The Walther MP series is a family of 9x19mm Parabellum submachine gun

Submachine gun

A submachine gun is an automatic carbine, designed to fire pistol cartridges. It combines the automatic fire of a machine gun with the cartridge of a pistol. The submachine gun was invented during World War I , but the apex of its use was during World War II when millions of the weapon type were...

s produced in West Germany

West Germany

West Germany is the common English, but not official, name for the Federal Republic of Germany or FRG in the period between its creation in May 1949 to German reunification on 3 October 1990....

 from 1963 to 1985 by Walther.

Variants

There are two versions of the Walther MP: the MPK (Maschinenpistole Kurz or "short machine pistol") and the MPL (Maschinenpistole Lang or "long machine pistol"). The only difference between MPK and MPL guns is the length of the barrel. They are blowback designs firing from "L"-shaped bolts. The bolts are above the barrel, permitting a shorter receiver. The receiver, made from stamped steel, forms a ventilated cooling jacket and the prominent cocking handle is located on its left front. A selective fire switch is also on the left side of the receiver, behind the trigger.

Both guns feature side-folding buttstocks, made from thin steel tubes, and both guns feature flip-up sights. The MPL has 100 and 200 meter settings.

Users

MPK variant.: MPK variant.: Used by various naval units in the 1960s. Also used by various police forces

Police

The police is a personification of the state designated to put in practice the enforced law, protect property and reduce civil disorder in civilian matters. Their powers include the legitimized use of force...

.: Mexican Navy

Mexican Navy

The Mexican Navy is the naval branch of the Mexican military responsible for conducting naval operations. Its stated mission is "to use the naval force of the federation for the exterior defense, and to help with internal order". The Navy consists of about 56,000 men and women plus reserves, over...

.: Used by 1st SFOD-D during Operation Eagle Claw

Operation Eagle Claw

Operation Eagle Claw was an American military operation ordered by President Jimmy Carter to attempt to put an end to the Iran hostage crisis by rescuing 52 Americans held captive at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran on 24 April 1980...

.: MPK variant.: MPK variant.