United Defense M42
Marlin Firearms · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1942
Also known as: UD M42, UD-42, Marlin UD M42, United Defense Model 42
Overview
The United Defense M42 is an American blowback-operated, select-fire submachine gun developed during World War II. Designed by Carl Swebilius around 1942 and manufactured by Marlin Firearms for the United Defense Supply Corporation, it was chambered primarily in 9x19mm Parabellum and fired from an open bolt at roughly 700 rounds per minute. Although ordered originally for export, the bulk of the roughly 15,000 guns produced were issued to agents of the Office of Strategic Services for clandestine and partisan operations.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4100 g (144.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 820 mm (32.28") |
| Barrel Length | 279 mm (10.98") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 335 m/s (1099 fps) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic, Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Select Fire, Wooden Buttstock, Machined Steel Receiver, Adjustable Rear Sight, Magazine Jungle Clip
Service history
Operators
- Office of Strategic Services · adopted 1942 · as UD M42
- Dutch government-in-exile (Netherlands East Indies) · adopted 1942
- French Resistance
- National Revolutionary Army
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 15,000 · Production years: 1942-1943
Approximately 15,000 manufactured by Marlin Firearms for the United Defense Supply Corporation.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Carl Swebilius
Discontinued: 1943
Notes
Production was contracted to Marlin Firearms under the United Defense Supply Corporation, a US government procurement front. Magazines were commonly issued welded back-to-back in a 'jungle clip' for rapid reloads. A .45 ACP prototype was developed but never entered series production.
Background
Built for export but never delivered to its intended foreign buyers, the M42 found its true calling in the hands of OSS operatives and resistance fighters, who valued its smooth, finely machined action enough to favor it over the cruder mass-produced submachine guns of the era.