MC58: A USMC Semiauto Trainer 22 for the M14

Published on November 13, 2018
Duration: 10:01

This guide details the disassembly and functional check of the H&R MC58, a USMC .22 LR semi-automatic trainer rifle. It highlights the Reising SMG lineage, the unique charging handle, and the M14-style safety. Proper safety protocols are emphasized throughout the process.

Quick Summary

The H&R MC58 is a .22 LR semi-automatic trainer rifle for the USMC, based on the Reising SMG design. It mimics the M1 Garand/M14's weight and handling, featuring an M14-style trigger guard safety. Around 3,500 were made and later sold via the CMP.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Historical Context
  2. 01:24H&R and the Reising Design
  3. 02:37Commercial Variants and Post-War Development
  4. 03:52The MC58 and M14 Training
  5. 05:24Serial Numbers and Production
  6. 06:40Magazine and Sights
  7. 07:32Mechanical Operation and Disassembly
  8. 09:04Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the H&R MC58 rifle?

The H&R MC58 was a .22 LR semi-automatic training rifle developed for the US Marine Corps. Its primary goal was to replicate the weight, balance, and handling characteristics of their service rifles, specifically the M1 Garand and later the M14, for effective marksmanship training.

How does the H&R MC58 relate to the Reising submachine gun?

The H&R MC58 is an adaptation of Eugene Reising's submachine gun design. Harrington & Richardson modified the Reising's action to create a .22 caliber trainer, retaining key mechanical elements while adapting it for rimfire ammunition and specific training requirements.

What are the key distinguishing features of the H&R MC58 compared to earlier models?

The most significant update in the MC58, compared to earlier H&R .22 trainers, was the relocation of the safety mechanism to the trigger guard, mirroring the M1 Garand and M14. This enhanced its utility as a trainer for those specific service rifles.

What is the production quantity and availability of the H&R MC58?

Approximately 3,500 H&R MC58 rifles were produced. These rifles, originally marked 'USMC PROPERTY', were later sold as surplus through the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), making them available to the civilian market.

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