A subgun, otherwise known as a submachine gun, is a firearm that fires pistol ammunition in an automatic mode. The term subgun is often used interchangeably with submachine gun, but other synonyms include machine pistol, personal defense weapon, and machine carbine. While these terms differ slightly in their specific design and use, they all refer to firearms that are smaller and more compact than traditional rifles or machine guns. Subguns were first popularized during World War II and have since been used by militaries and law enforcement agencies worldwide. Today, various models of subguns continue to be used in both professional and recreational firearm circles.