In an era of rapidly changing technology, it might be difficult to consider what fighting a war was like 80-plus years ago. In a world of drone attacks, nuclear bombs, and terroristic threats, seeing where we have come from can give us perspective on where we are going. Stepping back into the 1930s and ’40s, many technological advancements occurred during World War 2 that blew minds then and are still carrying us forward now. Radar, jet engines, computers, and penicillin, among many others, forever changed how wars were fought. But, if you were to sit down and speak to someone who fought in this war, who had “boots on the ground,” so to speak, you are likely to hear about the weapons they carried. Handguns, pistols, grenades, and rifles were a part of every military member’s arsenal. Some of the rifles these service members carried were, perhaps, some of the most prominent of the age.
24/7 Wall Street reviewed a catalog of rifles from Military Factory, an online database of arms, vehicles, and aircraft to identify rifles of World War II. This extensive list is in order of when a rifle entered service. We have also included more details from Military Factory about the type, country of origin, manufacturer, action, range, caliber, and feed.
We have 69 different rifles listed here, but three notable individuals would go on to influence the development of firearms for decades to come.
Gen. George S. Patton once noted that the M1 Grand was “the greatest battle implement ever devised.” The M1 Grand is semiautomatic and known for its accuracy and rate of fire, setting our troops up for success against their adversaries’ bolt-action alternatives. The Soviet Union utilized a bolt-action because of its reliability in its harsh environment. The Mosin-Nagant had a high muzzle velocity and was a valuable tool to Soviet troops. Germany also utilized a bolt-action, the Karabiner 98K, for its precision.
Why are we writing about World War 2 rifles?
Source: Hungarian soldiers in WWII by Cassowary Colorizations / BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Kierkegaard said it best, “Life can only be understood backward, but it must be lived forwards.” Military weaponry has morphed and advanced at top speeds since World War 2. Understanding how they perform helps manufacturers and engineers build upon what they have to make them better and more efficient. Many of the rifles mentioned below set the groundwork for today’s weaponry. The business of war includes manufacturers who provide the weapons, ammo, and other supplies that troops carry with them. It’s just another cog in how our world operates and performs.
Here are the rifles used in World War II:
69. Modello 1870 Italian Vetterli
In 1870, the Modello 1870 Italian Vetterli manufacturing began in Italy. This bolt-action service rifle was a single-shot and manual-pull with a caliber and feed of 10.4x47mmR, 6.5mm & single shot, and a 4-round integral magazine.
68. Lebel Model 1886
Source: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
The Lebel Model 1886 first entered service in 1887 in France. This bolt-action lever service rifle has a caliber and feed of 8mm Lebel and an 8-round tube magazine.
67. Mannlicher Model 1888
Source: Armémuseum (The Swedish Army Museum) via Wikimedia Commons
Beginning in 1888, Austria-Hungary produced the Mannlicher Model 1888. This rifle was a manually actuated straight-pull bolt repeating service rifle. Its caliber and feed were 8mm Mannlicher, and it had a 5-round integral magazine.
66. Mauser Model 1888 (Gew 88)
The Mauser Model 1888 (Gew 88) entered the market in 1888 in Germany. It was a manually actuated bolt-mechanism service rifle with a caliber and feed of 7.92x57mm Mauser and a 5-round clip with a fixed integral magazine.
65. Infantry Model 1889 (Belgian Mauser)
Belgium produced the Infantry Model 1889 (Belgian Mauser) beginning in 1889. It was a manually-actuated straight-pull bolt, repeating service rifle. The caliber and feed are 7.65x53mm Belgian Mauser and a 5-round integral magazine.
64. Berthier Rifle
In 1890, France began producing the Berthier rifle. It was a bolt-action manual-pull service rifle. The caliber and feed were 8x50mmR Lebel, 7.5x54mm French, and 3- or 5-round magazines.
63. Model 1889 Schmidt-Rubin
Source: Author Grzegorz Wiśniewolski/PK-U "Parabellum" Sp. z o.o. / Wikimedia Commons
Switzerland began production of the Model 1889 Schmidt-Rubin in 1890. it was a manually actuated straight-pull bolt action system service rifle. The caliber and feed were 7.5×53.5mm Swiss and 5-, 6-, or 12-round detachable box magazines.
62. Rifle Model 1890 (Turkish Mauser)
Source: "CCBY" by Auckland Museum via Wikimedia Commons
The Rifle Model 1890, also known as the Turkish Mauser, was produced in Turkey in beginning 1890. This service rifle was a manually-actuated bolt-action system rifle. The caliber and feed are 7.65x53mm Turkish Mauser, 8x57mm, and a 5-round internal magazine.
61. Mosin-Nagant Model 1891
Source: Russian Post via Wikimedia Commons
In 1891, Russia began production of the manual bolt-action rifle, Mosin-Nagant Model 1891. Its caliber and feed are 7.62x54mmR, 7.62x63mmR Mauser, and 5-round integral magazine.
60. Carcano Modello 1891 (M91)
The Carcano Modello 1891, or M91, was produced in Italy beginning in 1892. It was a manually-operated bolt-action service rifle system or infantry carbine. The caliber and feed are 6.5x52mm Mannlicher-Carcano, 7.35x51mm Carcano, 7.92x57mm Mauser, and 6-round internal magazine.
59. Krag-Jorgensen Model 1894
Source: Wolfmann via Wikimedia Commons
The Krag-Jorgensen Model 1894 was produced by Norway beginning in 1894. This is a manually-actuated bolt-action service rifle system. It has a 6.5x55mm M94 Norwegian Krag caliber and a 5-round integral magazine.
58. Marlin Model 1894
The Marlin Model 1894 was produced in the United States beginning in 1894. It is a manually-actuated lever-action carbine rifle. The rifle has a caliber of 32-20 Winchester, .32 HR Magnum or .38 Spc, and a 6-, 9-, or 10-round tubular magazine feed.
57. Winchester Model 1894
Source: Wikipedia
The Winchester Model 1894 was a manually actuated lever-action rifle produced in the United States beginning in 1894. It has a .30-30 Winchester caliber and a 6- or 8-round tubular magazine feed.
56. Lee-Enfield
Source: Fred Morley / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
The Lee-Enfield is a manually-operated bolt-action service rifle system produced in the United Kingdom, beginning in 1895. It has a .303 MK VII SAA Ball caliber and a 10-round detachable box magazine feed.
55. Mannlicher Model 1895
Austria-Hungary began production of the Mannlicher Model 1895 beginning in 1895. It is a manually-actuated straight-pull bolt-action service rifle, repeating. It has a caliber of 8x50R Mannlicher and a 5-round integral magazine feed.
54. Mauser Model 1898 (Gew 98)
Source: philipimage / iStock via Getty Images
The Mauser Model 1898, or Gew 98, was produced in Germany beginning in 1898. It is a manually-actuated bolt-action mechanism service rifle. It has a 7.92x57mm Mauser caliber and 5-round clip with fixed integral magazine feed.
53. Arisaka Type 30
Source: 高島信義, via Wikimedia Commons
In 1899, Japan began production of the Arisaka Type 30. This rifle is a manually-actuated bolt-action service rifle system/infantry carbine. It has a 6.5x50mm Arisaka or .303 British caliber and 5-round internal magazine feed.
52. Mondragon Rifle (Fusil Mondragon)
Mexico began production of the Mondragon Rifle, or Fusil Mondragon, in 1900. It is a gas-operated, rotating bolt/manual bolt semi-automatic service rifle. The gun has a 7x57mm Mauser caliber and 8-, 10-, 20-round box or 100-round drum magazine feed.
51. Mannlicher-Schonauer Model 1903
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
Greece began production of the Mannlicher-Schonauer Model 1903 in 1903. It is a manually-actuated bolt-action service rifle system. The rifle has a caliber of 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schonauer and a feed of a 5-round rotating magazine.
50. Springfield Model 1903 (M1903)
Source: Curiosandrelics Public Domain (US Army) The Smithsonian Institution
The United States began production of the Springfiled Model 1903, or M1903, in 1903. It is a manually-actuated bolt-action service rifle/sniper rifle system. The rifle has a .30-03 or .30-06 caliber and a 5-round internal magazine feed.
49. Model 1904 Vergueiro-Mauser
The Model 1904 Vergueiro-Mauser entered the market in 1904 from Portugal. It is a manually-actuated bolt-action service rifle system. The caliber is 6.5x58mm Vergueiro or 7x57mm Mauser, and 5-round internal magazine feed.
48. Arisaka Type 38
This manually-actuated bolt-action service rifle/infantry carbine system was produced in Japan beginning in 1905. The Arisaka Type 38 has a caliber of 6.5x50mm Arisaka or .303 British and a 5-round internal magazine feed.
47. Ross Rifle
The Ross Rifle was produced in Canada beginning in 1905. It is a manual, straight-pull bolt-action service rifle system. The rifle has a .303 British caliber and a 5-round magazine feed.
46. Arisaka Type 44 Cavalry Rifle
Source: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
The Arisaka Type 44 Calvalry Rifle is a manually-actuated bolt-action carbine service weapon. Japan began production of this model in 1912. It has a caliber of 6.5x60mm Arisaka or .303 British. The rifle has a 5-round internal magazine feed.
45. Enfield Pattern 1914
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
In 1914, the United Kingdom began production of the Enfield Pattern 1914. It is a manually-actuated, bolt-action service rifle/sniper rifle system. The rifle has .303 British caliber and a 5-round stripper clip feed.
44. Fedorov Avtomat M1916
The Fedoro Avtomat M1916 was produced in Russia beginning in 1915. It was a short-recoil, locked breech, closed bolt, select-fire automatic rifle. The rifle has 6.5x50mmSR Arisaka caliber and a 25-round detachable box magazine feed.
43. Winchester Model 1915
Source: Fox Photos / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
The Winchester Model 1915 was produced in the United States beginning in 1915. It is a lever-action, repeat-fire rifle. The rifle has a 7.62x54mmR caliber and a 5-round internal magazine rifle.
42. Fusil Automatique Modele 1817 (Model 1917 RSC)
France began production of the Fusil Automatique Modele 1817, or Model 1917 RSC, in 1917. It is a gas-operated, bolt-action, semi-automatic, rotating belt service rifle with an 8x50mmR Lebel caliber and a 5-round internal magazine feed.
41. M1917 Enfield
The M1917 Enfield went into service in 1917 following production in the United States. It is a manually-actuated, bolt-action service rifle system. The rifle has a 7.62x63mm (.30-06 Springfield) caliber and a 6-round magazine feed.
40. Browning M1918 BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The Browning Automatic Rifle, or Browning M1918 BAR, was produced in the United States beginning in 1918. It is a gas-operated piston, open-bolt, selective-fire light machine gun. The rifle has a .30-06 Springfield caliber and a 20-round detachable box magazine feed.
39. Carl-Gustav m/21-m37
Source: Evening Standard / Hulton Archive via Getty Images
Sweden began production of the Carl-Gustav m/21-m37 light machine gun in 1921. It is gas-operated and has a tilting breach block. The weapon has a 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser caliber and a 20-round detachable box magazine feed.
38. Springfield Model 1922
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
In 1922, the United States began production of the Springfield Model 1922. It is a manually-actuated bolt-action training rifle system. The rifle has a 022LR caliber and a 5-round internal magazine feed.
37. Ceska Zbrojovka vz. 24
Czechoslovakia began producing the Ceska Zbrojovka vz. 24 beginning in 1924. It is a manually-actuated, bolt-action service rifle system. The rifle has a 7.92x57mm Mauser, 7.57mm Mauser, and 7.65x53mm Argentine caliber and a 5-round integral magazine feed.
36. CZ Model 1924 (Mauser) Short Rifle
Source: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
The CZ model 1924 (Mauser) Short Rifle was produced in Guatemala beginning in 1924. It is a manually-actuated, bolt-action service rifle system. The rifle has a 7x57mm Mauser caliber and a 5-round internal magazine.
35. ZH-29
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
In 1929, Czechoslovakia began production of the ZH-29. It is a semi-automatic, gas-operated service rifle. The rifle has a 7.92x57mm Mauser caliber and a 5-, 10-, or 20-round detachable magazine feed.
34. Fabrique Nationale FN M1930 (BAR)
In 1930, Belgium began production of the Fabrique Nationale FN M1930 (BAR). It is a gas-operated, light machine gun with a tilting breach block. The rifle has a 7.65x53mm Belgian Mauser caliber and 20-round detachable box magazine.
33. Fabrique Nationale FN Mle D (BAR)
Source: FPG / Archive Photos via Getty Images
The Fabrique Nationale FN Mle D (BAR) was produced in Belgium beginning in 1932. It is a gas-operated, light machine gun with a tilting breech block. The rifle has a 7.92x57mm Belgian Mauser, .30-06 Springfield or 7.62x51mm NATO caliber, and a 20-round detachable box magazine feed.
32. FEG 35M (Mannlicher M1935)
In 1935, Hungary produced the FEG 35M (Mannlicher M1935), a manually-actuated, bolt-action service rifle system. It has an 8x56mmR Hungarian Mannlicher or 7.92x57mm Mauser caliber and a 5-round internal magazine feed.
31. Kb wz.35 (Marosczek)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The Kb wz.35 (Marosczek) was produced in Poland beginning in 1935. It is a manually operated, bolt-action anti-tank/anti-material rifle system. The rifle has a 7.92x107mm DS caliber and a 4-round detachable box magazine feed.
30. Mauser Karabiner Kar 98k
In 1935, Germany began production of the Mauser Karabiner Kar 98k. It is a bolt-action service rifle with a 7.92x57mm Mauser caliber and a 5-round internal magazine feed.
29. Type 24 (Chiang Kai-Shek Rifle)
The Type 24 (Chiang Kai-Shek Rifle) was produced in Taiwan beginning in 1935. It is a manually-actuated, bolt-action, repeat-fire service rifle. The rifle has an 8x57mm IS (7.92x57mm Mauser) caliber and a 5-round internal magazine feed.
28. M1 Garand
In 1936, the United States began production of the M1 Garand. It is a self-loading, gas-action piston battle rifle. The rifle has a .30-06 Springfield caliber and an 8-round internal clip feed.
27. MAS 36 (modele 36 / mle 36)
The MAS 36 (modele 36 / mle 36) was produced in France beginning in 1936. It is a manually operated, bolt-action service rifle system. The rifle has a 7.5x54mm caliber and a 5-round internal magazine feed.
26. Winchester Model 70
In 1936, the United States began production of the Winchester Model 70. It is a manually-actuated bolt-action sniper rifle system. The rifle has a. 30-06 Springfield caliber and 3-,4-, or 5-round box magazine feed.
25. Arisaka Type 97
Source: Imperial War Museum via Wikimedia Commons
The Arisaka Type 97 is a manually-actuated, bolt-action sniper rifle system. Japan began production in 1937. The rifle’s caliber is 6.5x50mm Arisaka and has a .303 British & 5-round internal magazine feed.
24. Boys 0.55in
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
In 1937, the United Kingdom began production of the Boys 0.55in. It is a manually operated, bolt-action system, anti-tank /anti-material rifle. The rifle has a caliber of 13.9mm (0.55 in) and a 5-round detachable box magazine feed.
23. Panzerbuchse 38 (PzB 38)
The Panzerbuchse 38 (PzB 38) was made in Germany beginning in 1938. It is a single-shot, manually-actuated bolt-action anti-tank/ anti-material rifle. The rifle has a caliber of 7.92x94mm Patronen and a single-shot feed.
22. Solothurn S18-100
In 1938, Switzerland began production of the Solothurn S18-100. This is a semi-automatic, bullpup anti-tank/anti-material rifle. The rifle’s caliber is 20x105mmB or 20x138mmB Long, and a 5- or 10-round detachable box magazine feed.
21. Tokarev SVT-38
The Tokarev SVT-38 was produced by the Soviet Union beginning in 1938. It is a self-loading, semi-automatic service rifle. The caliber is 7.62x54mmR Russian and has a 10-round detachable box magazine feed.
20. Arisaka Type 99
In 1939, Japan began production of Arisaka Type 99 rifle. It is a manually-actuated, bolt-action service rifle/infantry carbine system. The rifle has a caliber of 7.7x58mm Arisaka and has a 5-round internal magazine feed.
19. Panzerbuchse 39 (PzB 39)
Germany began production of the Panzerbuchse 39 (PzB 39) in 1939. It is a single-shot, manually-actuated, bolt-action anti-tank / anti-material rifle. The rifle has a caliber of 7.92x94mm Patronen and a single-shot feed.
18. Tokarev SVT-40
Source: bruev / iStock via Getty Images
In 1940, the Soviet Union began production of the Tokarev SVT-40. It is a gas-operated, semi-automatic service rifle. The rifle has a caliber of 7.62x54mmR and a 10-round detachable box magazine feed.
17. Degtyarev PTRD 1941
The Degtyarev PTRD 1941 was produced by the Soviet Union in 1941. It is a manually-operated bolt, semi-automatic breach anti-tank /anti-material rifle. The rifle has a caliber of 14.5x114mm and a single-shot feed.
16. Johnson Model 1941
The United States began production of the Johnson Model in 1941. It is a semi-automatic, short-recoil, rotating bolt rifle. The rifle has a caliber of .30-06 Springfield or 7x57mm Mauser and a 10-round cylindrical magazine feed.
15. Remington Model 1903 (Springfield)
The Remington Model 1903 (Springfield) was produced by the United States beginning in 1941. It is a manually-actuated bolt-action service rifle system. The rifle has a caliber of .30-06 Springfield and has a 5-round stripper clips feed.
14. Walther Gewehr 41 (G41 / Gew 41)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
13. Carl-Gustav m/42
The Carl-Gustav m/42 was produced by Sweden beginning in 1942. It is a gas-operated, direct impingement semi-automatic service rifle. The rifle has a caliber of 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser, 7.92x57mm, or 7.62x39mm Soviet and a 10-round detachable box magazine or 5-round stripper clips feed.
12. Charlton Automatic Rifle
In 1912, New Zealand began production of the Charlton Automatic Rifle. It is a gas-operated, semi/full-automatic fire, light machine gun. The rifle has a caliber of .303 British and a 10- or 30-round detachable box magazine feed.
11. Fallschirmjagergewehr 42 (FG42 / FjG42)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
Germany began production of the Fallschirmjagergewehr 42 (FG42 / FjG42) in 1942. It is a gas-operated, select-fire, automatic rifle/ light machine gun. The rifle has a caliber of 7.92x57mm Mauser and a 10- or 20-round detachable box feed.
10. M1 Carbine
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The M1 Carbine was produced in the United States in 1942. It is a gas-operated, short-stroke piston, semi-automatic/ full-automatic carbine. The rifle has a caliber of 30 M1 Carbine and a 15- or 30-round detachable box magazine feed.
9. Sturmgewehr 44 (StG44) / Maschinenpistole 44 (MP44)
Germany began production of the Sturmgewehr 44 (StG44) / Maschinenpistole 44 (MP44) in 1942. It is a gas-operated, locked-breech, tilting bolt, select-fire assault rifle. The rifle has a caliber of 7.92x33mm Kurz and a 30-round detachable box magazine feed.
8. Walther Gewehr 43 (G43 / Gew 43)
The Walther Gewehr 43 (G43 / Gew 43) was produced in Germany beginning in 1943. It is a gas-operated, semi-automatic service rifle. The rifle has a caliber of 7.92x57mm Mauser and has a 10-round integral box magazine feed.
7. Arisaka Type 4 / Type 5
In 1944, Japan began production of the Arisaka Type 4 / Type 5. This is a self-loading, gas-operated, rotating belt semi-automatic service rifle with a caliber of 7.7x58mm Arisaka and a 10-round integral magazine feed.
6. M2 Carbine
The M2 Carbine was produced in the United States in 1944. It is a selective-fire (semi/full-automatic) capability, gas-operated, short-stroke piston automatic carbine. The rifle has a caliber of 30 M1 Carbine and has a 15- or 30-round detachable box magazine feed.
5. M3 Carbine
The United States began producing the M3 Carbine in 1944. It is a selective-fire (semi/full-automatic), gas-operated, short-stroke piston sniper carbine rifle. The rifle has a caliber of 30 M1 Carbine and has a 15- or 30-round detachable box magazine feed.
4. Gustloff Volkssturmgewehr
In 1945, the Gustloff Volkssturmgewehr was produced in Germany. It is a semi-automatic, gas-delayed blowback rifle. The rifle has a caliber of 7.92x33mm Kurz and has a 30-round detachable box magazine feed.
3. Simonov SKS
Source: aleks0649 / iStock via Getty Images
The Simonov SKS was produced in the Soviet Union beginning in 1945. It is a self-loading, short-stroke gas piston, semi-automatic carbine. The rifle has a caliber of 7.62x39mm M1943 and has a 10-round internal box magazine feed.
2. Sturmgewehr 45 (StG45) / Maschinenpistole 45 (MP45)
Germany began production of the Sturmgewehr 45 (StG45) / Maschinenpistole 45 (MP45) in 1945. It is a gas-operated, locked-breech, tilting bolt, select-fire assault rifle. The rifle has a caliber of 7.92x33mm Kurz and has a 10- or 30-round detachable box magazine feed.
1. Volkssturmgewehr VG
The Volkssturmgewehr VG was produced in Germany in 1945. It is a manually operated, bolt-action service rifle system. The rifle has a 7.92x57mm Kurz and has a 10-round detachable box magazine feed.
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