Hotchkiss et Cie Type Universal

The 'Type Universal' submachine-gun was first offered for sale in 1949 by the French company Hotchkiss. It was a most unusual weapon, but represented something of a technological dead-end. Its main selling point was that it could be collapsed to enhance its portability. The butt, pistol-grip and magazine housing all folded under the gun and, extraordinarily, the barrel could be retracted within the receiver for part of its length. Not surprisingly a folded gun took some time to prepare for action. Except for its ability to fold down into a small package, Hotchkiss "type Universal" submachine gun is rather conventional weapon, using simple blowback action. It fires from open bolt, and capable of selective fire (fire mode selector is made in the form of cross-bolt button above pistol grip). The cocking handle has a sliding dustcover on its slot, and does not move when gun is fired. The sights consist of hooded front and flip-type aperture rear, marked for 50 and 100 meters. It was also a complicated weapon to produce. Furthermore it appeared at a time when more efficient compact submachine-guns were beginning to become available. Given the above factors the 'Type Universal' saw only limited sales before production ceased in 1952.