Experimental Model 2 submachine gun
| Experimental Model 2 Submachine Gun | |
|---|---|
| Type | Submachine Gun |
| Place of origin |
.svg.png){kind=small} Empire of Japan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1935-1945 |
| Used by |
 Imperial Japanese Navy |
| Wars |
Second Sino-Japanese War World War II |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Kijiro Nambu |
| Designed | 1935 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight |
3.37 kg (7.4 lb) (empty) 4.39 kg (9.8 lb) (loaded) |
| Length | 896 mm (35 in) |
| Barrel length | 228 mm (9.0 in) |
|
| |
| Cartridge | 8x22mm Nambu |
| Caliber | 8 mm |
| Action | Blowback |
| Rate of fire | 800 rounds/min |
| Feed system | 50 round box magazine[1] |
| Sights | Iron sights |
The Experimental Model 2 Submachine Gun (試製二型機関短銃 Shisei-ni-gata kikan-tanjū) was a submachine gun of Japanese origin chambered in the 8mm Nambu round and was issued to Japanese Naval units.[2]
The machine gun was produced in relatively small numbers for the IJA during the invasion of Shanghai. During its trial periods it was found that the 8mm round which it used had a tendency to jam the weapon further restricting its use by both the Imperial Marines and army. After adopting several changes to the body a much smaller and lighter variant was introduced, christened the "bull pup" by American G.I.'s who encountered it in combat as it was so rare. It had a 50 round cartridge magazine extending from the pistol grip, a unique feature which would not resurface in sub machine gun design for nearly fifteen years predating the Sa vz. 23 and IMI Uzi.
The other sub-machine gun used by the Japanese military, the Type 100, was much more numerous. It was also used by the Imperial Army as well as the Navy. The Type 100 was the only finalized sub-machine gun used by the Japanese although it was more cumbersome than the Model 2.
See also
References
Further reading
- Chris Bishop et al. The Complete Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II. Brown Books, 1998.