M56 Submachine gun
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| Crvena Zastava Automat M56 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Submachine gun |
| Place of origin |  SFR Yugoslavia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1956–1992 |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | Yugoslav Wars |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Crvena Zastava |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 3 kg (6.61 lb) |
| Length | 870 mm (34.3 in) stock extended / 591 mm (23.3 in) stock folded |
| Barrel length | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
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| Cartridge | 7.62x25 Tokarev |
| Action | Straight blowback, open bolt |
| Rate of fire | 600 rounds/min |
| Effective range | 200 m |
| Feed system | 32-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | Front blade, flip-up rear iron sights |
The M56 submachine gun is a Yugoslavian submachine gun chambered in 7.62x25mm Tokarev, designed for use with the Yugoslav People's Army. Initially a state-funded product, it was later produced by Zastava Arms and saw use in a number of conflicts following the breakup of former Yugoslavia. The M56 is a clone of the MP 40 submachine gun used by Nazi Germany, easily distinguished from the MP 40 by its increased length and curved magazine.[1]
While inexpensive to produce and easy to maintain, the M56 proved to be quite effective at range over its German counterpart; its 7.62mm cartridge providing significantly more penetration over the 9x19mm round found in the MP 40, although lacking the same stopping power.
