What is the best ww2 infantry weapon?

**war hawk** · 01-07-2009, 08:56 PM

What is the best ww2 infantry weapon in your opinion.?

**SSTk** · 03-06-2009, 02:23 AM

For taking out other infantry, the MP44 hands down. Had this gun come into play earlier than late 44, it may have even been decisive in the volume, range and accuracy of fire a squad could put down if mass produced and put into the hands of more soldiers than the Waffen SS.

**war hawk** · 03-06-2009, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by SSTk

For taking out other infantry, the MP44 hands down. Had this gun come into play earlier than late 44, it may have even been decisive in the volume, range and accuracy of fire a squad could put down if mass produced and put into the hands of more soldiers than the Waffen SS.

I always liked the the STG 44. I think the M1-Garand qualifies.

**Keith** · 03-06-2009, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by war hawk

I always liked the the STG 44. I think the M1-Garand qualifies.

My two supplied weapons were a Colt .38 revolver and a Sten 9mm with "upgraded" wooden stock, complete with oil bottle and pullthrough, looking like the blunt end of a SMLE 303, which it probably was.

I was lucky never to be called to use them in anger.

Cheers
Keith

**war hawk** · 03-06-2009, 04:38 PM

Originally Posted by Keith

Sten 9mm with "upgraded" wooden stock.
Cheers
Keith

I do not like the Sten with a wood stock.J.M.O.

**SSTk** · 03-07-2009, 01:51 AM

Originally Posted by war hawk

I think the M1-Garand qualifies.

yup, good call.

Einzelkampfer · 03-10-2009, 11:23 PM

I love my Garand ($12.00 through the NRA in the 1960s!), but its big fault is that it will bust your thumb in a merciless way. However, its other and potentially deadly fault, is that when you've shot your 8th round, it ejects the empty clip with a clearly audible sound, telling anyone within hearing that, "I'm dry".

**johnofmelb** · 05-18-2012, 09:42 PM

We can base questions about the "best" infantry weapon on style, "cool" factor, looks, etc. I prefer to answer this question based on history of use.

The best infantry weapon of World War 2 was the Number 1 Mk 3* SMLE manufactured at Lithgow, Australia.

The first strategic defeats handed out to both German and Japanese forces during World War 2 were handed out by men carrying rifles made at Lithgow.

I remember reading years ago about an exchange that reputedly took place between Montgomery and Eisenhower in the lead up to the D Day landings. Montgomery appeared worried about something, Eisenhower asked if there was anything Montgomery needed to allay his fears about the upcoming operation. Montgomery replied there was, but Eisenhower didn't have what Montgomery wanted. Eisenhower scoffed at this and said he would get Montgomery whatever he wanted. Montgomery smiled and said "a Division of Australians?"