Choosing a long gun for a ww2 Army Ranger

[mg357]

Dear Smith and wesson forum. I am an amateur writer and i have this idea for a small writing project its about an Army Ranger recruited by the office of strategic services which was later replaced by the Cia. his mission is to parachute into France several days after the D-Day invasion to gather intelligence on the germans. it takes place on the date of june 22nd 1944 any way i have all of his other gear figured out but i am having difficulty figuring out which long gun for him to carry i made a short list but i still can't decide. any help in figuring this out would be greatly appreciated. sincerely and respectfully mg357 a proud member of the Smith and Wesson forum
p.s. here is the list.
1.M1 carbine with folding metal stock
2. M1 Garand
3.1903 springfield rifle
4.Thompson submachine gun
5.M3 submachine gun
6.Browning Automatic Rifle

 

[MMA10mm]

Well, we need some plot outline.

If it's an OSS mission behind the lines, he'll be equipped either with a "sterilized" gun, which would be something like the Marlin SMG which was only made for distribution through the OSS to resistance people behind the lines, or a captured German weapon, so he'll blend in and be able to resupply his own ammo off the Germans he kills.

If it's not a behind the lines type mission, the date of the mission is important, because som of your choices were not available until later in the war - especially the folding-stock carbine and the M-3 grease gun.

In general, the Rangers were equipped like the rest of the Infantry, with the exception of a higher-percentage of Thompson SMGs. If you want him to appear to just be a generic, but classicly-armed, WWII Ranger, I'd give him a Thompson. But, again, the date and nature of the plot play into this.

Link to info on the Marlin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Defense_M42

 

[Frailer]

FWIW my first thought on seeing the title of this thread was "Thompson."

 

[TLJ]

For me I'd say a Thompson with a 1911 back up(I know the hand gun isn't on the list but I'm a 1911 guy so I had to add it) the Sub gun is smaller than an M1 and is full auto If the ranger is alone or in a small unit fire power would be nice and let face it the Thompson is just cool.

 

[GatorFarmer]

Some guys went in with Stens. 9mm ammo was easier to come by from supply drops to the Frenchies

 

[Gunfighter9]

On a mission such as you describe, non-issue weapons would be the most logical choice. The character will likely have limited if any resupply so being able to resupply from local sources would be critical. I would suggest a sten gun or MP40. IMO. Good luck with your story.

 

[safearm]

With the little information you've given, I have to assume your character has been "on the ground" for some time before the date of the story. I agree with the others that it should probably be a Sten Gun, or a captured MP38/40. If he just starting his mission, I'd recommend a Thompson, since with the invasion there will be plenty of logistics available. Also, you might consider how he is transmitting his information back to where/whom ever. Is it by radio, face-to-face meetings, etc. This will influence his ability to get supplies.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

What about a mini 14 with a folding stock-perfect gun for a paratrooper behind enemy lines

 

[Sprefix]

When is the movie comin' out? I love Thompsons......especially in War movies. Now I must get out my O3-A3 and "play" with it.

 

[Combat_Diver]

While I'm not a Army Ranger, I do have experience behind enemy lines (inserted deep into Iraq GWI for Stratgic Recon msn). Given that is post D-Day with US Forces advancing forward and mission is to gather intell then a M1A1 carbine would be my choice. He would also be carrying a short wave radio set with hand crank generator along with his kit (ie bulky and heavy). The folding carbine was light, high rate of fire and would be easy to hide.

Thompson or M3 SMG, ammo too heavy and limit range when operating by yourself.
BAR too big and too heavy
M1 OK but big for mission
M1903A3 too long for mission and slow rate of fire

CD

 

[one eye joe]

M1 Carbine with folding stock is the way to go.....

 

[senecaap]

Insertion without supply chain, something small, automatic and in 9mm.
Garand-To big no ammo
Carbine-No Ammo
BAR-Way too big, no ammo
'03-No ammo, you could steal a Mauser that would be way better anyway
The Sten would be the most logical choice, as there were plenty of those for the Allied commandos. The MP40 may have been a better gun, but would there be one available for use?