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Steyr MPi 69

1969 COLD WAR MODERN

History

The Steyr MPi 69 is a UZI-influenced Austrian submachine gun used for military and security purposes. It was loaded with the widely accepted 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge (same as the UZI) and was introduced in 1969.

A modernized form was introduced in 1981, called "MPi 81", until 1992 when the line was completely replaced by the state-of-the-art Steyr "TMP".

Design work on the MPi 69 began in the 1960s under the direction of Mr. Stowasser to develop a viable submachine gun solution for price-conscious parties. The end result is a submachine gun clearly influenced by the popular Israeli UZI, featuring the same center grip as the magazine well, a fully rectangular receiver, jacketed barrel assembly and a retractable wire rest.

The receiver is made from steel stampings with a cold hammer barrel assembly for durability and general service abuse. The weapon has a pressure-sensitive trigger that enables single-shot or fully automatic fire without the use of a dedicated selector lever.

A light press produces a single shot, while a heavy press allows for full auto. The weapon is cocked by a short grip on the front left side of the receiver, which, interestingly, doubles as a front sling ring. Therefore, shoulder straps are usually attached for carrying.

Aiming via front blade assembly with rear hinge port.

The complete MPi 69 system weighs 7 pounds, has an overall length of 26.4 inches, and has a 10-inch barrel. With the stock folded, the weapon measures 18 inches in length, making it easier to handle - ideal for special forces or security personnel who prefer a more compact weapon.

The firing process is recoil, allowing a rate of fire of 550 rounds per minute. The muzzle velocity is 1,250 feet per second, and the effective range is about 150 yards. The weapon can be fed from a straight, detachable 25 or 32 round magazine.

Like the UZI, the magazine protrudes a lot from the bottom of the grip to complete the iconic shape.

The MPi 81 was nothing more than a slight product revision of the MPi 69, which appeared in the 1980s. This model has a more traditional protruding pull rod on the surviving one, and its interior has been slightly modified to allow a higher rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute than the original 500 rpm.

The MPi 69 itself has never been widely available in a market already dominated by UZI and the German HK-MP5 series - so it is limited to Austria itself and only found among buyers in Greece and Saudi Arabia.