Japanese Type 100 Submachine Gun

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	Weapon: Japanese Type 100 Submachine Gun Type: Submachine Gun Country of Origin: Japan Caliber: 8mm Nambu Action: Blow Back Fully Automatic

The Japanese Type 100 submachine gun was developed by the Imperial Japanese Army in 1940 to provide infantry with close-quarters firepower. Chambered in the 8x22mm Nambu cartridge, it was a relatively low-powered weapon compared to other submachine guns of the time, featuring a simple blowback mechanism and a 30-round magazine. The Type 100 was distinctive for its fixed bayonet lug and folding stock in the paratrooper model, designed to enhance its utility in jungle warfare and airborne operations.

Production of the Type 100 began in 1942 and continued until the end of World War II, with approximately 24,000 units manufactured by the Nagoya Arsenal. While it was primarily issued to specialized units, including paratroopers and some infantry and naval forces, it was relatively scarce on the battlefield. Due to Japan's limited industrial capacity and resource shortages, the Type 100 was never mass-produced in the quantities required for widespread deployment, resulting in limited operational use and impact.

The Type 100 gained a reputation for its light recoil and ease of handling, but it was criticized for its low stopping power and fragile construction, especially in the later-war models when material quality deteriorated. Its limited numbers and modest performance meant it did not have a significant impact on the overall war effort, yet it remains a unique example of Japanese firearms development during World War II. Today, the Type 100 is a rare and valued collectible, notable for its historical significance and distinct features among Japanese small arms.