RARE guns of WWII - including PROTOTYPES!

Published on November 21, 2022
Duration: 23:37

This video explores rare and prototype firearms from WWII, including the German FG-42 paratrooper rifle, the Japanese Nambu Type 14 pistol, and the M3 'Grease Gun'. It also highlights unique prototypes like the Reising .30 Carbine prototype and the Smith & Wesson M1940 Light Rifle. The collection emphasizes 'captured guns' with original documentation, showcasing historical significance and engineering evolution.

Quick Summary

The FG-42 was a German paratrooper rifle firing 8mm Mauser with select-fire capability and a side-mounted 20-round magazine for a lower prone profile. The M3 'Grease Gun' was a cost-effective SMG made of stamped steel with a slow, controllable cyclic rate.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Palmetto State Armory Museum Plans
  2. 01:31Captured War Trophies & Capture Papers
  3. 05:56German FG-42 Paratrooper Rifle
  4. 09:16Japanese Nambu Type 14 Pistol
  5. 11:29M3 'Grease Gun' SMG
  6. 13:48Reising .30 Carbine Prototype
  7. 18:33United Defense M42 (UD M42) SMG
  8. 20:03Smith & Wesson M1940 Light Rifle
  9. 22:27Type 4 Japanese Garand

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FG-42?

The FG-42 (Fallschirmjägergewehr 42) was a German paratrooper rifle used in WWII. It fired the full-power 8mm Mauser cartridge and featured select-fire capability, a side-mounted 20-round magazine for a lower prone profile, and an integrated bipod.

What were 'capture papers' for WWII firearms?

During WWII, US military regulations required 'capture papers' for soldiers to legally bring home captured firearms and trophies. These papers documented the item's origin and ensured it wasn't a life-sustaining item.

What made the M3 'Grease Gun' unique?

The M3 'Grease Gun' was notable for its simple, stamped steel construction, making it cheaper and faster to produce than other SMGs. It also featured a very slow cyclic rate, around 450 RPM, which made it highly controllable.

What is the significance of the Reising .30 Carbine prototype?

The Reising .30 Carbine prototype is extremely rare, featuring a gas piston system unlike the .45 ACP SMG version. It represented an attempt to compete with the successful M1 Carbine during WWII.

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