General Facts

TYPE
Sub machine gun

ORIGIN
Portugal

NICKNAMES
FBP M1948 (alternative designation)
m/948 (Portuguese designation for FMBP-48)
m/963 (Portuguese designation for FMBP-63)
m/976 (Portuguese designation for FMBP-76)

DESIGNED
1940 - 1948

DESIGNER
Gonçalves Cardoso

PRODUCTION
1948 - 1955 (FMBP-48)
1961 - 1980's (later models)

PRODUCERS
Portugal - FBP

QUANTITY
Unknown

UNIT COST
Unknown

CHARACTERISTICS
Limited production costs
High reliability
Heavy and bulky weapon
Poor sights and ergonomics

Introduction

The FMBP-48 is an early Cold War era sub machine gun of Portuguese origin. It is named after the year of introduction and the factory Fabrica Militar de Braco de Prata, also known as FBP. The original design was patterned after the MP40. Due to World War 2 the production was delayed and after the war several principles of the M3 Grease Gun were implemented. Overall the FMBP-48 was a cheap and well perfoming weapon.

Design

The design of the FMBP-48 is based on the German MP40. The same same bolt, telescoping spring and magazines are used. The stamped receiver and retractable metal wire stock are patterned after the M3 Grease Gun. Most FMBP-48 are fitted with a barrel lug to allow the standard Mauser bayonet to be fitted. Over time the design was upgraded and resulted in the FMBP-63 and FMBP-76.

Firepower

The FMBP-48 fires the 9x19mm round from 32 round MP40 magazines. The cyclic rate of fire is 500 rpm. The FMBP-48 fires fully automatic only, later models are select-fire. The maximum effective range is quoted as 200 meters.

Users

The main user of the FMBP-48 and its variants was Portugal. The FMBP-48 was actively used during conflicts in the former Portuguese colonies. The FMBP-48 remained in use with many of the former Portuguese colonies.

FMBP-48

FMBP-48: Portuguese sub machine gun that fires the 9x19mm round. It features many elements of the German MP40 and US M3 Grease Gun.
FMBP-63: Improved FMBP-48 introduced in 1961 and adopted in 1963. It is similar to the FMBP-48, but has a fire selector and the ability for semi-automatic fire. The FMBP-63 was never produced in large quantities.

Specifications:
FMBP-48
FMBP-63

Type	Sub machine gun
Caliber	9x19mm Parabellum
Magazine	32 rounds
Operation	Blowback operated
Fire selector	0-F
Rate of fire	500 rpm

Barrel length	249 mm
Rifling	6 grooves, right hand twist
Muzzle velocity	381 m/s
Stock	Retractable
Length	813 mm / 635 mm
Width	?

Height	?
Weight	3.75 kg unloaded, 4.43 kg loaded
Sights	Iron sights
Remarks	-

Type	Sub machine gun
Caliber	9x19mm Parabellum
Magazine	32 rounds
Operation	Blowback operated
Fire selector	0-1-F
Rate of fire	500 rpm

Barrel length	249 mm
Rifling	6 grooves, right hand twist
Muzzle velocity	381 m/s
Stock	Retractable
Length	813 mm / 635 mm
Width	?

Height	?
Weight	3.75 kg unloaded, 4.43 kg loaded
Sights	Iron sights
Remarks	-

FMBP-76

FMBP-76: Much improved model of the FMBP-63. It features a grip safety, improved sights and a barrel shroud. Even with these additions the FMBP-76 is lighter than the previous model. The rate of fire has been increased from 500 to 600 rpm. The FMBP-76 replaced many older models in Portuguese service but it is unknown if all were replaced.