SMG

Key Takeaways

The SMG is GTA V’s compact automatic firearm: mobile, controllable at close to medium range, and useful when a rifle would be less convenient. Its Story Mode and GTA Online availability should be treated separately, while Online also offers a distinct Mk II progression path.

Compact automatic role

The SMG delivers automatic fire from a relatively compact weapon platform, making it suited to close engagements and movement-heavy encounters.

Vehicle-friendly choice

Its compact format makes the SMG a practical choice for situations where GTA V allows weapon use from a vehicle, rather than requiring a full-size rifle role.

Separate mode availability

The base SMG is associated with both Story Mode and GTA Online, but its purchase route, unlock conditions, and upgrade availability must be checked within the relevant mode.

Close-range strength

Automatic fire and mobile handling give the SMG reliable close-range pressure, particularly when quick follow-up shots matter more than precision at long distance.

Range and precision tradeoff

Compared with assault rifles, the SMG is less appropriate for sustained long-range engagements, where its compact role does not provide the same practical reach or precision.

Online Mk II progression

In GTA Online, the SMG has a Mk II upgrade path through a Weapon Workshop, opening additional attachment and special-ammunition options beyond the base weapon.

Overview

The SMG is Grand Theft Auto V’s compact automatic submachine gun: a mobile close-to-mid-range weapon built for sustained fire rather than rifle-distance precision. It appears in both Story Mode and GTA Online, with the latter also offering the separate SMG Mk II progression path.

The SMG occupies the practical middle ground between GTA V’s machine pistols and assault rifles. It is more substantial and controllable for general combat than the smallest automatic sidearms, while remaining easier to carry and use in confined spaces than a rifle. Its identity is therefore less about a single special effect than about dependable automatic fire from a compact platform.

Its handling makes it useful when the player needs to move, react quickly, or fight around vehicles and buildings. The weapon can maintain pressure on nearby targets without committing the player to the slower, more deliberate handling associated with precision-focused firearms. At longer distances, however, its compact close-combat role makes careful aim and burst control more important than simply holding the trigger.

The base SMG belongs to both the Story Mode and GTA Online weapon rosters, but the surrounding progression is not identical between those modes. Story Mode presents the ordinary weapon without Online’s broader workshop and research ecosystem. In GTA Online, the base SMG is also the starting point for the SMG Mk II family, whose conversion and selectable modifications should be treated as a separate progression state rather than as part of the unmodified weapon.

This page exists to distinguish that base weapon from nearby alternatives such as the Micro SMG, Assault SMG, and SMG Mk II. The Micro SMG is the more compact machine-pistol option, while the Assault SMG and Mk II represent different handling or progression choices within the same general firearm space. For players who want a versatile automatic weapon that remains practical during mobile, close-range encounters, the SMG is a straightforward general-purpose choice; players prioritising reach, precision, or specialised modifications may have stronger reasons to choose another member of the roster.

Stats & Performance

Verified figures

Base attack power

Stat	Performance	Value
Damage		26
Fire Rate		78
Accuracy		45
Range		22
Reload Speed		50
Movement Speed		78

In-game values on GTA V's 0–100 stat bars, with the real magazine figure alongside. Taken from the project's verified weapons database, not from generated text.

Weapon stats

Stat	Value
Weapon class	SMG
Mode scope	Story Mode; GTA OnlineThe base SMG is distinct from the GTA Online SMG Mk II.
Ammo type	SMG ammunition

Base-weapon identity fields are shown for both modes. Patch-sensitive combat values are omitted because no current version-specific figure is established here.

Verified figures

Combat

Field	Value
Category	SMGs/Machine Guns
Magazine	30
Mk II variant	Available

Moveset & Combat Behavior

The SMG is a fully automatic firearm built for close- to medium-range engagements. Its handling favours keeping the trigger down while tracking moving targets, but sustained fire is less controlled than short bursts, especially when the target is outside the weapon’s practical range. It is also a practical choice when mobility matters more than precision, since its compact role complements fast repositioning and vehicle-based combat where the game permits the weapon to be used.

Story Mode and GTA Online share the SMG’s basic automatic behaviour, but Online adds the separate SMG Mk II conversion and its associated workshop modifications. Those additions should not be treated as properties of the unconverted Story Mode weapon. The base SMG’s ammunition and handling remain distinct from the Mk II’s optional magazine, sight and special-ammunition systems.

Automatic fire and spread

The SMG fires continuously while the trigger is held. Short controlled bursts are easier to place on distant targets, while sustained fire is more useful when the target is close, moving laterally, or exposed only briefly. Its spread and recoil make it less dependable for deliberate long-range shots than a rifle, so closing distance or using cover helps preserve accuracy rather than relying on uninterrupted fire.

Range and target selection

The weapon’s natural role is close and medium range, where its automatic output can keep pressure on a target without demanding the slower alignment associated with precision weapons. At longer distances, missed rounds and reduced practical accuracy make a carbine, assault rifle or other rifle-class alternative more suitable. The SMG is therefore strongest as a general-purpose compact weapon, not as a precision option.

Reloads and Online Mk II handling

Reloading temporarily stops the weapon from firing, making magazine timing important during sustained encounters. In GTA Online, the SMG Mk II can be created through a and expands the platform with conversion-specific attachments and ammunition options. These changes alter how the weapon can be configured; they do not make every Mk II option available to the base SMG or to Story Mode.

Upgrades & Customization

VariantStandard SMG

Base SMG configuration

Option	Effect	How to unlock
Extended Magazine	Increases the SMG's ammunition capacity between reloads.	Available through the weapon customisation menu where offered.
Drum Magazine	Provides a larger magazine option than the standard configuration.	Available through the weapon customisation menu where offered.
Suppressor	Reduces the weapon's firing signature and changes its suppressed firing behaviour.	Available through the weapon customisation menu where offered.
Flashlight	Adds a weapon-mounted light for illuminating dark areas.	Available through the weapon customisation menu where offered.

These are permanent GTA Online weapon customisations for the standard SMG; equivalent options may also be available in Story Mode where the weapon customisation system supports them.

SMG Mk II conversion

Option	Effect	How to unlock
SMG Mk II	Converts the standard SMG into its Mk II variant and enables Mk II-specific customisation.	GTA Online Weapon Workshop conversion; the relevant workshop and conversion access are required.

The Mk II is a permanent GTA Online conversion rather than a cosmetic change. It unlocks additional attachment and ammunition configurations.

Mk II attachments

Option	Effect	How to unlock
Mk II Magazine Options	Provides alternate magazine configurations, including capacity-focused options where supported.	Requires the SMG Mk II.
Mk II Muzzle Options	Adds muzzle-device choices that modify the weapon's firing or handling characteristics.	Requires the SMG Mk II.
Mk II Optic Options	Provides alternate aiming-sight configurations.	Requires the SMG Mk II.
Mk II Grip	Changes the SMG Mk II's handling configuration.	Requires the SMG Mk II.

Mk II attachments alter handling, aiming or weapon presentation. Exact compatibility should be checked in the Weapon Workshop because not every option applies to every configuration.

Mk II special ammunition

Option	Effect	How to unlock
Armor Piercing Rounds	Uses the Mk II armor-piercing ammunition configuration.	Requires the SMG Mk II and the corresponding GTA Online Bunker Research unlock.
Full Metal Jacket Rounds	Uses the Mk II full-metal-jacket ammunition configuration.	Requires the SMG Mk II and the corresponding GTA Online Bunker Research unlock.
Hollow Point Rounds	Uses the Mk II hollow-point ammunition configuration.	Requires the SMG Mk II and the corresponding GTA Online Bunker Research unlock.
Incendiary Rounds	Uses the Mk II incendiary ammunition configuration, which can apply the ammunition's fire-related effect when its in-game conditions are met.	Requires the SMG Mk II and the corresponding GTA Online Bunker Research unlock.
Tracer Rounds	Uses the Mk II tracer ammunition configuration, making fired rounds visually traceable.	Requires the SMG Mk II and the corresponding GTA Online Bunker Research unlock.

Special ammunition is selected at a Weapon Workshop and replaces the weapon's ordinary ammunition type. These are permanent configuration choices, not temporary combat buffs.

How to Get SMG

Before you start

Story Mode requires completion of The Jewel Store Job.
GTA Online requires Rank 14.
No DLC, NG+, one-per-playthrough, or missable-item gate applies to the standard SMG purchase route.

01Story Mode: complete The Jewel Store Job. After the mission, visit any Ammu-Nation in Los Santos or Blaine County and purchase the SMG from the available weapon selection.
02GTA Online: reach Rank 14, then visit an Ammu-Nation and purchase the SMG. The weapon is a standard store purchase rather than a mission reward or random drop.

Available in the base game

Story Mode

Requires: Unlocked through story progression after The Jewel Store Job

Available from Ammu-Nation after unlocking; Story Mode availability is separate from GTA Online.

Available

GTA Online

Requires: Available from Ammu-Nation after the applicable early-game weapon unlock

The standard SMG is an Online weapon and is distinct from the separately handled SMG Mk II variant.

Story ModeYes

OnlineBase Game (Mk II via Gunrunning)

How to getAmmu-Nation

Builds & Best Uses

Strengths

Automatic fire lets the SMG maintain pressure without the repeated trigger pulls required by semi-automatic firearms.
Its compact weapon class is practical for close engagements and mobile combat, including vehicle-based shooting where the game permits SMG use.
Sustained fire can quickly punish exposed targets at short to moderate distance when the shooter keeps the aim on target.

Weaknesses

Its effectiveness falls off against targets at longer distances, where rifles and precision weapons are easier to control and place accurately.
Automatic fire can waste ammunition and widen the spread when the trigger is held continuously instead of using controlled bursts.
It gives up the reach and precision of an assault rifle, making open-ground fights and carefully aimed headshots less forgiving.

Best uses

Use it for close-quarter fights, interior spaces and urban encounters where targets enter the weapon's practical range quickly.
It suits vehicle pursuits and drive-by situations in modes or activities that allow the SMG to be used from a vehicle.
Choose it as a mobile automatic option when movement and rapid follow-up shots matter more than long-range precision.

Weapon Comparisons

Same-game comparison

SMG vs. other smgs/machine guns

Attribute	SMG	MG	Unholy Hellbringer	Tactical SMG	Assault SMG
Damage	26	26	26	25	24
Fire Rate	78	70	95	85	88
Accuracy	45	45	45	45	42
Range	22	45	35	20	22
Magazine	30	54	50	20	30

Damage, fire rate, accuracy and range are GTA V's own 0–100 stat scales; magazine is the real figure. From Consolidated Game Weapons Database.

Same-game comparison

Compared With Similar Weapons

Attribute	SMG	Micro SMG	Assault SMG	Combat PDW
Relationship to SMG	Balanced automatic fire for close-to-mid-range engagements	More convenient for drive-by use, but less suited to sustained mid-range pressure	More refined close-to-mid-range automatic role; compare handling and ammunition access for the mode	Compact automatic weapon with a distinct tactical niche rather than a direct baseline replacement
Handling and role	Story Mode and GTA Online	Story Mode and GTA Online	Story Mode and GTA Online	GTA Online
Availability context	You want a general-purpose automatic weapon without a specialised trade-off.	Mobility and vehicle combat matter more than reach.	You want a stronger class alternative while staying with an SMG-style weapon.	You want an Online SMG alternative with different handling and attachment options.
Choose it when	—	—	—	—

Used In

The Jewel Store JobThe Story Mode mission associated with the SMG's availability and early use.
Ammu-NationSells the SMG in Story Mode and GTA Online, subject to each mode's availability rules.

FAQ

How do you get the SMG in GTA V Story Mode?

The SMG becomes available from Ammu-Nation after completing The Jewel Store Job. It is a standard purchase, not a one-per-playthrough pickup or a missable reward.

Is the SMG available in GTA Online?

Yes. The standard SMG is available in GTA Online through Ammu-Nation after its Online progression requirement is met. Story Mode and Online availability should be treated separately.

Can the SMG be upgraded to an SMG Mk II?

In GTA Online, the SMG can be converted to the SMG Mk II at a Weapon Workshop. The Mk II adds different attachment and ammunition options; it is not available as a Story Mode upgrade.

Does the SMG have a special effect?

The standard SMG has no unique passive effect. Its Mk II version can use compatible special ammunition, including types unlocked through GTA Online research.