Type 100
Nambu Rifle Manufacturing Company · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1942
Also known as: Type 100 SMG, 100 Shiki Kikan-tanju, Type 100/40, Type 100/44
Overview
The Type 100 is a Japanese open-bolt, blowback-operated submachine gun chambered in 8x22mm Nambu and the only submachine gun produced by Japan in any meaningful quantity during the Second World War. Introduced in 1942 and fed from a curved 30-round box magazine, it was issued chiefly to paratroopers and special landing forces. A later wartime model, the Type 100/44, simplified manufacture and raised the cyclic rate to roughly 800 rounds per minute.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3800 g (134.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 890 mm (35.04") |
| Barrel Length | 228 mm (8.98") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Automatic Only |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 335 m/s (1099 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 280 J (207 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 450 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 8x22mm Nambu · primary — also known as 8mm Nambu, 8mm Japanese, 8x22mm
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Curved Box Magazine, Bayonet Lug, Perforated Barrel Jacket, Wooden Stock
Variants
- Type 100/44 — Simplified
- Type 100 Folding Stock — Paratrooper
Service history
Operators
- Imperial Japanese Army · adopted 1942
- Imperial Japanese Navy Special Naval Landing Forces · adopted 1942
Conflicts
- World War II (1942-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 30,000 · Production years: 1942-1945
Approximately 10,000 Type 100/40, 8,000 Type 100/44, and 6,000-7,500 folding-stock variants; combined total under 30,000.
Origin
Country of origin: Japan
Designer: Kijiro Nambu
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Produced in two principal models: the 1942 Type 100/40 (firing around 450 rpm) and the simplified 1944 Type 100/44 (around 800 rpm). A folding-stock variant was made for paratroopers. The relatively weak 8x22mm Nambu pistol cartridge limited its effective power compared to contemporary Allied submachine guns.
Background
Designed by Kijiro Nambu, Japan's most prolific small-arms designer, the Type 100 arrived late and in small numbers because Japanese doctrine prized the rifle and bayonet over the submachine gun, leaving Japan with no equivalent to the Thompson, MP 40, or PPSh-41.