MGV-176

The MGV-176 is a submachine gun chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge.

It was manufactured in Yugoslavia by Gorenje from Velenje until 1979. Production then moved to Slovenia where it is apparently still manufactured by Orbis.

Apparently it is concept of this weapon to overcome the deficiencies of the low power rimfire cartridge by rapidly delivering a high number of projectiles. The weapon therefore relies on the .22 LR's very low recoil and a high rate of fire of 1,200 RPM. It has a high capacity drum magazine horizontally above the barrel holding 161 rounds.

The MGV-176 can be equipped with an external sound suppressor and other accessories including a large laser sight.

As the .22 long rifle is by far the cheapest and most easily accessible of all firearm cartridges, the weapon enjoys a certain popularity with enthusiasts in societies with liberal laws towards fully automatic weapons, such as Switzerland.

Enthusiasts report a certain sensitivity towards greasy ammunition and that the weapon is prone to either stoppages or runaway fully automatic fire if low velocity variants of the .22 cartridge are used.