Hotchkiss SMG Mags (The Folding Up SMG)

[Flying10uk]

Does anyone know if the magazine that was used on the French Hotchkiss SMG was also used on anything else, please? The reason that I ask is that I recently purchased a U.K. deactivated version, in late April. It is a newer old U.K. spec deac that is welded solid apart from the folding stock and magazine release mechanism, even the trigger has been welded solid. The mag that came with it has no internals and is just the mag case. I would like to replace the mag with a complete magazine. So far I have not been able to find a replacement mag.

I bought this item because of it's unique design of folding butt stock and folding mag housing. I do plan to start a thread at a later date on this. Thanks for any information.

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[Vincent]

From what I have been told, the Hotchkiss “Universal” uses a proprietary magazine.

I have seen a few mags at a local gun show. There are very few of the guns here and there’s almost no demand for the mags.

I am looking forward to the thread you are going to start. It’s an interesting SMG.

[mrclark303]

I've only ever seen one example in SE Asia years ago. Please do post some pics F10, it's an interesting evolutionary dead end of SMG development.

[Peter Laidler]

The trouble with mechanical things that fold etc etc is that they NEVER improve with age but ALWAYS deteriorate with age. Sterling butts were a good but rather ancient example of the UK MoD philosophy regarding folding stocks, bayonets cleaning rods etc etc

[Vincent]

Given the issues with the Sterling folding butt, it’s a bit surprising the solid butt wasn’t more of a success on the Mk5/L34A1. Was it just too cumbersome to carry?

[browningautorifle]

Was it just too cumbersome to carry?

The whole idea was a short, lightweight carbine that could be used by drivers and HQ pers. Could be folded up and on a driver's lap... It was to supplant pistol use with a weapon that could be fired with both hands for much greater accuracy...a butt is required. The butt was tight enough for our use anyway...hardly a match grade.

[Flying10uk]

There is a flimsy leaf spring that clips the mag housing into place in the downwards position. This spring has snapped off, at the end, on my example and needs replacing.