Historical Vietnam War Machine Guns S&W-76 VS MAT-49

Published on February 11, 2018
Duration: 9:47

This guide provides an overview of the MAT-49 and S&W-76 submachine guns, focusing on their operational features and historical context during the Vietnam War. It highlights unique design elements like the MAT-49's folding magazine well and grip safety, and the S&W-76's select-fire capability and quick-detach barrel. The information is presented with high authority, drawing on detailed mechanical breakdowns and historical provenance.

Quick Summary

The S&W-76 was the last US-produced submachine gun used by armed forces, notably by Navy SEALs, before being replaced by the CAR-15 and H&K models. It features select-fire capability (Safe/Semi/Full) with a 700 RPM rate of fire, a quick-detach barrel, and a wire stock, contrasting with the MAT-49's full-auto-only operation and 450 RPM rate of fire.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: MAT-49 vs S&W-76
  2. 00:12MAT-49 History and Features
  3. 01:53MAT-49 vs. S&W-76 Specs
  4. 03:07MAT-49 Live Fire
  5. 03:57S&W-76 History
  6. 05:12S&W-76 Operation and Live Fire
  7. 06:35Suppressed S&W-76
  8. 08:31MAT-49 Provenance

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the MAT-49 and the S&W-76 submachine guns?

The MAT-49 is full-auto only with a 450 RPM rate of fire and features a folding magazine well and grip safety. The S&W-76 is select-fire (Safe/Semi/Full) with a 700 RPM rate of fire, a quick-detach barrel, and a wire stock.

Which submachine gun was the last US-produced model used by the armed forces before the CAR-15 and H&K?

The Smith & Wesson Model 76 (S&W-76) holds the distinction of being the last US-produced submachine gun to see service with American armed forces before being replaced by other platforms like the CAR-15 and H&K models.

What were some unique design features of the MAT-49?

The MAT-49 incorporated a folding magazine well, designed for enhanced compactness, especially for paratroopers. It also featured a grip safety mechanism, contributing to its operational safety.

What is the significance of the 'MAT' designation on the submachine gun?

The 'MAT' designation on the submachine gun refers to 'Manufacture Nationale d'Armes de Tulle,' which is the French state-owned arms manufacturer responsible for the production of the MAT-49.

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