Rifleman Q&A: Marine Corps Reisings

by
posted on April 10, 2017
marine.jpg

Q: I have seen references to .45-cal. Reising submachine guns that were used by the Marine Corps in World War II. All of the photos I’ve encountered depict full-length wooden stocks. However, I just encountered a photo of a Reising with a folding stock. Was this an experimental version or was it actually issued as well?

A: There were two types of Reising submachine guns procured by the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. The first type you described is the Model 50, which had a full length wooden stock and a compensator found on the barrel.

The variant with the folding stock was the Model 55 and was procured for use by the Marine Corps parachute units early in World War II. It differed from the Model 50 only in the folding stock and the lack of the compensator on most of the Model 55s.

Both variants were widely used by the Marine Corps early in the war, but functioning problems resulted in most of the guns being withdrawn from combat use and replaced by Thompson submachine guns, M1 Carbines and other arms. The Reising submachine guns remained in use through the end of the war, primarily as supplemental arms in rear-echelon units and aboard warships.

—Bruce N. Canfield, Contributing Editor

Latest

Irish Lugers F
Irish Lugers F

The Irish Lugers: An Update

In recent years, a number of documents clarifying the role of the Pistole 08 Luger in the Irish War of Independence have been discovered. Here, the authors provide context and identifying information for a number of Lugers known to have been used in Ireland during the country's fight for freedom.

NRA's Response To The White House Office Of So-Called "Gun Violence Prevention"

NRA-ILA Executive Director Randy Kozuch released the following statement in response to the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

New For 2023: Rossi Brawler

Rossi USA is reinforcing the concept of an affordable, versatile, single-shot pistol that can be used effectively on game with its Brawler, a field-ready pistol chambered for both .45 Colt and .410 bore shotshells.

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Redline

Watch American Rifleman staff on the range in this week's video to learn about Springfield's modern bolt-action hunting rifle, the Model 2020 Redline.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 22, 2023

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Picking A Propellant For Your Handloads

Choosing the best propellant for the application is critical to optimal load performance. Here, we provide guidance on navigating the oceans of smokeless propellant options.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.