Smith & Wesson Light Rifle Model 1940 MkI
Encyclopedia
The Model 1940 Light Rifle was a carbine manufactured in a desperate attempt by Smith & Wesson under request from the British government who wanted a short barrel, pistol calibre carbine.
It was designed around the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, initial British trials proved the action unsuitable for a special high pressure 9mm cartridge the British Forces wanted to use. Although a strengthened Mark II version was produced (and the original subsequently referred to as Mark I), the program was axed and the bulk of rifles produced were disposed of by the British. A small number of rifles remained in the US and sat languishing until they finally received a C&R designation and were sold off through an arms dealer in Atlanta.
It was designed around the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, initial British trials proved the action unsuitable for a special high pressure 9mm cartridge the British Forces wanted to use. Although a strengthened Mark II version was produced (and the original subsequently referred to as Mark I), the program was axed and the bulk of rifles produced were disposed of by the British. A small number of rifles remained in the US and sat languishing until they finally received a C&R designation and were sold off through an arms dealer in Atlanta.