United Defense M42
| United Defense M42 | |
|---|---|
UD M42 submachine gun | |
| Type | Submachine gun |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1942-1945 |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Carl G. Swebilius |
| Manufacturer | United Defense Supply Corp. |
| Produced | 1942–1943 |
| No. built | 15,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 4.54 kg (10.0 lb) |
| Length | 820 mm (32.3 in) |
| Barrel length | 279 mm (11.0 in) |
| Caliber | 9×19mm Parabellum .45 ACP (Prototype model) |
| Action | Blowback |
| Rate of fire | 700 rpm to 1000 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,100 ft/s (335.3 m/s) |
| Feed system | 25-round box magazine (also issued with two 25-round magazines welded face-to-face) |
| Sights | fixed front post, rear adjustable for windage |
The United Defense M42, sometimes known as the Marlin for the company that did the actual manufacturing, was an American submachine gun used during World War II. It was produced from 1942 to 1943 by United Defense Supply Corp. for possible issue as a replacement for the Thompson submachine gun and was used by Office of Strategic Services (OSS) agents. However, its usage was limited, and the Thompson continued to see service until the end of the war, alongside the M3 submachine gun, which was designed around the same time as the M42.