The machine pistol has always been a specialized weapon designed for those who would find carrying a rifle or full-sized submachine gun (SMG) cumbersome, but need more firepower than available with a standard pistol. One of the best-known classic machine pistols was the Mauser M1932 Schnellfeuer (or “Fast Fire”), which was used by specialist troops, such as motorcycle dispatch riders. Various machine pistols were produced during the latter half of the 20th century, but most had the problem of being too large to really function as a pistol and too small to really be as effective as an SMG. Concealment was definitely a problem as many used a holster stock that could be affixed to the machine pistol to allow better control when firing on full-auto. Usually, the stocks did help, but they also made for a holster that was bulky.
I have heard so many rumors that G18s are 10s of thousands of dollars, but that’s just not true. From what I understand, an individual can’t own one of these. They are only available to Law Enforcement / Government / Military, or as samples to Class III dealers. Quite the incentive to become a Class III dealer if you ask me. :P
It really doesn’t surprise me that the price is so low, considering there is very little difference between the Glock 18 and the Glock 17.
Advanced Armament Corp. has built a reputation for hosting some pretty impressive parties at Shot Show. This year they were good enough to send us a couple passes to the first annual Big Bang Shoot where we managed to complete a firearms lifetime quest and get some trigger time on a Glock 18C.