Guns for US Soldiers in WWI

April 26, 2005 9:58 AM

What sort of guns (by model) were issued to United States soldiers in the first world war? Smaller guns in particular.
posted by dagnyscott to Law & Government (10 answers total)

The most famous is probably the Colt .45 model 1911, designed by Mr. Weapon himself, John Browning.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 10:01 AM on April 26, 2005

The Colt model 1911 automatic pistol, and the Colt and Smith & Wesson model 1917 .45 revolvers. The Smithfield model 1917 carbine was the standard-issue rifle.
posted by nicwolff at 10:26 AM on April 26, 2005

In terms of larger guns, The Springfield 1903 rifle.
posted by extrabox at 10:28 AM on April 26, 2005

Model 1917 carbine was made by Remington, Winchester, and Remington-Eddystone.
posted by extrabox at 10:38 AM on April 26, 2005

Sorry, right, my mistake: the Smithfield model 1903. Or, technically, the model 1905, with the redesigned bayonet lugs. (The model 1917 was a Garand-style carbine.)

Extra tidbit: the ammunition used in these would have been the 1906-model .30-caliber round, which is still popular as the .30-'06 - if you've ever wondered what "thirty-aught-six" meant, now you know.
posted by nicwolff at 10:38 AM on April 26, 2005

Early on they used the Chauchat. Found the name via the now defunct Weapons of World War One.
posted by Chuckles at 10:41 AM on April 26, 2005

Nicwolff, another typo...No 'Smithfield'! I'm sure you mean Springfield! (Interesting about thirty-aught-six, tho)
posted by extrabox at 10:53 AM on April 26, 2005

For what it's worth, officers generally got pistols, enlisted soldiers always got rifles/carbines.
posted by WestCoaster at 1:00 PM on April 26, 2005

Another common 'small arms' weapon was the Winchester 1897 12-gauge shotgun,
known as a trench or riot gun.
posted by ackptui at 1:48 PM on April 26, 2005

Oy, yes, Springfield. Thanks, extrabox.
posted by nicwolff at 10:45 AM on April 27, 2005