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.

Oct 29, 2022 · By an extraordinarily convoluted route, the UD M.’42 became the unrecognized “standard” OSS submachine gun of World War II, widely issued to American and Allied personnel serving in special...

Sep 17, 2022 · While it is documented that just over 2,400 UD M.’42 submachine guns were air-dropped into France in 1944, period photos also depict resistance fighters and partisans of other nations,...

OSS and SOE operatives also used the UD M42. Although the M42 is not well known, it is one of the better SMGs of WWII. It is accurate, sturdy, and reliable. There were reportedly some problems with the sheet-metal magazines being prone to warping under combat conditions.

Jun 8, 2009 · The UD M42 was designed by Carl Swebelius at High Standard Firearms in 1940–1941 and the prototypes were made there. Reportedly, a few were chambered in .45 ACP, but the ones fielded were in 9x19mm Parabellum. It is a selective firing weapon with the switch, a rotary lever, on the right side of the frame.

Oct 8, 2019 · The Marlin / United Defense US-42 submachine gun was not used by the American military, but it did see service in World War Two. Its 9mm chambering made it inconvenient for the US, but ideal for agencies like the OSS and SOE to drop to resistance organizations within occupied Europe.

The United Defense M42 was an American submachine gun in World War II. It was produced from 1942 to 1943 by United Defense Supply Corp. (a government-formed company specifically tasked with weapons development) for possible issue as a replacement for the Thompson submachine gun and was used by agents of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). [1]

Feb 26, 2018 · The United Defense Model 42 ("M42") was a compact submachine gun initiative designed by Carl Swebilius as a possible replacement for the storied M1 Thompson submachine gun - an expensive, complicated, and maintenance-heavy design from the previous World War.

The UD M42 was a robust weapon that had no stamped parts; its loaded weight was slightly over 10 pounds. The gun was select-fire and fired from the open-bolt position. A rotating fire mode selector marked SEMI-AUTO - SAFE - FIRE was located on the right side of the trigger frame.

Jan 1, 2025 · VERY RARE UNITED DEFENSE MARLIN UD M42 SUBMACHINE GUN. PRE 86 DEALER SAMPLE (KEEPER) 03-1843 Cal. 9mm S# 11356. Bbl. 11″. The United Defense U.D. M42 was designed by Carl Swebilius of High Standard prior …