From the Vault: WWII Liberator Pistol

Published on October 8, 2021
Duration: 5:26

This video details the FP-45 Liberator pistol, a single-shot .45 ACP firearm produced during WWII. It highlights the pistol's low production cost, rudimentary construction from sheet metal and pot metal, and its intended use as a disposable weapon for resistance fighters. The video also covers its operational procedure and historical context, including its limited adoption by Allied forces.

Quick Summary

The FP-45 Liberator was a single-shot .45 ACP pistol produced during WWII for $2.10 each. Designed by General Motors' Inland Manufacturing, it was intended as a disposable weapon for resistance fighters, featuring a simple pot metal and sheet metal construction with a hollow handle for spare ammo.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction to the FP-45 Liberator
  2. 00:15FP-45 Liberator: Name and Purpose
  3. 00:34Construction: Pot Metal and Sheet Metal
  4. 00:41Production Cost and Durability
  5. 00:53Intended Use: Disposable Weapon
  6. 01:00Instruction Sheet and Operation
  7. 01:07Cocking Piece and Firing Pin
  8. 01:18Loading the Breech
  9. 01:24Loading .45 ACP Cartridge
  10. 01:44Dropping Behind Enemy Lines
  11. 01:49French Resistance Use
  12. 01:58OSS Distribution
  13. 02:07Eisenhower's Limited Acceptance
  14. 02:26MacArthur's Indifference
  15. 02:34Bill Donovan's Acceptance
  16. 02:57Manufacturer: General Motors
  17. 03:02Designer: Inland Manufacturing
  18. 03:07Rapid Design and Production
  19. 03:15Packaging: Cardboard Box and Dowel
  20. 03:19No Extractor or Ejector
  21. 03:30Paraffin Dipped Boxes
  22. 03:37Disposal: Dumping in the Ocean
  23. 03:51Rarity and Price
  24. 03:59Durability Concerns: Firing Limit
  25. 04:13Made for Risky Times
  26. 04:21FP-45 Liberator Nickname: Woolworth Gun
  27. 04:32No Magazine: Hollow Handle Storage
  28. 04:45Ugly Gun for an Ugly Task
  29. 04:51Conclusion: Cool Piece of History
  30. 04:53Thanks and Call to Action
  31. 05:00Thanks to Rock Island Auctions

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary purpose of the FP-45 Liberator pistol during World War II?

The FP-45 Liberator was designed as a disposable, low-cost weapon for Allied forces to drop behind enemy lines. Its intended use was for soldiers to kill an enemy, take their firearm, and leave the Liberator behind.

How much did it cost to produce an FP-45 Liberator pistol?

In 1942, the production cost for each FP-45 Liberator pistol was remarkably low, totaling just $2.10 per unit. This reflects its simple construction from sheet metal and pot metal.

What were the key design features of the FP-45 Liberator pistol?

The FP-45 Liberator is a single-shot .45 ACP pistol made from sheet metal and pot metal. It lacks an extractor/ejector, requiring manual removal of spent casings, and its hollow handle stores spare ammunition.

Who manufactured the FP-45 Liberator pistol?

The FP-45 Liberator pistol was manufactured by General Motors, with its design originating from Inland Manufacturing, the same division that produced the M1 Carbine during World War II.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Brownells, Inc.

View all →