Too Little Too Late: Japanese Type 100 Submachine Gun

Published on February 21, 2018
Duration: 8:00

This guide details the field stripping procedure for the Japanese Type 100 SMG, as demonstrated by an expert from TFB TV. The process involves removing the charging handle and bolt assembly, followed by the recoil spring. The video highlights the weapon's unique features and historical context, emphasizing its rarity and late introduction into WWII.

Quick Summary

The Japanese Type 100 SMG, chambered in 8mm Nambu, is a rare WWII firearm with fewer than 30,000 produced. It featured unique elements like a bipod and bayonet lug. The 1944 model saw simplified production and a higher rate of fire (800 rpm). Original examples can fetch $10,000-$20,000 at auction.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Historical Context
  2. 00:55Development and Adoption
  3. 01:21Production and Rarity
  4. 02:09Technical Design and Caliber
  5. 02:40Unique Features
  6. 03:19Variants: Standard and Paratrooper
  7. 03:57The 1944 Model Improvements
  8. 04:41Controls and Disassembly
  9. 07:06Market Value and Replicas

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key technical specifications of the Japanese Type 100 SMG?

The Japanese Type 100 SMG is an open-bolt, blowback submachine gun chambered in 8mm Nambu. The 1940 model weighed approximately 7.5 lbs with a 400-450 rpm rate of fire, while the 1944 model weighed 8.5 lbs and had a higher rate of fire at 800 rpm. Both typically used a 30-round magazine.

How rare is the Japanese Type 100 SMG?

The Japanese Type 100 SMG is considered quite rare, with fewer than 30,000 units ever produced. Its scarcity was such that it was not commonly mentioned in some standard US infantry handbooks during World War II.

What unique features did the Japanese Type 100 SMG possess?

Unusual for its time, the Type 100 SMG featured a bipod, a chrome-lined barrel for enhanced durability in jungle environments, and a bayonet lug. Early versions also incorporated a complex bayonet rod designed to mitigate muzzle stress.

What is the approximate market value of a Japanese Type 100 SMG?

Original NFA-registered Japanese Type 100 SMGs are valuable collector's items, typically selling for prices ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 at auctions. Non-firing replicas are also available at a much lower price point.

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