Smith & Wesson Light Rifle M1940

Published on March 2, 2014
Duration: 5:10

The Smith & Wesson Light Rifle M1940, despite its beautiful machining, was a practical failure due to excessive weight and design flaws. Its unique front-loading magazine and rear ejection system complicated malfunction clearance. Structural issues arose when using hotter British 9mm ammunition, leading to contract cancellation and most units being destroyed.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson M1940 Light Rifle was a beautiful piece of machining but a practical failure. Its heavy construction and difficult-to-clear malfunction system, coupled with structural failures from hotter British 9mm ammo, led to contract cancellation and most units being destroyed.

Chapters

  1. 00:19Introduction: S&W M1940 - Beautiful but Flawed
  2. 00:46Construction & Weight Issues
  3. 01:04Unique Magazine & Ejection System
  4. 02:32Mark 2 Failures with British Ammo
  5. 03:25British Contract Cancellation & History
  6. 04:20Rarity and NFA Status

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Smith & Wesson Light Rifle M1940 considered a failure?

The S&W M1940 was deemed a failure due to its excessive weight, stemming from heavy machined parts instead of lighter stamped ones. Its unique magazine and ejection system also made clearing malfunctions difficult, and structural failures occurred with hotter British 9mm ammunition.

What were the main design flaws of the Smith & Wesson M1940?

Key design flaws included its unexpected heaviness for a 'light rifle,' a complex front-loading magazine and rear-ejection system that hindered malfunction clearance, and structural weaknesses in the Mark 2 version when subjected to higher-pressure British 9mm ammunition.

What happened with the British contract for the S&W M1940?

The British government invested heavily but cancelled the contract after receiving fewer than 1,000 rifles due to design and performance issues. Smith & Wesson settled by providing M&P revolvers at a discount, and most M1940s were subsequently destroyed by the British.

Is the Smith & Wesson M1940 rifle legal to own?

Yes, despite its short 9.75-inch barrel, the S&W M1940 received an NFA exemption as a Curio & Relic. This allows it to be legally sold and owned by collectors on the standard market as a rifle.

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