Because the German made the MP18 and everyone ever since has tried to copy them.

Well, yes most of modern armed forces these day wear armor but that's government forces. Most terrorist wear a shirt and a pair of pants. Lastly, pistol ammunition is just that. Pistol ammunition. most modern day battle field armor is designed to stop rifle ammunition. Which by the way is the soldier primary weapon. A Rifle. The SMG is more of a rear support troop weapon or law enforcement weapon.

My department issues it's officers a choice of the 9mm, .40S&W, and .45 ACP. All of our ammo is JHP. US Law Enforcement is not held to any international treaty. We carry 5.56X45mm rifles in the runks of our patrol cars just for the reason if we have to engage targets that are armored.

As to what AussieNick he's right, 9mm is crap because of the fact that the Aussie Military can't use JHP ammunition just as the American Military can't use JHP ammunition.

Pistol ammunition will not defeat most kevlar period.

Too true about the terrorist uniform of pants and a shirt.... but the Australian army has been encountering a few insurgents (in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Solomon Islands) all wearing personal armour - although some of it has been rather old and crude. We've taken this to be a sign of things to come, and are adjusting accordingly (To begin with TAG-E who are primarily counter-terrorist).

well I guess subguns are used mostly in small quick counter terror missions in building and urban surroundings?
You know, as the MP5 has the ability to use a silencer, then that would help if the anti terrorist unit wants surprise. Thats just what I think Hope the more experienced members would clue us in.

Originally Posted by deerslayer

for when you absolutely, positively, have to blow away any and all living targets at ranges under 10 meters.

A shotgun does a pretty good job of that. Might not be as sexy.

Originally Posted by MightyMacbeth

the ability to use a silencer

That could be important.

yep, as I said for surprise and other quiet missions by counter terrorist units

My cliental never wear armor. But if we do have to engage suspects that have armor we have AR-15 carbines for the job.

Originally Posted by 5.56X45mm

My cliental never wear armor. But if we do have to engage suspects that have armor we have AR-15 carbines for the job.

Makes sense.

Originally Posted by 2dold4this

A shotgun does a pretty good job of that. Might not be as sexy.

that was my point.