The Legendary Swedish K: M/45 “Bertil” — Sweden’s Submachine Gun Icon

Few weapons have earned such quiet respect among soldiers, special operators, and historians as the Swedish K, officially known as the Carl Gustaf m/45. Sleek, reliable, and surprisingly simple, this Cold War-era submachine gun became a favorite far beyond Sweden’s borders — from the icy forests of Scandinavia to the jungles of Vietnam.

Born from Precision: The Origins of the M/45

Developed in the late 1940s by Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori, the M/45 was Sweden’s answer to the need for a rugged and dependable submachine gun. The design focused on function over flash — a straight blowback mechanism, open bolt firing, and easily replaceable parts.

Its steel tube body, welded simplicity, and minimal moving parts made it not only easy to maintain, but almost indestructible.

This minimalist design philosophy became the hallmark of Swedish military engineering — where efficiency meets reliability.

From Neutral Sweden to Global Use

Despite Sweden’s neutrality, the M/45 found its way into the hands of elite units worldwide. The gun gained international fame when U.S. Navy SEALs and CIA operatives used it during the Vietnam War. American forces valued the M/45’s low rate of fire, sturdy construction, and ability to fire even when wet or dirty — a lifesaver in harsh conditions.

In the U.S., it was affectionately called the “Swedish K”, while in Sweden, it carried the military designation Kulsprutepistol m/45 — or “K-pist m/45” — often nicknamed “Bertil” after the Swedish phonetic alphabet.

Design Excellence That Stood the Test of Time

The M/45’s timeless design inspired many later weapons, including the Egyptian Port Said and Swedish m/45B, a refined version introduced with a protective magazine housing and improved barrel design.

Its straightforward mechanics made it perfect for training, manufacturing, and field repair — proof that great engineering doesn’t always need complexity.

Even decades later, collectors and enthusiasts around the world celebrate the M/45 as one of the most aesthetically clean and functionally brilliant submachine guns ever made.

Legacy in the Modern Era

Though officially retired, the M/45 remains a symbol of Scandinavian precision. From historical reenactments to modern 3D model recreations, it continues to capture the fascination of military history fans and model collectors alike.

Whether displayed on a shelf or studied for its mechanical simplicity, the Swedish K stands as a reminder of how good design can transcend time.

Own a Piece of Swedish History

At 3DMilPrint, we’ve recreated the M/45 “Bertil” as a detailed 3D-printed display model — paying homage to Sweden’s most iconic submachine gun.

👉 Explore our model of the M45 "Bertil"

Bring home a part of Cold War history — the Swedish K, reborn in modern precision.