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The most effective guns of WW2 were probably the Browning MGs. They were so good the US military is STILL using them today.
If "effective" means "best multi-use for anti-personnel, aircraft, and thin-skinned vehicles," most-definitely.
As an aside to the thread, several of John Browning's designs endure to this day, in addition to the Ma Deuce. I am a 1911 sort of dude (grin) and had a semi-custom made a few years ago, mostly because it's an engineering marvel that is...wait for it...more than a hundred years old and still considered "effective" as a small arm/personal sidearm by various professional forces around the world.
There are probably "better" designs, I must say. e.g. Glocks, Springfield XDs, HK USPs, etc. from c. 25 years ago to present. But 1911s are endearing, and enduring, for many reasons.
I've never fired a Sten, WA is not a Class III state. May go to a shoot in Oregon...which is...one of these days to try one.
Back on-topic, I "assume" the PPSh-41 was perhaps the most "influential" sub-machine gun in WWII, if not the "best". Whatever "best" means. In an urban environment, probably whatever could put maximum fire on a target at short range. Hence the gradual phase-out of main battle rifles for assault rifles, in the decades since, as the nature of combat changed.
And perhaps to OP, if the way to go was to make a ton (many units) of something that does work, albeit marginally, and uses plentiful ammunition, well...it's like the old saw about "what is the best oil to use in my car?" Answer: "any" is better than "none!"
It took the lead from the Sten in cheap stamp out manufacture. No one is staying the Sten was the "best", as it clearly was not. But its simple design, few parts, cheap and quick manufacture and easily stamped out components made it the most "effective" war winning hand machine gun of WW2.Nearly 5 million were made. 20 Stens were made for the cost of one Thompson.
The Sten was used until the 1960s in the British Army (it was not meant to be used after WW2 being a throw away design) and way after by other armies. Its replacement, the Stirling was similar and based on the Sten. The idea of using pistol ammunition and being cheap to make was taken over to the current SA80.
The most EFFECTIVE small arm in WWII was the M1 Garand .
It certainly was by far the best full battle rifle of the war. A semi-automatic, with excellent range and accuracy, superb ballistics and rugged and reliable. Couldn't ask for more.
It certainly was by far the best full battle rifle of the war. A semi-automatic, with excellent range and accuracy, superb ballistics and rugged and reliable. Couldn't ask for more.
Not as ludicrous as your arguments in favor of the STEN
So, John of the UK what would you like to put the M1 Garand up against? The Enfield, the Mosin-Nagant Model 1891/30 or the Karabiner 98k, all of which were pre-ww1 designes (with many upgrades) and the last bolt action rifles to be used in combat by any major army. Oh, I forgot, when it comes so a comparison of the latter mentioned rifles, one could include the rifle that the Garand replaced, the Springfield 1903.
Now post of ya gott'em
Rate of fire
muzzle velocity
muzzle energy
accuracy (look up Camp Perry competition before you do)
You forgot to include the Type 38 and Type 99 Arisaka s, fairly accurate, the Type 99 is a .30 cal, between a 30/06 and 308, and a action that is next to impossible to blow up
It took the lead from the Sten in cheap stamp out manufacture. No one is staying the Sten was the "best", as it clearly was not. But its simple design, few parts, cheap and quick manufacture and easily stamped out components made it the most "effective" war winning hand machine gun of WW2.Nearly 5 million were made. 20 Stens were made for the cost of one Thompson.
The Sten was used until the 1960s in the British Army (it was not meant to be used after WW2 being a throw away design) and way after by other armies. Its replacement, the Stirling was similar and based on the Sten. The idea of using pistol ammunition and being cheap to make was taken over to the current SA80.
The Sten was a piece of junk, what makes a good SMG it's magazine, and the Sten had a habit of jamming. The Aussie Owen which I carried in Nam was a far better weapon, why, because it was reliable and did not jam. Oh all the UK and German and most Italian SMGs used the German 9mm Parrabellum round, no UK SMGs used any weak Italian pistol ammunition.
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