By Edwin Libby

The standard heavy machine gun employed by Imperial Japanese forces in the Pacific War was the Type 92, commonly called the “Juki” by the combatants of both sides. This weapon derived its name from its Japanese designation Jukikanju, or “heavy machine gun” and, although this weapon was regarded a medium machine gun by U.S. forces because of its infantry rifle caliber, the gun’s 122-pound weight with tripod readily demonstrated the logic of its “heavy” classification. The gun was air-cooled and 61 pounds was accounted for by a very heavy barrel housed in a massive receiver casing with large radiator flanges to draw heat away form the mechanism during firing. A slow rate of fire of 350 to 400 rounds per minute, and a hollow-sounding report at a distance, earned the Juki the derisive name of “woodpecker.”

The design of the Japanese Type 92 originated with the French Model of 1897 Hotchkiss heavy machine gun, several of which were purchased from the Paris-based Hotchkiss Company, and these guns were used with great success against the Russians in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. In that war the Japanese Army originated the technique of overhead fire in support of their infantry assaults, but they also used their tripod-mounted Hotchkiss guns to deliver direct fire from front line positions. Although this latter tactic proved to be exceedingly costly in Japanese lives, its success signaled the need for mobile firepower to support infantry on the battlefield. It also stimulated the quest for a light machine gun among the nations who recognized this need from their participation or observation in this first great modern war. After building the French Hotckiss MG under license and after modifying this gun to improve its reliability, the Japanese Army adopted a heavy machine gun of indigenous design, designating it the Taisho Type 3 Model of 1914. This gun was a much developed and refined version of the original French gun with a new and original locking system created by the gun’s designer, Kijiro Nambu, a Japanese Army officer who was to become Japan’s premier firearms designer. Several years later Nambu further refined his Type 3 heavy machine gun with greatly improved iron sights, with added optical sights, and with a new and powerful 7.7mm cartridge for which the refined gun was chambered. In 1932 this gun was adopted by the Japanese Army as the Type 92 heavy machine gun, and this gun was the Japanese heavy machine gun most frequently encountered on the battlefields where U.S. troops were engaged.

Ammunition of various types – ball, tracer, and armor-piercing – on 30-round rigid brass or steel feed strips was used in the Type 92 heavy machine gun. The strips offered a marked contrast to the flexible ammunition belts used by U.S. light, medium, and heavy Browning machine guns and captured Japanese Juki positions littered with empty feed strips and spent cartridge cases remain vivid in the memories of many U.S. combat Marines and soldiers. Each feed strip was packaged in a cloth-covered cardboard sleeve which, with its top removed and the strip engaged in the gun’s feedway, was used to guide the strip and to protect the cartridges on it from dirt and debris. To deliver sustained fire, strips were easily hooked together as they were fed into the gun by the assistant gunner; each cartridge was oiled by a brush in the feedway as it was drawn into the gun.

Ball ammunition of 7.7 diameter (.303 in. caliber) used in the Japanese Type 92 heavy machine gun was loaded typically with a bullet of 204 grains, one of the heaviest rifle caliber ball bullets used in World War II, and very heavy in comparison to the 154-grain ball bullet of the .30 caliber M2 cartridge used in U.S. Browning machine guns. This ammunition gave the Japanese Juki an effective range of 1500 yards, and a remarkable maximum range of 4500 yards. Three different types of optical sights of various powers (4-, 5-, and 6-power) enhanced the accuracy and effectiveness of this weapon. Whenever opportunity was presented the Japanese carefully located and concealed their heavy machine guns and the support positions for these guns, established fire lanes and precise target areas, and registered the fire of these weapons. A Juki in a prepared position and manned by a competent crew was a deadly weapon and a formidable obstacle for any attacking troops.

The .50 Peacekeeper is an exciting new innovation by J.D. Jones that puts 88% of the ballistics of the .50 BMG cartridge in an extremely accurate 13-14 pound 23” barreled long range man portable rifle. It uses any projectile suitable for the .50 BMG cartridge or any .50 (.510) diameter soft point bullet intended for a .50 hunting cartridge. The .50 PEACEKEEPER uses only around 50% of the powder charge of the .50 BMG to give the same bullet 88% of the velocity of the .50 BMG. Equipped with highly efficient muzzle brakes and other recoil reducing devices, felt recoil is substantially less than that of many 30 to 50 pound .50 BMG rifles. Formed cartridge cases, bullets, reloading dies and loaded ammunition are all available through SSK. The new Ed Brown single shot bolt action is one of the preferred actions when coupled with any of a wide variety of stocks. Other suitable actions include the Ruger -77 Magnum or any Weatherby action originally chambered for the .378 or .460 cartridges. SSK Industries manufactures a wide variety of extremely efficient firearms including custom barrels for Contenders, Encores, hunting rifles and highly specialized suppressed tactical firearms. Many utilize the JDJ and WHISPER series of cartridges in addition to around 400 other calibers. For more information contact SSK Industries, Dept. SAR, 590 Woodvue Lane, Wintersville, OH 43953. Phone: 1-740-264-0176. Fax: 1-740-264-2257. Their website is www.sskindustries.com.

ITC SCOPE COVERS

International Training Concepts (ITC) has just introduced a line of scope covers that not only cover the scope lens, they also cover the whole scope. Scopes come in all sizes and shapes, so why not scope covers? All of ITC’s scope covers are made from rugged lightweight nylon for flexibility and just enough closed cell foam padding to protect your valuable optical device. You can choose from any of three models that fit a wide range of optics. The three models include the Adjustable Scope Cover (fits scopes from 10 to 16 inches long), the Mini Scope Cover 1 (for scopes 6 to 8 inches long) and the Mini Scope Cover 2 (for scopes 4 to 6 inches long). Both Mini Scope Covers slip over the optic and are held tight by drawing the cord lock together. A new concept in design is their Adjustable Scope Cover that can be adjusted to fit the larger scopes. This cover is made from two halves that are attached together with Velcro for a perfect fit on several size scopes. These covers look great and best of all they work like they were designed to. For more information on the scope covers and a full line of other innovative marksman accessories contact International Training Concepts, Inc., Dept. DEPT. SAR, , , P.O. Box 69037, Pleasant Ridge, MI 48069-0037. Phone: 1-888-566-4486. Fax: 1-248-544-1622.

BROWNING INTRODUCES CARBON FIBER TECHNOLOGY TO A-BOLT

New for 2000, Browning has partnered with Christensen Arms to offer carbon fiber barrels on their A-Bolt rifles. This patented technology utilizes a continuously fiber wound band, sealed with epoxy. This material is used in prosthetics, bicycle frames, golf clubs, fishing rods, reinforced concrete joints and foundations and now in barrels for Browning rifles. These strong fibers surround s stainless steel liner sleeve on the new A-Bolt Carbon Fiber Stainless Steel Stalker. It is stronger than steel, 80% lighter and dissipates heat ten times faster. Your quick follow-up shots won’t be affected by heat or vibration. It gives you the stiffness and accuracy of a heavy barrel without the added weight. There is less barrel whip and better dimensional stability for a more repeatable point of impact. The new A-Bolt Carbon Fiber Stainless Stalker creates the ultimate rifle for weather resistance, accuracy, light weight and shot-after-shot stability. Two calibers will be available in the A-Bolt Carbon Fiber Stainless Stalker in the year 2000: 22-250 Remington, which will fast become the ultimate long-range varmint rifle, and the 300 Win. Mag., a hard hitting, long-range nail driver. For more information on this new high tech rifle, contact Browning, Dept. DEPT. SAR, , One Browning Place, Morgan Utah 84050. Phone: 1-801-876-2711. They can be reached on the web at www.browning.com.

NIKON ANNOUNCES TITANIUM RIFLESCOPES

Nikon Sport Optics, a company known for optical innovation, has announced the introduction of a revolutionary riflescope line that incorporates titanium, one of the world’s strongest metals. The newly introduced Nikon Titanium Riflescope Series utilizes titanium construction of both the ocular and adjustable objective bells, providing excelled strength and protection for these critical lens elements. Initially, the new scope line will be comprised of a 3.3-10X44AO and a 5.5-16.5X44AO, popular magnification ranges for most hunting and varminting applications. Titanium is one of the world’s strongest metals. In recent years, it has gained favor in the construction of such durable products as golf club heads, bicycles, firearms and suppressors. Titanium is stronger and lighter than most steels and extremely corrosion resistant. The Nikon Titanium riflescopes feature oversized 44 millimeter objective lenses for maximum light transmission at dawn, dusk or in bad weather. Both utilize adjustable objective lenses (milled from solid titanium bar stock for maximum strength) allowing the shooter to remove parallax at any known range from 50 yards to infinity. Each model is compatible with Nikon’s accessory sunshade as well. Nikon Titanium riflescopes incorporate Nikon’s exclusive, 1/4 MOA handturn windage and elevation adjustments. These precise, steel-on-brass adjustments are both tactile and audible, allowing quick, accurate sight adjustments in the field or at the bench. Both models utilize Ultra ClearCoat(r) anti-reflective lens coatings and absolute internal blackening for 95% light transmission, true color rendition, and fine detail resolution. Oxygen purged, nitrogen filled, O-ring sealed construction provides complete waterproof, shockproof and fogproof performance, allowing use in all weather conditions and climates. The new Titanium scopes are covered by Nikon’s exclusive Lifetime Limited Warranty. For more information contact Nikon Sport Optics, DEPT. DEPT. SAR, , 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, NY 11747-3064 or call 1-800-247-3464. On the web at www.nikonusa.com.

LIQUID GUNSMITH™

A new complete one step gun care product has been developed by SEAL-LOCK International. Glenside, PA. Called “S.L.I. LIQUID GUNSMITH”, this new product is covered by a money back guarantee to out-perform any other gun care product on the market. LIQUID GUNSMITH is a 100% pure synthetic compound that is far superior to ordinary petroleum based lubricants and solvents. Since it can’t freeze to minus 100 degrees F. and resists temperatures to plus 500 degrees F., it is virtually indestructible. In just one application, LIQUID GUNSMITH removes rust, carbon, grease, lead and brass contamination. At the same time, it penetrates metal surfaces to thoroughly lubricate all moving parts and free up actions. The superior lubricating property of Liquid Gunsmith prevents jamming, especially in semi and full automatic firearms. Liquid Gunsmith is non-oily, virtually odorless and will not stain clothing or attract lint and dust. Once applied to a blued surface, it positively prevents fingerprints as well as salt water and black powder corrosion. It also enhances the appearance of chrome and nickel-plated surfaces. Liquid Gunsmith is a superior black powder solvent and patch lubricant and improves the accuracy of all black powder weapons by dramatically reducing friction. It is also ideal for lubricating and protecting antique firearms and for restoring and protecting wood grips and stocks. Reloaders report that it is also an excellent resizing lubricant. For more information contact, Seal-Lock International, DEPT. DEPT. SAR, , P.O. Box 625, Dresher, PA 19025-0625. Phone: 1-215-643-8200. Fax: 1-215-643-8203.

In 1944, Japanese Army Ordnance recognized demands that came from infantry who had found the need for a submachine gun in the jungle fighting in the Southern Pacific Zone. Paratroop forces also needed a less complicated and more reliable weapon than the Type 100 submachine gun, Model of 1940, then in use. Given the pressing needs of the progress of the Pacific War at this time, the decision was made to direct all submachine gun development efforts towards improving the functioning and simplifying the construction of the 1940 Model Type 100 to prepare it for production en masse. In so doing, the costly and time-consuming machining of the 1940 model was dispensed with. A firing pin lock-out device on the breech bolt of the 1940 model was eliminated, and the removable barrel assembly became permanently fixed. A rear tangent sight was replaced with a welded-on sheet metal peep, and the hinged, folding stock of some 1940 model guns was replaced by a solid straight stock of two-piece wood construction. The stock had fixtures that allowed quick separation from the receiver and its components to facilitate convenient maintenance and cleaning. Production of the carefully finished thirty-round box magazine of the 1940 model was accelerated by redesigning the follower and magazine spring, and by finishing assembly welds only as necessary to assure proper fitting of the magazine to the magazine well. The product of these efforts, the Type 100 submachine gun, model of 1944, was crude in appearance but reliable in functioning and it delivered accurate fire within its intended range limitations at a cyclic rate of approximately 750 rounds per minute.

The relatively small number of Type 100 model of 1944 submachine guns manufactured during their brief production period undermined the Japanese Army’s intended purpose for general distribution of these weapons to Japanese infantry units, with the result that the larger portion of these guns were issued to Army parachute troops and to Special Attack (suicide) Units. U.S. Army forces encountered the Type 100 model of 1944 submachine- gun in use by the Japanese Third and Fourth Parachute Regiments of the Second Parachute Group that raided the Burauen Army Airfields and the San Pablo Airfield on Leyte in the Philippine Islands in November of 1944. It also made its appearance in the battles for Luzon. In May, 1945, ten members of the Japanese Special Attack Unit armed with Type 100 model of 1944 submachine guns, with explosives and other weapons, rushed out of their twin-engine “Sally” bomber that crashed landed at Yontan Airfield on Okinawa, and began tossing grenades and incendiaries into American aircraft parked along the runway. Before the last of these Special Attackers were killed two days later, these men had destroyed two Corsair fighter aircraft, four C-54 transports, one Privater, damaged twenty-six other aircraft, destroyed two fuel dumps with 70,000 gallons of gasoline, killed two Americans and wounded eighteen others. Given the proper application and in the hands of determined troops, the Type 100 model of 1944 submachine gun proved to be an effective weapon. Fortunately, this weapon was not put into the field by the Japanese in quantity to be of serious consequence in changing the outcome of any significant battles.

It was approximately 8:10 AM when a 1,760 pound armor-piercing bomb penetrated the deck of the USS Arizona and exploded in the foreword ammunition magazine. Less than nine minutes following the massive explosion the ship was sunk, bringing 1,177 of her crew to the bottom with her.

Numerous other ships, including the USS California, the USS West Virginia, the USS Utah, the USS Maryland, the USS Tennessee, the USS Nevada and the USS Pennsylvania were either sunk or subject to enormous damage during the same attack. The death toll was high on, and around the base.

At the very same time, other military installations on Oahu including Hickam and Bellows Airfields were being attacked. Numerous planes were destroyed during these attacks and many additional lives were lost, as well as our effective ability to defend ourselves.

Although the sounds of the attack could be heard for miles around, along with the air-raid sirens, it was the feeling of many of the local civilians that the attack they could hear was simply another training exercise. Many went about their normal daily business that morning, including going to school and to work, only to learn of the attack later. Some civilians in Honolulu were not so fortunate, as a number of improperly fused American anti-aircraft shells fell on them. At the time they were thought to be Japanese bombs.

After the Army Air Corps had been able to take off in a few U.S. fighters and start shooting down enemy planes, the attack would soon come to an end. At 10:00 AM, the remainder of the second Japanese wave flew to the North and one of the most famous attacks in history came to an end. From this point, the American citizens, once deeply divided on the issue of our involvement in WWII, forged a commitment to defeat Japan as well as their axis partners.

The USS Arizona Memorial in its current configuration was completed in 1961, and dedicated in 1962. It is a white, 184 foot-long structure that sits directly above the sunken remains of the USS Arizona, spanning the mid-portion of the ship without actually touching it. The design of the memorial, with the structure being lower in the center than at the ends, is supposed to symbolize initial defeat and our ultimate victory. The seven openings on both sides and the ceiling of the memorial simulate the shape of 21 soldiers at “Parade Rest” keeping a watchful eye on those who lay in the tomb below.

From the memorial floor, the remains of the ship can be easily seen under the beautiful, blue water of Pearl Harbor. Close examination of the water under the memorial will periodically reveal colorful floating circles of oil still leaking from a hatch right beside the base of the #3 gun turret.

The memorial itself has three sections. First is the receiving area and assembly room where you initially step onto the memorial from the harbor. The center of the memorial was designed for ceremonies and general observation. This is the long area where you will see the large openings. It is in this center portion where you can view the USS Arizona as it lies in the waters of the harbor below. The third area of the memorial is the shrine room, where the names of all who were killed are engraved and immortalized on a marble wall. Below this wall you will see many Leis, placed by visitors of the memorial as a token of respect.

As you arrive at the visitor center, you must first stop at the ticket counter and pick up a tour ticket. These are free of charge and will indicate the time of your tour. While you are waiting for your tour, you can browse around the museum and bookstore. At the time your tour is supposed to start, you will be directed to a theater across from the museum, and given a briefing by a member of the National Park Service. This briefing will be followed by a 20 minute documentary film about the attack on Pearl Harbor. The footage is original and very powerful. As soon as the film is over, you walk to the boat landing, and a United States Navy shuttle boat will take you out to the memorial. You will return on the same shuttle boat when they return with the next group of visitors.

Anyone who visits this museum and memorial will be treated to an amazing historical view, over and above what I have described so far. As you head from the boat launch to the memorial, just beyond the memorial it you will notice another major player in the Pacific theatre. The USS Missouri, commonly known as the Mighty Mo has been assigned to Pearl harbor as its new resting place. As history would have it, the Mighty Mo symbolizes the end of our involvement in WWII as this is where the surrender documents were signed by the Japanese. It is directly behind the Arizona Memorial and in one quick snapshot, you can capture symbols of the beginning and the end of our involvement in WWII.

USS Arizona Memorial
1 Arizona Memorial Place
Honolulu, HI 96818
(808)422-2771

After the Marines initially tested the Reising Model 50 submachine guns in 1941, they requested a folding stock version of the weapon. The Marines were looking for a lightweight, compact weapon in which to arm their newly formed airborne troops, the Paramarines. Such a weapon was desired so that upon landing the Marine Paratroopers would have immediate access to a weapon with substantial firepower. Most weapons available to the Marines were too heavy or bulky to carry during a parachute jump. The Reising M55 submachine gun was well suited for the task. The U.S. Army and the Marine Corps also recognized the compact Model 55 as a useful weapon for tank crews, though few were ever issued for that particular purpose. Eugene Reising designed the folding stock of the Model 55, and a patent for the stock was applied for on August 3, 1942. On April 24th, 1945, patent number 2,374,621 was awarded to Mr. Reising for his folding stock design. Harrington & Richardson Arms Inc. requested permission from the Marines in August of 1942 to stamp the word “PARASHOOT” on the receivers of 10 guns in order to copyright that name for the M55 Model. Permission was granted by the Marines to do so.

There was only one other weapon during WWII that was designed especially for use by paratroopers. That weapon was the folding stock version of the M1 carbine, the M1A1.The M1A1 carbine was simply a standard .30 caliber semiautomatic carbine, with a folding wire stock. The paratrooper carbine was similar to the Model 55 Reising in that it was extremely light in weight and compact with the stock folded. The carbine also had a wooden pistol grip that was similar to that of the Reising M55. The M1A1 was first issued in the fall of 1942, a few months after the folding stock M55, but was produced in much larger numbers than the Reising. The carbine used a small .30 caliber round with a 110-grain projectile that was often criticized as having limited stopping power.

The Reising Model 55 was advertised by Harrington & Richardson Arms for use as a police as well as a military weapon. H&R’s advertisements of the 1940s depicted a police officer firing a Model 55 with the stock folded. “For use in close quarters its advantages are obvious. It can be easily racked under the dashboard of an automobile or it can be carried conveniently by cyclists or mounted personnel”. (Quote from H&R’s 1943 catalog). Few folding stock M55s were ever purchased by the police, most departments sought the more conventional stocked Model 50.

The compact Model 55 was manufactured in both the early “commercial” and later “military” configurations. Many Model 55s were manufactured during the transitional period and have a mixture of both the early and late features. Quite a few of the milled style three screw trigger guards are mounted on M55 stocks. The earliest M55 documented was in the 12,000 serial number range. This was near the end of the early 1st design, two screw trigger guard, 28/29 fin Reising production. Most of the M55s recorded in my research were in the 12,000 to the 95,000 range. Please note that many of the guns that fall within this serial number range were not all Model 55s, many were Model 50’s. Most of the Model 55s documented were marked on top of the receiver Model 55. There were a few early serial numbered guns with M55 stocks marked Model 50 on the receiver. It is impossible to tell if these particular guns were manufactured as M55s or if they were rebarreled and restocked Model 50s. Early Marine documents refer to the paratrooper model as the M50P.

One of the Reising Model 55 examples that were marked Model 50 on the receiver was examined at the Quantico Marine Base located in Virginia. This weapon was serial number 15296, it had a 2nd design receiver and a 1st design M55 28/29-fin 10.5-inch barrel without a compensator, but with an adjustable front sight. This was also the earliest Reising documented with the 2nd design receiver. This weapon had a very worn blue finish, and the finish wear on the receiver matched the wear on the barrel. It is the opinion of the author after examining this weapon that this Reising was originally manufactured as an early M55 using an M50 marked receiver. It is doubtful that this weapon was ever refurbished, if it had been refinished it would most likely have been Parkerized as were most military arsenal rebuilt weapons.

There were 33,500 M55 folding stock Reisings procured by the Marine Corps during WWII. This was from about 120,000 total Reising submachine guns made by Harrington & Richardson Inc. 114,000 were manufactured during WWII, and another 5,483 manufactured in the 1950s. All post WWII Reisings produced were full-stocked Model 50s, in the later “military” configuration.

During research for my Reising book I was contacted by a couple of fellow collectors from New Zealand, Trevor Joyce and Dave McCann. During our conversation they told me that there were a fairly large number of Reisings in the hands of New Zealand collectors, and virtually all of them were the Model 55s. They were quite surprised when I told them that in the U.S. the M55 is quite rare, and the Model 50 rather common. They gave me the serial numbers and features of their guns for inclusion in my book. They had a few 4 digit serial number Reisings that were marked Model 50 on the receiver, but had M55 barrels and early M55 stocks with two screw trigger guards and no lateral tie screws. They also have a very rare 15 round Reising .45 caliber magazine in their possession.

The prototype 15 round capacity magazine was quickly developed for Reising submachine guns that were undergoing Ordnance Department testing at Fort Benning, Georgia. The early manufacture 20 round magazines that were supplied with the weapons were causing too many problems, delaying the testing. The improved design functioned well and the prototype 15 round magazine was increased back to 20 rounds for the production models. Even the “improved” design 20 round magazine began causing problems once they were in the field. In October of 1942, the magazine was redesigned again into a straight-line design that limited the capacity to only 12 rounds and production of the 20 round design was stopped. Plans were made to return all of the existing 20 round magazines to H&R to be converted into the more reliable 12 round straight-line, single-stack configuration.

Approximately 10,000 of the early Model 55s were manufactured with compensators, but in July of 1942, during the third contract (NOm 36828), the Marines requested that the compensators be omitted from future production. Barrels for the Model 55 Reising can be the 28, 29 or 14-fin configuration depending on when the gun was manufactured. Most of the Model 55 barrels are not threaded for a compensator, and the actual overall length is slightly shorter due to the omission of the .5 inch portion of the barrel that is threaded. Otherwise the barrels are manufactured in the same way and of the same materials. The Model 55 barrels were 10.5 inches in length.

The folding stock is one of the major items that make the M55 unique from the more common M50 Reisings. The Model 55 folding stocks came on both the early and late style guns. The folding stocks have been equipped with either the older 2-screw trigger guard and small take-down screw, or the stamped or milled 3 screw trigger guard with the large knurled take-down screw. All M55 folding stocks were equipped with sling swivels mounted on the bottom of the forearm and pistol grip. The early M55 stocks lacked the reinforcing lateral tie screws and were slightly thinner. The metal parts are blued on the earlier versions and parkerized on the later models. The wire portion of the stock is made from stiff wire that is .25 inch in diameter. The stock also has a fairly ergonomic pistol grip made of wood. Many Model 55 Reisings have been noted in vintage wartime photographs with the full Model 50 stocks on them. The M55 folding stocks were fragile and it was frequently reported that the stock would inadvertently fold up during firing. The Reising was certainly easier to fire accurately when equipped with the full carbine style stock. Firing a wire stock Model 55 Reising on full auto from the shoulder for an extended period is quite an uncomfortable experience.

The contents of this article were excerpted from the new book “The Reising Submachine Gun Story” available from Chipotle Publishing 702-565-0746.

By Robert Bruce

The high expenditure of .45-caliber rounds for the submachine (Tommy) gun was partly caused by the…infantrymen’s preference for the Tommy gun over the BAR. In contrast to the Marines on Guadalcanal, who swore by the BAR (and objected to the Tommy gun because it sounded like a Japanese weapon and drew friendly fire)….”

From The Ordnance Department: On Beachhead and Battlefront, L. Mayo, Office of the Chief of Military History, 1968, USGPO

Born as a “Trench Broom” for assault work in WWI, the legendary Thompson Submachine Gun is arguably America’s most famous military weapon of the 20th century. Indeed, the very name “sub-machine gun” didn’t exist until the Thompson came along. A favorite weapon of gangsters, G-Men, and commandos, General John T. Thompson’s finely crafted automatic firearm is known and respected from Chicago to China and all parts in between.

Although quite heavy, it adapted well to the very different tactics of fire and maneuver that characterized WW2 in the pacific. Compact and handy for armored vehicle crews and paratroopers, its rapid, hard-hitting firepower made it a good choice for use in the restricted terrain of jungles and also the house-to-house fighting that characterized the liberation of Manila and other cities.

The Thompson Goes to War

Although the first production models came out of the Colt factory in 1921, Thompson’s Auto Ordnance Company was not successful in selling more than a few hundred to the American armed forces or to any of our allies. However, when Germany invaded Poland in 1939, the French and British quickly placed orders for over 100,000 guns. America’s mobilization in 1941 brought orders for 300,000 more and “Lend Lease” programs of American aid to Russia and China got the production line humming around the clock.

Mass Production

By the end of 1941 the guns were in frantic full production at Auto Ordnance’s new plant in Bridgeport under contract to Savage Arms. These military model 1928A1 guns were a slight modification of the original 1921’s featuring a slower rate of fire, fixed rear sights, and a sturdy horizontal foregrip that was less likely to break in rough handling. Still too complex and expensive to make with desired efficiency, the demands of mass production and military necessity forced a reevaluation of the “Blish adhesion locking bolt system” that had characterized the gun from its inception.

Savage engineers discarded the semi-mystical Blish lock and came up with the simple and reliable M1 model, standardized in April 1942. This gun had a straight blowback operation, feed by box magazine only, and a general elimination of frills such as barrel cooling fins and the Cutts compensator. Soon, the M1 was itself further simplified by elimination of the hammer and separate firing pin assembly, entering production just six months later as the M1A1.

This final version was the most commonly used model by soldiers and marines in the Pacific who particularly appreciated its rugged simplicity. Moving the cocking handle from the top to the right side helped with the always vexing problem of dirt and rain entry into the receiver, and putting a fixed firing pin on the face of the bolt reduced the gun’s mechanism to its bare essentials.

Banzai Charges

The Japanese Army and Naval Infantry most often encountered in the South Pacific were primarily armed with bolt-action rifles and supported by substantial numbers of light and heavy machine guns. Neither of their two standard submachine guns, chambered for the relatively weak 8mm Nambu pistol cartridge, were issued in significant quantity. Although Japanese tactics varied as widely as the terrain on which they fought, it is fair to characterize most of it as strongly emplaced defenses with sporadic but intense counterattacks, plus constant probing and infiltration.

Contemporary accounts of Tommy guns in jungle fighting reveal why the combination of a compact weapon with a high rate of fire and hard-hitting bullet was of such value. With firefights routinely taking place at 25 yards or closer in thickets of vines and tall grass, the 230 grain .45 caliber “steel bumblebees” pumped out by a Thompson would not be so easily deflected on their way to the target and would cause massive shock and blunt trauma on arrival. Contrast this with the Carbine’s puny 110 grain bullet for a better appreciation of the way a Thompson would, in the words of one Marine on Saipan, “put ‘em down hard, fast and forever.”

Often facing relentless human wave attacks in the fanatical “Banzai” charge so often resorted to by Japanese infantry, the Americans could count on their simple and reliable M1 and M1A1 Thompsons. Capable of emptying a 30 round magazine in less than 2.5 seconds, another could be immediately slammed in place and the grim job of piling up the bodies could continue in concert with the infantry company’s Garands, BARs, and machine guns.

Marauders and Chindits

Not surprisingly, the Thompson was often a favorite when the time came for a handful of men to go out on patrol. Although heavy as hell at some twelve pounds fully loaded, it was shorter and handier than an M1, harder hitting than a carbine, and could put out an even higher volume of short range fire than the BAR. These advantages, no doubt, proved decisive when running into a superior number of Japanese.

Much praise for the Thompson can also be found in accounts of the exploits of Brigadier General Frank Merrill’s regiment of commandos operating behind Japanese lines in the Burma campaign. Merrill’s Marauders, as they became known in press reports, were well equipped with a variety of infantry weapons, but many particularly favored their Tommy guns.

Hundreds of thousands of Lend-Lease Thompsons were also in the hands of our Chinese and British Commonwealth allies in the China-Burma India theater of war. Photographic evidence shows these mostly to be the early production M1928A1 guns with less reliability due to the top-mounted charging handle and the superfluous Blish lock. It is worthy of note that, while the .45 caliber guns were apparently appreciated by the Brits and Aussies, it didn’t take lot of persuasion later in the war to get most to swap their heavy Thompsons for the substantially lighter 9mm STEN and Owen submachineguns.

Interestingly, the Chinese have produced many homemade copies of both 1928 and M1/M1A1 Thompsons since WW2 and a lot turned up a few years later in Korea and then in the Vietnam War.

The Owen was made in Australia during the Second World War, where about 40,000 copies were produced. Overall length is 32 inches with a 10-inch barrel. The mag holds 30 rounds, and empties with a cyclic rate of about 700-900 rpm, depending on the ammo used. It has many features you don’t find on other subguns, and all of them are worth mentioning.

The most unusual feature is the placement of the magazine, which sits on top of the receiver. Other open bolt SMG’s have their mags located on the bottom half of the receiver. Problem is, this puts the ejection port on the bottom where dirt can’t enter. This design also allows empty cartridges to simply drop out the bottom, letting gravity do most of the work. All of this contributes to reliable functioning. In all the years I have used this gun, there has not been one malfunction of any kind.

With the mag on top, the front and rear sights had to be offset to the right to get any type of sight picture. It’s a bit awkward to use at first, especially with that magazine in your face, but you’ll get used to it if you shoot right- handed. No so lucky if you are left-handed.

Another difference of the Owen, and the best feature, is the excellent controllability when firing in full auto. Simply put the sights on target, pull the trigger and the entire magazine can be emptied in a tight area with little recoil and muzzle rise. It can do so because of the following features:

• A. The Owen has a set of front and rear handgrips that look odd, but provide excellent hand control and stability during full auto firing.

• B. The bolt has only about 2.5 inches of travel, which is enough to feed and eject shells, no more and no less. This results in limited weapon disturbance during firing.

• C. The recoil spring is heavy with thick coils, which absorbs vibrations, something even modern subgun manufacturers haven’t learned yet.

• D. The Owen has a well-designed muzzle brake that diverts muzzle gases upward to eliminate recoil. Just how effective this device is can be debated, but with a cyclic rate of 15 rounds per second, there should be enough barrel pressure diverted to keep barrel climb at a minimum.

All of these factors, plus the gun’s 9.5 pounds weight, combine to result in one of the most controllable select-fire weapons ever made. This is even more remarkable considering the 700 – 900 rpm cyclic rate. With proper trigger control, ammo consumption is not effected either, so we get firepower with total control as well. Truly remarkable.

Another feature has to do with durability. Aside from the grips and buttstock, nothing but steel and brass is used here. Also, the feed chamber is a whopping 1.5 inches thick, which allows chambering of hot +P ammunition without problems. The thick chamber also keeps things cool, as I fired about 200 rounds full-auto, yet the barrel was still cool enough to hold in the hand.

Complaints? Well, this subgun is a bit heavy, and the overall mass makes it a bit awkward to carry. Also, the select switch has a safety, semi, and full-auto setting. But the semi mode also resulted in full-auto firing. All Owen owners have reported full-auto firing in the semi mode, which seems to be a common flaw.

All things considered, my opinion, the Owen is still the best SMG of the entire World War II series. In fact, it can out-shoot most modern subguns I have in stock due to its incredible controllability.

So how much does it cost? Many years ago, a transferable Owen ran $1500, with a dealer sample going for about $300. Spare mags were $30. Those days are gone. Today, a dealer sample goes for about $2500, with a transferable example going for who knows what. Spare mags are all gone. There are some parts kits around for $150, but with no mags. Take what you can get. But if you can get an Owen, be assured that this is one of the best performing subguns around, even if it looks like a geek gun. It will be in my inventory for a long time!