Q&A 27: Machine Guns with John Keene

Published on March 21, 2019
Duration: 84:38

Master Sergeant John Keane discusses the process of converting a PPSh-41 submachine gun to fire 9mm Parabellum ammunition. This involves replacing the original barrel with a 9mm equivalent and adapting magazines, often utilizing MP40 magazines. Keane notes that these conversions can be done without permanent alteration to the firearm, making them reversible.

Quick Summary

Master Sergeant John Keane (Ret.) identifies the German MP40 as his favorite WWII machine gun for range use due to its controllability and ease of maintenance. For investments, he notes the MG42 and MP40 are strong choices due to collector appeal and reliability. He also explains the development of the .50 BMG and recommends the Sten and Reising as good entry-level machine guns for budget-conscious collectors.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction & Guest John Keane
  2. 00:47Favorite WWII Machine Gun: MP40
  3. 01:49Favorite Light Machine Gun: Japanese Type 96
  4. 02:30Best Machine Gun Investment
  5. 03:45Origin of .50 BMG and Heavy Machine Guns
  6. 05:20Reopening the NFA Registry
  7. 10:13US vs. MG42: M1919 & Propaganda
  8. 13:58MG42's Effectiveness vs. M1919
  9. 15:40M2 Browning Production Status
  10. 16:53Underrated Machine Guns: Madsen & BAR Variants
  11. 20:44Opinion on Soviet Machine Gun Design
  12. 23:40German 'Zielbau' Doctrine & High Cyclic Rates
  13. 25:59Most Important Early Machine Gun Development: Smokeless Powder
  14. 28:08Converting PPSh/PPS to 9mm Parabellum
  15. 30:58MG3 Adoption vs. M240/M60
  16. 33:16Rebuilt & Rewelded Machine Guns
  17. 35:54Entry-Level Machine Guns on a Budget
  18. 42:17Continued MG34 Production Alongside MG42
  19. 44:17Determinants of Machine Gun Value
  20. 50:23Rare Transferable Machine Guns
  21. 52:57Strangest Machine Guns Seen at Morphy's
  22. 55:30Moving NFA Items to a New State
  23. 56:22Ideal Single Belt for All Use
  24. 58:02Spotting NFA Fakes
  25. 61:14Estimating NFA Item Numbers on Registry
  26. 66:21US Persistence with BAR in WWII
  27. 70:51Japanese Tactics vs. M1 Garand
  28. 75:07Automatic Weapons Brought Back by GIs Post-WWII

Frequently Asked Questions

What is John Keane's favorite World War II machine gun?

Master Sergeant John Keane's favorite World War II machine gun to handle and shoot is the German MP40. He cites its slow firing rate, controllability, availability of parts and ammunition, and ease of cleaning as key reasons for its selection, especially when introducing new shooters to machine guns.

What makes a machine gun a good investment?

According to John Keane, a good machine gun investment has widespread collector appeal, is of high quality, and is mechanically reliable. The MG42 and MP40 are highlighted as consistent good investments due to their appeal to American collectors and their robust designs.

Why was the .50 BMG developed?

America was the first to perceive the need for a larger caliber machine gun, with John Browning developing the .50 BMG. This caliber was intended to provide a machine gun capable of punching through heavy barriers, a capability that became increasingly important in the later stages of World War I.

What are some entry-level transferable machine guns for collectors on a budget?

For collectors on a limited budget, John Keane recommends the Sten and the Reising. These are relatively inexpensive, historical, reliable, and have available parts, making them good starting points for entering the machine gun collecting field.

How can one convert a PPSh-41 to fire 9mm Parabellum?

Converting a PPSh-41 to 9mm Parabellum typically involves replacing the original barrel with a 9mm barrel and adapting MP40 magazines. This can often be done without permanent alteration to the firearm, allowing for reversibility.

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