The Japanese Type 100 Submachine Gun: A Rare and Unique Weapon

🔫The Japanese military did not fully adopt the submachine gun due to cultural and tactical reasons.

🗡️Japan's blade-centric martial culture influenced their small arms decisions, including the addition of bayonet lugs on submachine guns.

🧱The Type 100 is a simple blowback, open-bolt submachine gun with a side-mounted curved magazine.

🕰️Development of the Type 100 took several years, and the 1944 pattern had a higher rate of fire (800 rounds per minute).

🔍The Type 100 is a rare weapon, with only about 8,000 produced during World War II.

Why didn't the Japanese embrace the submachine gun?

—Cultural and tactical reasons, including a blade-centric martial culture and the preference for close-quarters combat with knives, influenced the Japanese military's decision not to fully adopt the submachine gun.

What differentiates the 1944 pattern of the Type 100 from the earlier versions?

—The 1944 pattern had a simplified design, increased rate of fire (800 rounds per minute), and a different magazine that was non-interchangeable with the earlier patterns.

How many Type 100 submachine guns were produced?

—Approximately 8,000 Type 100 submachine guns were manufactured during World War II, making them rare and highly sought after by collectors.

What is unique about the takedown mechanism of the Type 100?

—The Type 100 has a simple takedown mechanism that allows for easy disassembly. By pulling a lever and rotating it, the receiver can be lifted out of the stock, making maintenance and cleaning more accessible.

Why are original magazines for the Type 100 scarce?

—During the return of troops to the US after World War II, the Navy often discarded magazines of captured Japanese submachine guns for safety reasons. Additionally, the Type 100 has two different patterns that use non-interchangeable magazines, further contributing to their scarcity.

02:13The Japanese military did not fully embrace the submachine gun due to cultural and tactical reasons.

04:11The blade-centric martial culture influenced the Japanese military's decision to add bayonet lugs on submachine guns.

06:51The Type 100 is a simple blowback, open-bolt submachine gun with a side-mounted curved magazine.

10:19The 1944 pattern of the Type 100 had a higher rate of fire compared to earlier versions.

14:37Approximately 8,000 Type 100 submachine guns were produced during World War II, making them scarce and highly sought after by collectors.