Experimental Model 2 submachine gun

Experimental Model 2 Submachine Gun
Type	Submachine gun
Place of origin	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	8×22mm 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]

History

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 magazine extending from the pistol grip, a unique feature which would not resurface in submachine gun design for nearly fifteen years, predating the Sa vz. 23 and IMI Uzi.

The other submachine 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

• List of submachine guns
• List of common World War II infantry weapons

References

Further reading

• Chris Bishop et al. The Complete Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II. Brown Books, 1998.