Author Topic: WORLD WAR 2 (Read 1274 times)

usmcSOA · « **on:** June 11, 2004, 04:53:02 PM »

I am basically looking for World War 2 .45 handguns or even 9 mm. I cant find much anywhere and i have been doing research everywhere. From the books, to the internet. Could someone please give me some information on where to look or how to find them. It would be greatly appreciated.

dclark · « **Reply #1 on:** June 12, 2004, 11:34:29 AM »

Leif,

Each country in WW2 issued handguns to at least a portion of their troops. There was a considerable difference in each proposed use. The Europeans use them as status symbols, while the US actually believed that the men could use them to shoot the enemy at times.

The Germans issued Lugers (P-08's), Walther P-38's, and Browning Hi-Powers (P-3?) to their officers and senior non-com's.

The British issued Webley's and Browning Hi-Powers and a few 1911's.

The Americans issued 1911's, S&W and Colt .38's and a few others.

The Italians issued sh*t, as did the Japanese. Beretta's! Nimbu's! Wow!

Each of the names of the firearms can be found on individual sites on the Internet, as well as books. Try the individual names.

dclark

usmcSOA · « **Reply #2 on:** June 15, 2004, 08:26:44 AM »

thanks, so far i have found over 100 modelsof each i love. i know i cant buy all of them. thanks again

dogngun · « **Reply #3 on:** September 21, 2004, 12:23:19 PM »

usmcSOA :

I just read this thread, and I note you are only 16. You CAN buy them all, you have time.

I have been a "gun nut" since the 1950's, and I still really love it. Welcome to the addiction, and best wishes for a long, happy time enjoying your interests.

Mark

kevin.303 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 24, 2004, 05:44:31 PM »

one interesting item is the 1911's bought for the Royal Air Force. look like a US 1911 except they are .455 Webley instead of .45 ACP.

cxm · « **Reply #5 on:** November 15, 2004, 04:54:39 AM »

WW II handguns were pretty common at one time, much less so since WWII collectors have driven the prices thru the ceiling. Still, you can find examples at gun shows. Here are some examples:

GERMAN
In 9x19 Cal.
P08 (Luger)
P38 (Walther)
P35 (Browning HP)
P35 (Radom)
Astra 600

In .45 acp
P1914 (Norway license built 1911)

Plus dozens of mouse guns in .380, .32 and .25

U.S.

In .45

M1911 type from various makers including Colt's; Springfield; Remington-UMC; Remington-Rand, Ithaca, Singer, US&S and a few from Canada.

Revolvers: S&W M1917 and Colt's 1917

In .38 Spl. S&W Military and Police Model; Colts .38

In .380 & .32 Colt's M1908 for General Officer issue.

UK

Webley MK VI in .455
Webley in .38/200
Enfield in 38.200
High Power in 9mm

Red Russia

Tokerav 7.62x25 auto
Nagant 7.62 revolver
Plus lend-lease U.S. Models

Japan

Various junkers from Nambu etc

Italy

ALso junkers from Glesinti and Beretta in a propritary 9mm and a .380

France:

.32 cal autos from several makers, essentially garbage. Many used by Germans and production of many continued during occupation

Spain:

Several Astra models including the decent quality Astra 600 in 9x19.

All of these show up at gun shows at various times...prices are inflating fast.

FWIW

Chuck

PeterF. · « **Reply #6 on:** November 15, 2004, 10:36:30 AM »

It's a little unclear whether you're looking for information ABOUT those guns or actually looking to BUY them. As with any "collectible", you have to do your research: learn about the different basic types, the various manufacturers in the various countries (as you've seen from the other posts, the 1911, HiPower and Luger were all made by several companies in various countries ... in some cases on both sides of the war); from there you get into the various identifying markings, "proof marks", serial numbers, etc. Real WWII guns ... actually made or used during the war ... are premium-priced these days. Some collectors are only interested in pristine examples, or particular guns with a known history. Those tend to be pricey. To see some actual guns for sale, take a look at www.GunsAmerica.com, look at "Misc Military" (there are several sub-categories). Also, take a look at "curio and relic" guns; a lot of the older models fall into this category (which, if you have a special license, which isn't too hard to get, you can buy more easily). I'm sure that, as you poke further around the web, you'll find more specialized sites that address particular types. Good luck.

williamlayton · « **Reply #7 on:** November 17, 2004, 02:30:06 AM »

I might offer "Collectors Firearms" here in Houston. They have a very good web site under the same name.
It is particularly good as they give good advice on condition, ect.
They are pricey, pricey, pricey---BUT--they gotem and they get them often.
It would be a good place to look for refrence an history.
Blessings

Monkeyman · « **Reply #8 on:** January 03, 2005, 07:25:22 AM »

Kevin .303, the .455 1911s you speak of were made in WW1 for the Royal Flying Corps (predates the RAF). In WW2 Bomber Command issued 1911s (and any other pistols they could get their hands on) when it was obvious that Germany was going to invade when they'd won what became the Battle of Britain.

I had the great pleasure of shooting an RAF 1911 three weekends ago, a friend of mine's father swapped it for a pair of insulated flying boots in 1944 and brought it home after the war. I've never seen the .455 1911 but travle with my cheque book just in case.