austria and manufactured by Steyr in the early 1930s, the MP34 evolved from the earlier MP18 and MP28 designs. Chambered in 9mm Parabellum, it featured a robust all-steel construction, a side-mounted magazine, and selective fire capability. Its precision machining and finish earned it the nickname "Rolls-Royce of submachine guns," but these qualities also made it expensive to produce.

Production of the MP34 began in 1930 and continued into the late 1930s, with approximately 20,000 to 30,000 units manufactured. It was initially intended for police and paramilitary use but was soon adopted by the Austrian Army and other nations. During World War II, it was used extensively by German forces, particularly the Waffen-SS, as well as by Portugal and other countries that acquired surplus stocks. Despite its high quality, its complex production process limited its mass adoption compared to simpler submachine guns like the MP40.

The MP34 is renowned for its craftsmanship but also criticized for its high cost and labor-intensive manufacturing. Its reliability and accuracy made it a prized weapon for specialized units, but its limited production meant it never achieved widespread deployment. Today, it is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for its historical significance and exquisite engineering, symbolizing an era where craftsmanship often outweighed mass production efficiency in weapon design.