The 10 Most Iconic WWII Firearms Ever Made
Posted by Quick Draw Gun on May 6th 2026
A Collector’s Edition Look at the Weapons That Defined World War II
World War II changed warfare forever. It was a conflict driven by industrial power, innovation, and the rapid evolution of military firearms. Many of the weapons introduced during the war became legendary—not just because of their battlefield effectiveness, but because they shaped military doctrine for decades afterward.
For collectors, historians, and firearms enthusiasts, these rifles, pistols, submachine guns, and machine guns represent some of the most important firearms ever produced.
Here’s a collector-focused look at 10 of the most iconic firearms of World War II and the history behind each one.
1. M1 Garand (United States)
The M1 Garand is widely regarded as one of the greatest battle rifles ever fielded.
Adopted by the U.S. military in 1936, it became the standard American infantry rifle during WWII. Designed by John C. Garand, it was revolutionary because it gave U.S. soldiers a semi-automatic rifle at a time when many nations still relied on bolt-action designs.
Why It Was Important
- Semi-automatic operation gave American troops a major firepower advantage
- Chambered in .30-06 Springfield
- Famous 8-round en bloc clip system
General George S. Patton famously called it:
“The greatest battle implement ever devised.”
Collector Interest
Original WWII production Garands from Springfield Armory and Winchester remain highly collectible today.
2. Karabiner 98k (Germany)
The Kar98k was Germany’s standard infantry rifle throughout WWII.
Based on the Mauser bolt-action system, it was rugged, accurate, and extremely reliable.
Key Features
- Chambered in 8mm Mauser
- Internal 5-round magazine
- Excellent long-range accuracy
The Kar98k became one of the most recognizable rifles of the war and heavily influenced future bolt-action rifle designs worldwide.
Collector Interest
Matching-number Kar98k rifles with original wartime markings are highly sought after.
3. Thompson Submachine Gun (United States)
Nicknamed the “Tommy Gun,” the Thompson became one of the most iconic firearms of the 20th century.
Initially famous during the Prohibition era, it found renewed purpose in WWII.
Why Soldiers Loved It
- Chambered in .45 ACP
- High stopping power
- Effective in close quarters combat
The Thompson was heavily used by:
- U.S. Army
- Marines
- Allied airborne forces
Collector Interest
Original WWII Thompsons are among the most valuable and recognizable collector firearms today.
4. MP40 (Germany)
The MP40 became synonymous with German infantry during WWII.
Though often associated with all German troops in movies and media, it was primarily issued to:
- Officers
- Paratroopers
- Mechanized infantry
Features
- Chambered in 9mm
- Folding stock for compact carry
- Simple stamped-metal construction
The MP40 helped define modern submachine gun design.
Collector Interest
Original MP40s with wartime markings remain centerpiece items in WWII collections.
5. M1911A1 Pistol (United States)
The Colt M1911A1 served as America’s standard military sidearm during WWII.
Designed by John Moses Browning, it earned a reputation for reliability and stopping power.
Specifications
- Chambered in .45 ACP
- Single-action semi-auto pistol
- 7-round magazine
It saw service in every theater of the war.
Collector Interest
WWII-issued pistols from Colt, Remington Rand, Ithaca, and Union Switch & Signal are highly collectible.
6. Walther P38 (Germany)
The Walther P38 represented a major leap forward in military pistol design.
It replaced the Luger P08 as Germany’s standard sidearm during WWII.
Innovations
- Double-action/single-action trigger
- Decocker safety system
- Chambered in 9mm Luger
The P38 influenced countless postwar handgun designs.
Collector Interest
Original wartime P38s with matching serial numbers remain popular among collectors.
7. PPSh-41 (Soviet Union)
The PPSh-41 became one of the most widely produced submachine guns of WWII.
Built for mass production, it was rugged, simple, and devastating in urban combat.
Features
- Chambered in 7.62x25 Tokarev
- High rate of fire
- Drum magazine capacity up to 71 rounds
It became especially feared during close-range fighting on the Eastern Front.
Collector Interest
Original wartime Soviet PPSh-41s remain historically significant collector pieces.
8. Springfield 1903A3 (United States)
The Springfield 1903A3 served as one of America’s primary bolt-action rifles during WWII.
Though overshadowed by the M1 Garand, it remained vital in:
- Training
- Sniper roles
- Specialized applications
Features
- Chambered in .30-06 Springfield
- Exceptional accuracy
- Durable military construction
Collector Interest
03-A3 rifles with original military configuration are increasingly collectible.
9. StG 44 (Germany)
The Sturmgewehr 44 (StG 44) is considered the world’s first true assault rifle.
Its influence on modern military firearms cannot be overstated.
Revolutionary Features
- Intermediate cartridge (7.92x33 Kurz)
- Select-fire capability
- Detachable magazine
The StG 44 directly inspired future rifles like the AK-47.
Collector Interest
Authentic StG 44 rifles are among the rarest and most desirable WWII firearms.
10. Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) (United States)
The BAR gave American infantry squads portable automatic firepower.
Originally developed near the end of WWI, it became a critical support weapon during WWII.
Features
- Chambered in .30-06
- Select-fire operation
- 20-round detachable magazine
The BAR bridged the gap between rifles and machine guns.
Collector Interest
WWII-era BARs are among the most iconic American military firearms ever produced.
Why WWII Firearms Remain So Popular Among Collectors
WWII firearms hold a unique place in history because they represent:
- Massive technological advancement
- Industrial wartime production
- The evolution of modern military doctrine
Collectors value them for:
- Historical significance
- Original markings and provenance
- Battlefield legacy
- Mechanical innovation
The Lasting Legacy of WWII Weapons
Many firearms developed or refined during WWII directly influenced modern weapon systems.
Examples include:
- StG 44 → modern assault rifles
- Walther P38 → modern DA/SA pistols
- M1 Garand → modern battle rifles
These firearms are more than relics—they are milestones in military and engineering history.
Final Thoughts
The firearms of WWII shaped the outcome of history and forever changed the development of military small arms.
From the rugged Kar98k to the revolutionary StG 44, each weapon on this list represents a defining chapter in wartime innovation.
For collectors, these firearms are not just machines—they are tangible pieces of history.
Explore Historic Firearms at Quick Draw Gun
At QuickDrawGun.com, we appreciate the craftsmanship and legacy behind historic military firearms. From collectible WWII pieces to modern classics, we’re passionate about preserving firearms history.