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Ordnance Notes -- by Bob Stoner GMCM(SW) Ret.
Smith and Wesson
Model 76 9mm Submachine Gun
S&W M76 with stock folded.
When the Swedes cutoff export of
their M45 series SMG to the Americans as a result of our involvement in the
Viet Nam war, special operations operators cast around for a replacement. What
they found was a U.S.-built, reengineered version of the Karl Gustav M45D called
the Smith and Wesson Model 76. Smith and Wesson marketed the SMG to both the
U.S. military and civilian law enforcement agencies. Limited numbers were used
by Navy SEAL Teams and by other special operations forces. However, the gun
did not sell well and was eventually dropped from the S&W line by the mid-1970s.
S&W did not copyright the M76 and another series of private manufacturers
marketed the gun in both 9mm NATO and .45 ACP as the MK 760.
If a close comparison is made by
of the Karl Gustav M45 and S&W M76, the similarities are striking. The cocking
handle is on the right for both; both have rear sights protected by "ears"
that are welded to the receiver; both have their front sights welded to a perforated
barrel jacket; and both have a folding stock that is very similar to the other
except that the stocks fold in opposite directions. Like its predecessor, the
S&W M76 uses the same box magazines as the M45. The form and shape of this
9mm magazine is peculiar to the M45, M76, Egyptian "Port Said", and
no others. The M76 or MK 760 can be found fitted with the very effective SG9
suppressor ("silencer") manufactured by AWC (Automatic Weapons Company).
Specifications:
Caliber: 9mm NATO (9x19mm)
Length (stock extended) -- 31.8 inches, (stock folded) -- 21.7 inches.
Barrel -- 8.4 inches
Weight (empty) -- 8.6 lbs.
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@ 2002 Bob Stoner
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