Steyr MPi 81
Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1981
Also known as: MPi81, Steyr MPi81, MPi 69/81
Overview
The Steyr MPi 81 was an Austrian 9x19mm submachine gun, a modernized development of the earlier Steyr MPi 69. Like its predecessor it used a stamped sheet-steel receiver, a wrap-around telescoping bolt firing from an open bolt, and a magazine inserted through the vertical pistol grip in the manner of the Israeli Uzi. Its defining change was the replacement of the MPi 69's unusual sling-cocking system with a conventional, non-reciprocating charging handle on the left side of the receiver, while the cyclic rate was raised to roughly 750 rounds per minute. A progressive two-stage trigger retained the ability to fire semi-automatically on a short pull and full-automatically on a long pull.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2850 g (100.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3150 g (111.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 675 mm (26.57") |
| Folded Length | 465 mm (18.31") |
| Barrel Length | 260 mm (10.24") |
| Sight Radius | 326 mm (12.83") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Progressive Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 381 m/s (1250 fps) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety, Selector Safety
- Features: Conventional Charging Handle, Non Reciprocating Cocking Handle, Telescoping Bolt, Telescoping Wire Stock, Magazine In Pistol Grip, Stamped Steel Receiver, Progressive Trigger Fire Selection
Variants
- Steyr MPi 81 FPW - Firing Port Weapon
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Austrian Armed Forces · as MPi 81
- Hellenic Police
- Saudi Arabian Armed Forces
Production
Production years: 1981-1992
Produced from the early 1980s into the early 1990s; overshadowed by the Uzi and HK MP5 abroad and by Steyr's own AUG at home
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Discontinued: 1992
Notes
The MPi 81 differs from the MPi 69 chiefly in its conventional left-side cocking handle and its higher rate of fire (approximately 750 rpm versus around 550 rpm). Empty weight is commonly cited at about 2.85 kg, roughly a pound lighter than a comparable Uzi carbine thanks to the polymer lower housing. Overall length is about 675 mm with the stock extended and 465 mm collapsed. Magazines of 25 or 32 rounds were used. The FPW (Firing Port Weapon) was a compact derivative intended for use from armored vehicle firing ports.
Background
The MPi 81 was Steyr's attempt to fix the one feature everyone questioned about the MPi 69: a submachine gun with no charging handle that you cocked by yanking on its own sling. The 81 finally bolted on a normal left-side cocking lever and cranked the fire rate up to around 750 rpm, but by the early 1980s the Uzi and the HK MP5 already owned the market, and Steyr's own AUG rifle was winning the contracts at home.