Leuchtpistole 42

Last updated
Leuchtpistole 42
Leuchtpistole IMG 1728.JPG
Leuchtpistole 42.
Type Flare gun
Place of originGermany
Service history
In service1943-1945
Used byGermany
Production history
DesignerHASAG
Manufacturer HASAG
Metallwarenfabrik C.u.W. Meinel-Scholer
Waffenfabrik Moritz & Gerstenberger
Specifications
Mass1.120 kg (2 lb 7.5 oz)
Length155 mm (6.1 in) [1]

Cartridge Flare
Smoke
Panzerwurfkörper 42
Wurfgranate Patrone 326
Wurfkorper 361
Caliber 26.6 mm (1.05 in)
Action Break action
Feed system Single shot [1]

The Leuchtpistole 42 or flare gun in English was introduced into German service in 1943 and served throughout World War II.

Contents

Design

The Leuchtpistole 42 was a single shot, break action, smoothbore, flare gun that was a successor to the earlier Leuchtpistole 34. The Leuchtpistole 42 which was made from stamped mild steel components, was galvanized to stop corrosion and used bakelite for the pistol grips. The focus of the Leuchtpistole 42 was to reduce the consumption of light alloys, reduce reliance on machined components, reduce production time, and reduce production costs. Despite being made from mild steel and stamped components it was considered rugged and its rough appearance didn't hinder its functionality. However, the Leuchtpistole 42 was nearly 390 g (14 oz) heavier than its predecessor. [1]

Variants

Ammunition

The primary roles for the Leuchtpistole 42 were signaling, illumination, target marking, or concealment with a smoke grenade. Later during World War II, explosive rounds were developed to give German troops a small and lightweight grenade launcher for engaging targets from close range which could not be engaged satisfactorily by infantry weapons or artillery without endangering friendly troops. [2]

Available projectiles included:

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Mod. LP42". leuchtpistole.free.fr. Retrieved 2019-02-10.
  2. 1 2 3 United States. War Department. Military Intelligence Division (1943-01-01). Tactical And Technical Trends, Nos. 21-30.