During the second world war the British and Canadian Para's used many different weapons from the basic general issue Enfield No4 Mk1 rifle or the Fairbairn Sykes fighting knife to captured enemy weapons such as the German MP-40 or MG-34. Below is a list of required weapons and a list of option additional weapons. To maintain as accurate of an impression as possible, all additional weapons need to be approved by the unit leader before they are fielded. All weapons must have the correct appearance to be allowed to be used by our members, i.e. barrel length etc. Please note that each member is responsible for knowing and following all local, state and federal weapons laws for their own weapons.
Basic Required Weapons:
Note that all weapons must have WW2 features. Only noted exceptions will be allowed such as change in caliber or propane oxygen guns. Enfield No4 Mk1 Spike bayonet for the No4 Fairbairn Sykes fighting knife Note: All members must continue to own an Enfield No4 as their basic weapon even if they have been approved to carry a different weapon. Additional Weapons: Rifles/Carbines Enfield No1 Mk3 (early war only) Enfield No4 T sniper rifle (with unit leaders permission due to limited use) M1 Carbine (British Para only and only with unit leaders permission due to limited use) M1A1 Carbine (British Para only and only with unit leaders permission due to limited use) Sub machine guns: (Semi auto ok) Sten MkII (with unit leaders permission due to limited use) Sten MkV (with unit leaders permission due to limited use) Machine guns: (Semi auto ok) Bren MkI or II (with unit leaders permission due to limited use) Vickers (with unit leaders permission due to limited use and need for a crew) Note: Propane oxygen gas simulator set ups for the Vickers machine gun is also acceptable if done safely. Sidearms: Preferred sidearms Colt M1911 or M1911A1 (Most Common for Paras) Enfield No2 Mk1 Webley Mk IV Browning (Hi-power) FN-Inglis No. 3 Mk 1 (later war) Smith and Wesson model 10 (victory) in .38 S&W Acceptable sidearms (with prior approval) Webley Mk VI (Converted to .45ACP ok). Colt New Service in .455 Eley (converted to .45ACP ok). S&W Hand Ejector in .455 Eley (Converted to .45ACP ok). Note: Pistols can only be used with unit leaders approval. Pistols usually only to be used by officers, NCO's and weapons crews. Fighting knives: Fairbairn Sykes Mk 1, 2 or 3 Ross fighting knife (1st Canadian Para only) USMC stiletto fighting knife (for 1st Canadian Para only with no markings on the blade & black in color) Heavy support weapons: P.I.A.T. anti tank weapon (with unit leaders permission due to limited use) 2 inch lightweight mortar MkVII* or MkVIII (with unit leaders permission due to limited use) |
Left: Picture illustrates a properly loaded 5 round clip for the Enfield rifle. Below: A properly loaded 10 round Enfield rifle magazine. |