I Have This Old Gun: Smith & Wesson Model 76 Submachine Gun

Published on August 16, 2018
Duration: 6:12

This guide details the basic disassembly of the Smith & Wesson Model 76 submachine gun, a firearm developed during the Vietnam War era. The process involves removing the magazine well and bolt for inspection and cleaning. Proper safety protocols, including ensuring the weapon is unloaded, are paramount. The Model 76 is an NFA-registered machine gun, requiring specific legal compliance.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Model 76 is a 9mm submachine gun developed during the Vietnam War era as a domestic copy of the Swedish M/45. Operating on a direct blowback, open bolt system, it fires at approximately 750 RPM. Due to its fully automatic nature, it is an NFA-registered machine gun requiring strict legal compliance for ownership.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Historical Context
  2. 00:52The Swedish Embargo
  3. 01:27S&W's Development and Market Failure
  4. 02:06Competition and Legacy
  5. 04:51MK 760 and NFA Status

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Smith & Wesson Model 76?

The Smith & Wesson Model 76 is a 9mm submachine gun developed during the Vietnam War era. It was designed as a domestic copy of the Swedish M/45 (Swedish K) to meet US Special Forces requirements when Swedish arms exports to the US were banned.

What are the key technical specifications of the Smith & Wesson Model 76?

The Model 76 operates via direct blowback with an open bolt. It fires 9mm Parabellum ammunition at a rate of approximately 750 rounds per minute and is an NFA-registered machine gun.

Why was the Smith & Wesson Model 76 developed?

It was developed in response to a 1966-1967 Swedish export ban on firearms to the US, which cut off the supply of the favored Swedish M/45 submachine gun. US Navy SEALs requested a domestic alternative from Smith & Wesson.

What is the legal status of the Smith & Wesson Model 76?

As a fully automatic firearm, the Smith & Wesson Model 76 is classified as a machine gun under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Ownership requires compliance with all federal regulations, including registration and transfer procedures.

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