*SOLD* Smith Wesson 1940 Light Rifle 9mm Blue 9.75" *COVETED SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLE*

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:

The Model 1940 Light Rifle, designed by Smith & Wesson’s chief designer, Edward S. Pomeroy, was developed for the British military during World War II in response to the urgent need for a lightweight, semi-automatic carbine chambered in 9x19mm. While initially conceived as a rugged, reliable, and easily handled weapon, the rifle suffered from several critical design flaws that rendered it unsuitable for combat. One of the most significant issues was its inability to withstand the higher-pressure British 9mm ammunition, which led to accelerated wear and mechanical failure. The bolt’s violent rearward motion, caused by the stouter British cartridge, resulted in damage to the receiver, which would crack after approximately 1,000 rounds, significantly limiting the rifle's durability and service life. Furthermore, the rifle's sealed action, though initially viewed as a benefit, proved to be a substantial drawback, as it required complete disassembly for inspection and malfunction clearance an inefficient process in field conditions. 
 
In addition to these mechanical issues, the Model 1940 was relatively heavy for a carbine, weighing approximately 9 pounds when loaded, which hindered its mobility and effectiveness in fast-paced combat situations. The weapon’s ergonomics were also suboptimal, and its manual of arms complicated its operation, further diminishing its practicality. Despite being chambered in the widely used 9x19mm, the Model 1940’s semi-automatic fire mode and lack of adaptability to fully automatic fire led to its rejection by the U.S. Army during the Light Rifle Trials. The Army ultimately selected the M1 Carbine, which was better suited to their requirements. Smith & Wesson manufactured 2,200 frames but only completed 1,227 with 1,010 being shipped to Britain, the vast majority being the MkIs and approximately 200 MkII’s, before the order was cancelled.
 
A MkII revision was developed to address some of the rifle's issues, such as reinforcing the receiver and modifying the safety mechanism, but this iteration arrived too late to be of significant use. By the end of the war, the Model 1940 had been largely discarded, with remaining stocks often disposed of in the English Channel alongside other surplus materials. Today, the few surviving examples of the Model 1940 serve as rare historical artifacts, offering insight into a hastily developed weapon that ultimately failed to meet the rigorous demands of modern warfare.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson 
Model: 1940 Light Rifle (MKI)
Serial: 512
Caliber: 9x19mm (AKA 9mm)
Finish: Blue 
Barrel Length: 9 3/4" Tapered Fluted Barrel
Optics/Sights: Ramp Front with Adjustable Square Notch Rear 
Stock/Grips: Smooth Black Tenonite Buttstock
Action: Semi-Automatic 
Markings: Standard

Apr 15th 2025 Bryant Ridge

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