As the 80th anniversary of D-Day fast approaches, it can be fun to look back on some of the equipment and gear servicemen used during the conflict. Join me in taking a look at some of the most common small arms of the era.
M1 Garand Rifle
Starting our list of the most widely used guns in WWII is the M1 Garand service rifle. This served as the primary rifle for all American forces after 1943. It was universally adopted a year or two prior. This was a rarity for service weapons in the Second World War, being the first truly viable semi-automatic combat rifle.
M1 Carbine
Handguns are typically an officer’s weapon, at least in times of war. However, one of the most widely used guns in WWII was intended to be a complete replacement. The M1 Carbine was significantly lighter than a M1 Garand, especially when configured with the paratrooper stock. However, it had exceptional range and capacity when compared to the standard issue M1911 handgun for American forces.
MP40 Submachine Gun
Few weapons are as instantly recognizable in the hands of a German soldier as the MP40. While rifles ruled the roost when it came to combat during the Second World War, urban combat had different demands. The MP40 was one of the most widely used guns in WWII for the German army. The 9x19mm cartridge also made it a popular choice for British and Canadian troops in the field.
P08 Pistole Parabellum
The P08 Pistole Parabellum, or Luger as it is popularly known, was one of many handguns issued to German officers during the Second World War. It has a unique cycling action, as you might imagine from when semi-automatic handguns were still in their infancy. However, this ended up being one of the most widely used guns in WWII. It was also a prized trophy for American troops.
M1911 Handgun
Few handguns have enjoyed the level of popularity as the M1911 handgun. It served from the First World War into the present day in a limited capacity. It was one of the most widely used guns in WWII, being issued to American troops as well as recipients of the Lend-Lease program. As such, it wouldn’t be uncommon to see this in Russian, British, or French hands during the war.
Lee-Enfield Rifle
The Lee-Enfield served the British Army and its colonies for almost 60 years straight, only falling out of favor with the adoption of the L1A1. As such, it is one of the most widely used guns in WWII, being in service with British, Irish, Scottish, and Indian troops among others. It isn’t hard to see why, a properly serviced rifle is one of the most accurate weapons in a trained marksman’s hands.
Thompson Submachine Gun
While this weapon might be more at home in Depression-era gangster films and novels, the Thompson enjoyed a long service life as the submachine gun of choice for the United States. This is another weapon that was included in Lend-Lease materials, and as such is one of the most widely used guns in WWII. It saw service well into the Vietnam War with special forces groups.
Sten Submachine Gun
In the 1940s, the British war effort was hurting. Money was short, materials were shorter, and there was a serious need for firepower. The Sten submachine gun is arguably one of the most utilitarian weapons to enter the fray, matching its American counterpart. However, it was cheap and reliable which made it one of the most widely used guns in WWII.
M3A1 Grease Gun
This is the American counterpart to the Sten, a cheap and reliable weapon that could be used anywhere in the world. The M3A1 Grease Gun gets its name from its resemblance to a mechanic’s tool. In the later stages of the war, it ended up being one of the most widely used guns in WWII thanks to its low price and cost of manufacturing.
M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle
Some consider this to be a predecessor of sorts to the modern assault rifle, but the truth is a bit murkier. The M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, or BAR as it was known, was one of the game-changers of the First World War. It was still in service during the Second World War by American troops and recipients of the Lend-Lease program. As such, it ended up being one of the most widely used guns in WWII.
Mosin-Nagant Rifle
This bolt-action rifle still sees ceremonial use to this day in its native Russia and is one of the most produced guns ever made. The Mosin-Nagant wasn’t the perfect weapon for its day but for an embattled Russia at the height of Operation Barbarossa, it was what was needed. The Mosin-Nagant ended up being one of the most widely used guns in WWII, seeing action in Russia, China, and other theaters of the war.
Karabiner 98k Rifle
The Third Reich had a brief reign as the dominant power of Europe before awakening the sleeping giant in Russia. It needed a dependable, reliable, and rugged service weapon. The Karabiner 98 Kurz, or Kar98k as it is more commonly known, was a utilitarian rifle built for all conditions.
Arisaka Type 99 Rifle
Interestingly, the Axis powers didn’t share a single line of manufacturing. Materials weren’t shared despite similar aims. The Arisaka Type 99 rifle was one of the most widely guns in WWII for the Imperial Japanese Army, seeing action in combat against Chinese, American, British, and Soviet forces throughout the conflict.
Carcano Modello M1891
Italy generally gets reduced to a punchline when talking to the Axis powers. However, American and British troops noted the ferocity and skill of Italian troops. The Carcano M1891 was one of the most widely used guns in WWII for Italian troops, and a sporterized version lives in infamy as the gun that assassinated John F. Kennedy.
M1919 Browning Machinegun
When you want something that keeps firing no matter the conditions, you get a Maxim gun. If that isn’t available, the next best thing is the M1919 Browning Machinegun. This was one of the most widely used guns in WWII for Allied forces, being adapted for Russian and British ammunition stores in addition to the United States.
MG-34
Rounding out our list is the German-made MG34. The German infantry element was built around positioning machine guns to lay down suppressive fire. As such, a sturdy and reliable weapon was needed. The MG-42 is more widely known by pop historians, but it was never issued in the same numbers as the MG-34. When looking at the most widely used guns in WWII, the MG-34 was the most popular choice for German troops.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Images from Jeffrey/Shutterstock.com.
