‘The FP-45 Liberator was designed for the United States Army in 1942 by General Motors. It was originally intended as an insurgency weapon to be mass dropped behind enemy lines to resistance fighters in occupied territory. A million were assembled. It was believed that if vast quantities of these weapons could be delivered into Axis occupied territory, it would have a devastating effect on the morale of occupying troops.
‘Only a handful were ever distributed. There is no documented instance of the weapon being used for their intended purpose.’
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dsnover Member
Posts: 1668 From: Cherryville, PA USA Registered: Apr 2006
I understand the reason but not the design. Wouldn't a derringer be simpler and cheaper to make, just as useful for its intended purpose (sneak up and kill the guy with the big gun, then use his), faster to reload, and more reliable (due to less complexity)?
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J-Holland Member
Posts: 708 From: Norman, OK USA Registered: Nov 2010
From what I've read in different publications, (Jane's, The Rifleman and Smith's) the purpose was to use it to shoot your target from up close, and then take their weapon and ammunition. I haven't seen any information as to how many were distributed.
If I could get an exploded view, I think I could build that.
You wouldn't need one, its so simple you could figure out out in your head. However if you look around you will find machinist drawings. 9 and if you cant im sure i have them.. its not like they would be copyrighted at this point, and it was paid for by tax dollars anyway, and they are no longer registered as 'secret' )
From what I've read in different publications, (Jane's, The Rifleman and Smith's) the purpose was to use it to shoot your target from up close, and then take their weapon and ammunition. I haven't seen any information as to how many were distributed.
yes, that was their intended use. One shot, then take your victims weapon. If you need 2 shots, you are screwed anyway. i heard not a lot were dropped, a few thousand at most, but that wasn't an 'official' statement.
[This message has been edited by User00013170 (edited 05-01-2012).]
I understand the reason but not the design. Wouldn't a derringer be simpler and cheaper to make, just as useful for its intended purpose (sneak up and kill the guy with the big gun, then use his), faster to reload, and more reliable (due to less complexity)?
No, as it was mostly stamped metal, almost zero machining. Quick, cheap, fast.
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ryan.hess Member
Posts: 20784 From: Orlando, FL Registered: Dec 2002
I used to have an M1 carbine, semi automatic 30 caliber rifle. An off brand. My neighbor at the time, had an M2, fully automatic 30 caliber rifle made by General Motors. Stamped so in the body.
Interesting. How did they get the barrel smooth? Or was that the 'almost' part?
That was part of the almost, and i don't think they were rifled or "properly" chambered, so could have just been standard stock they ordered. Simply cut to size and weld it in.
as long as it shoots once without dissolving, success...
I used to have an M1 carbine, semi automatic 30 caliber rifle. An off brand. My neighbor at the time, had an M2, fully automatic 30 caliber rifle made by General Motors. Stamped so in the body.
If you want to talk about 'real' weapons, everyone that had machine tools were called in to help in WWII. Even toy companies.
I believe it would take almost as much time to reload and fire one of those as an early civil war rifle...
