Reising M50

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	Weapon: Reising M50 Type: Submachine Gun Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1941 Caliber: 45 ACP Action: Blow Back Fully Automatic Overall Length (mm): 860.0 Weight (kg): 3.00 Effective Range (m): 100

The Reising M50 submachine gun was developed by Eugene Reising in the late 1930s and introduced in 1941 as a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to the Thompson submachine gun. Chambered in .45 ACP, the M50 was designed to be simpler and cheaper to manufacture, incorporating stamped and cast parts while maintaining a closed-bolt firing mechanism for increased accuracy. Its compact size, ergonomic layout, and relatively low recoil made it suitable for close-quarters combat and auxiliary roles.

The M50 saw production figures of around 100,000 units during World War II, primarily manufactured by Harrington & Richardson Arms Company. Initially adopted by the United States Marine Corps and other branches, it was issued to support troops, naval personnel, and police forces. Despite its promise on paper, the M50 gained a mixed reputation in service, especially in the harsh conditions of the Pacific Theater. Problems such as jamming, sensitivity to dirt, and issues with its complex assembly mechanism undermined its reliability in combat scenarios.

Over time, the Reising M50 became infamous for its unreliability in military service, though it found favor in less demanding roles such as law enforcement. Its affordability and manageable recoil made it an effective tool for police forces well into the post-war era. Today, the Reising M50 is remembered as an innovative but flawed weapon, often collected for its historical significance as an example of wartime expediency in firearm design and production.