Description
Item Description
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Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this highly sought-after semi-automatic rifle today for a penny-start auction; this is the Smith & Wesson 1940 Light Rifle (MKI)!
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The Model 1940 Light Rifle, designed by Smith & Wesson’s Edward S. Pomeroy for the British military during World War II, was intended to be a lightweight, semi-automatic carbine chambered in 9x19mm. However, it experienced several critical design flaws. Smith & Wesson produced 2,200 frames but completed only 1,227, of which 1,010 were shipped to Britain—mostly MkI variants, with around 200 MkI"s—before the contract was canceled. These rifles, originally intended for British military service, was ultimately withdrawn, and the rifles shipped to Britain were mainly disposed of in the English Channel along with other surplus materials. Today, these rifles are incredibly rare and highly sought after by military collectors for their historical significance.
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
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.
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
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.
Contents:
Contents:
This example is simply Amazing and will ship with one 20-round magazine.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
