There is also an automatic safety that offers enhanced security if the SMG is dropped. When pushed to the right the Z-62 may be fired. When pushed to the left it locks and blocks the sear, whether the bolt is open or closed. The cross-bolt safety in the pistol grip is easily operated with the thumb or edge of the forefinger. Pulling back on the stock releases it to be folded. It employs an under-folding skeleton stock that latches into a notch in the heat shield when closed, being released by lifting up on the butt plate. Introduced in 1962 as an improvement on the Z-45 SMG, the Z-62 was designed for ease of handling by placing its pistol grip near the center of gravity. The Star Z-70 actually evolved from the Star Z-62.
Left-side view of the Star Z-70 with stock folded. This doesn’t always mean that the SMG issued in many countries is all that good, but in the case of the Star Z-70, Spanish soldiers and cops were well armed. Spain is one of those countries that have issued SMGs for police and military units for decades. However, the Star Z-70 kept nudging its way into my list of favorites. I like some of the more recent designs such as the HK MP5 or the FN P90.
More specifically, I was considering the SMGs that fire a pistol caliber cartridge, thus eliminating short carbines such as the AKSU. I was considering awhile back my favorite submachine gun (SMG).