Machine pistols are versatile firearms that are popular in the military and law enforcement communities. A machine pistol is a small, compact firearm that is able to fire in fully automatic mode, making it a formidable weapon in close quarters combat situations. There are several synonyms for the term "machine pistol," including submachine gun, automatic pistol, and machine gun pistol. These terms are often used interchangeably, although there are distinctions between them. A submachine gun is typically less powerful than a full-size machine gun, while an automatic pistol refers to a handgun that is capable of automatic fire. Machine gun pistol is a broader term that encompasses both submachine guns and automatic pistols.