Steyr TMP

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Steyr TMP
Weapon: Steyr TMP
Type: Submachine Gun
Country of Origin: Austria
Year Adopted: 1992
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action: Select Fire
Overall Length (mm): 282.0
Weight (kg): 1.00
Effective Range (m): 100

The Steyr TMP (Tactical Machine Pistol) is a compact submachine gun developed by Steyr Mannlicher in the 1990s. Chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, the TMP was designed for law enforcement and military use, offering high controllability and a fast rate of fire in a small, lightweight package. It features a closed-bolt, blowback operation, which contributes to its accuracy during sustained fire.

Though not adopted by a wide range of militaries, the TMP gained some popularity among special operations units and law enforcement agencies due to its compact size and low recoil, making it ideal for close-quarters combat and urban environments. The weapon is known for its ergonomic design, which allows for easy handling even in high-stress situations.

Development and Production History of the Steyr SPP and TMP

The Steyr SPP (Special Purpose Pistol) and TMP (Tactical Machine Pistol) were compact firearms developed in Austria by Steyr Mannlicher in the 1990s. These models were designed to fulfill roles in law enforcement, personal defense, and military applications, with the TMP being a select-fire variant and the SPP a civilian-legal semi-automatic pistol.

Development of the Steyr TMP

  • Origins: The Steyr TMP (Tactical Machine Pistol) was developed in the early 1990s by Steyr Mannlicher as a compact, lightweight, fully automatic machine pistol. It was chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and featured a closed-bolt, blowback-operated design.
  • Design Features: The TMP was known for its distinctive, ergonomic design with a pistol grip that incorporated a forward handguard for stability during rapid fire. It also had an unusually high rate of fire, around 900-1000 rounds per minute, making it suitable for close-quarters combat.
  • Intended Use: Primarily, the TMP was marketed to military and law enforcement agencies worldwide as a compact alternative to larger submachine guns for close protection and tactical operations.

Production and the Role of Brugger & Thomet (B&T)

  • Acquisition by B&T: In the early 2000s, Swiss firearms manufacturer Brugger & Thomet (B&T) acquired the production rights for the TMP after Steyr Mannlicher ceased production. B&T made some modifications and rebranded the weapon as the B&T MP9.
  • B&T MP9 Development: B&T made significant improvements to the TMP design, including adding a folding stock and Picatinny rails for modern optics and accessories. The MP9 featured selective fire and was intended to appeal to military and law enforcement agencies requiring modern, adaptable compact firearms.
  • Global Adoption: The B&T MP9 has since become a popular choice for various special forces and law enforcement agencies around the world. It has gained a strong reputation for reliability, accuracy, and adaptability, continuing the legacy of the original TMP design.

Legacy of the TMP and SPP

Steyr eventually sold the rights to the TMP design to Brugger & Thomet, which rebranded the weapon as the B&T MP9. The TMP remains a respected firearm for its innovative design and is still used by certain law enforcement units, though it never achieved the widespread popularity of larger submachine guns like the MP5.

The Steyr TMP and SPP are remembered as innovative for their time, with a unique ergonomic design and reliable functionality. While Steyr Mannlicher exited the market for compact machine pistols, B&T's adaptation of the TMP into the MP9 has ensured the platform's continued relevance in modern tactical environments.


Related Weapons: Steyr-Hahn M1912 Steyr SPP Roth-Steyr M1907 Rast & Gasser M1898 Kropatschek rifle Mannlicher M1888 Mannlicher M1886 Steyr SSG 08

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