Early Smith & Wesson S&W Model of 1940 Light Rifle 9mm Mark I, 1940 C&R
SOLD FOR: $7,802.89
LSB#: WY221006TA002
Make: Smith and Wesson
Model: 1940 Light Rifle, Mark I
Serial Number: 113
Year of Manufacture: 1940
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Straight Blowback, Detachable Magazine Fed, Open-Bolt, Semi-Automatic Rifle
Barrel Length: 9 3/4″, Fluted
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade integral to a banded base pinned to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a saquare-notch sight with micrometer adjustment for elevation, dovetailed and screw set to the top of the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Tenonite molded black plastic with semi pistol grip straight comb, and a serrated steel butt plate. The stock has no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The plate has minor wear at the edges of the heel and toe with well defined serrations. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn copper fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There are some minor nicks and scuffs, mostly on the magazine well. There is one more notable scuff on the right of the receiver at the patent marks. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a single 20-round magazine, leather sling, and a series of photo copies of patent drawings for the model.
Our Assessment: The Smith and Wesson Model of 1940 Light Rifle Mark I Chambered in 9mm Luger was produced for the British government during WWII. Featuring a fluted 9 3/4” barrel, blue finish, 20-round magazine, black molded plastic stock, fixed front sight in a blade type, rear sight is a micrometer adjustable type, semi-auto fire only from open bolt, weighing 8 pounds 4 oz. Most of them were destroyed by the British government with an estimated 130 remaining in the U.S. Removed as a NFA weapon and reclassified as a Curio and Relic by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, it is not considered to be a Short Barreled Rifle federally, but you may wish to check your State or local laws.
This model was produced at the British government’s request in 1939 to Smith and Wesson for a 9mm assault rifle. Smith and Wesson designed, built and sent a group of production Mark I rifles to the British government for testing in 1940. The Mark I failed the 5000 round test due to the rifle being made to shoot the 9mm American commercial ammunition, but not the hotter loaded 9mm submachinegun ammunition common in Europe. After this discovery, at the request of the British government, the British wanted S&W to do further engineering on this rifle. Improvements were done and a group of Mark II rifles were sent for additional testing. By this time the British had lost interest in the rifle due to their domestic, significantly less expensive and less refined, Sten guns. In spite of its failure in testing, it was a very well made rifle with lots of steel and machining required in its manufacturing, unlike the British Sten gun.
A total of 1227 known Light Rifles were built, of which 200 were of the Mark II variation, 1010 were sold to the British government. More frames were made than guns built, therefore serial numbers range from 1-2200, with this example quite early at 113. At the end of WWII all of the Light Rifles in possession of the British government were supposedly cut in half and dumped in the English Channel, except for 5 that are in a British Military Museum.
This 1940 Light Rifle is a prime example of the Mark I and would make a fantastic addition to any gun collection. This 1940 Light Rifle is a great conversation piece with a great story. Please note that the 1940 9mm Light Rifle should not be loaded with or fired with modern manufactured 9mm ammunition. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid!
-Bud
