Smith & Wesson 76: American's Vietnam 9mm SMG

Published on October 19, 2018
Duration: 11:26

This guide details the field stripping process for the Smith & Wesson Model 76 submachine gun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers removing the rear end cap and recoil spring, identifying the fixed firing pin on the bolt, and noting the internal debris clearance grooves. The demonstration highlights the firearm's simple blowback operation and its historical context as a domestic alternative to the Swedish M45.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Model 76 is a 9mm submachine gun, a domestic copy of the Swedish M45, developed for US Navy use in Vietnam. It features a simple blowback action, a 36-round magazine, and ambidextrous fire controls (Safe, Semi, Full-Auto). Field stripping involves removing the rear end cap and recoil spring, revealing a bolt with a fixed firing pin and a receiver with debris clearance grooves.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Smith & Wesson 76
  2. 00:37Historical Context and the Swedish K
  3. 02:07Mechanical Features and Magazine
  4. 02:52Design Differences from the M45
  5. 04:26Stock and Sights
  6. 05:11Barrel Assembly and Accuracy
  7. 06:21Disassembly and Internal 'Sand Cuts'
  8. 08:20Service History and Production End

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Smith & Wesson Model 76?

The Smith & Wesson Model 76 is a 9mm Parabellum submachine gun developed as a domestic alternative to the Swedish M45 ('Swedish K'). It features a simple blowback action, a 36-round magazine, and ambidextrous fire controls.

How is the Smith & Wesson Model 76 field stripped?

Field stripping involves removing the rear end cap and recoil spring. The bolt has a fixed firing pin, and the receiver tube contains grooves for debris clearance. The barrel shroud and barrel are also removable.

What historical context surrounds the Smith & Wesson Model 76?

The S&W 76 was created for the US Navy in Vietnam after Sweden halted sales of the M45. It was intended for SEALs and SOG teams, offering a domestic option for plausible deniability during the conflict.

What are some key design differences between the S&W Model 76 and the Swedish M45?

Unlike the Swedish M45, the S&W 76 has a permanently welded magazine well and an ambidextrous selector switch offering Safe, Semi-Auto, and Full-Auto modes, whereas the M45 was typically full-auto only.

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