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Classic Weapons of World War II

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Heavy weapons

Type 96 (Japan)

Length 106cm / 41.5in
Weight 9kg / 20lb
Muzzle velocity 730m / 2,395ft per second
Cartridge 6.5mm
Magazine 30 rounds
Rate of fire 550 rounds per minute

Introduced in 1936, the Shiki Kikanju Type 96 was designed as a replacement for the earlier 11 Nen machine gun. Japanese heavy machine guns were always overcomplicated. Complications of the old 11 Nen meant rounds had to be oiled to be ejected properly.

In the event, the new Type 96 was less complicated, but the rounds were still oiled from the Bren-style, top-loading magazine. Never a great design, the Type 96 was largely unsuccessful as a weapon of this category.

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