WW2 Weapons Still Used Today

Do you know that there are WWII weapons still in use today? While they might be old, outdated, and gathering dust, there is no denying that these weapons remain lethal bits of military tech that shouldn’t be taken for granted.

STG-44

There have been several assault rifle designs over the decades, but all trace their origins to the STG-44. It began development in 1942 by the German military. Overall, about 425,000 STG 44s were produced between 1943 to 1945.

M2 HMG

The M2 is a massive weapon weighing 84 lbs. During WWII, it was used as a general-purpose machine gun that was effective against infantry, light vehicles, and aircraft.

It would also be mounted in virtually any vehicle of the US such as jeeps, tanks, and trucks. In 2015, a 94-year-old M2 was brought in for refurbishment and was still in operable condition after almost a century of regular use.

Lee-Enfield

This was arguably the most successful firearm used during WWII that’s still in service. This has been in service in one form or another since the 19th century and is still a popular choice for militaries around the world.

While popular worldwide, many of the nations that use it are former British colonies or Commonwealth nations such as Canada, South Africa, and Australia.

MG-42

This is perhaps the most feared small arms weapon used by the Germans. The MG-42 was designed as a cheaper and easier-to-manufacture replacement for the MG-34 machine gun. Its most distinguishable feature is its rate of fire, capable of unleashing between 1,200 and 1,500 rounds per minute.

While not directly in service any longer, its successor, the German MG3 is still being used by many nations around the world.

Madsen Light Machine Gun

This made its combat debut in the 1905 Russo-Japanese War during World War I. The Madsen was the standard machine gun of the Danish and Norwegian armies.

A favorite of the Rio de Janeiro police force even today, these weapons were so powerful that even a sustained burst is said to have a morale-sapping effect on the drug gangs in Brazil.

M1911

The Colt M1911 became the standard issue pistol when the US entered WWI. It was a popular and effective handgun that was an asset in the trenches.

After the war, it underwent several modifications and the new version was designated as the M1911. Even today, many nations still use the 1911, some using updated versions.

M3 Grease Gun

The M3 earned its Grease Gun nickname because it resembled a mechanics lubricant insertion tool. This was a submachine gun with a blistering rate of fire of 450 rounds per minute using the 0.45 ACP. It was last used by the US Army in the 1991 Gulf War.

Nowadays, this WWII relic remains a good option for those with budget constraints. The Filipino and Marine Corps currently use M3 Grease Guns upgraded with suppressors and red dot sights.

M101 Howitzer

The M101 launched a 105 mm high explosive semi-fixed ammunition and a maximum range of 11,270 meters. 

Despite being designed a century ago, it remained useful because it utilizes the same 105 ammo that modern light artillery systems use.

D44 Gun

This was introduced to the Soviet Red Army after WWII. It was a dangerous adversary that could fire off 20 rounds per minute and could fire a variety of high explosive and armor-piercing rounds.