WW2 Field Museum

Steel and Fire: Small Arms of World War II

"Carried by millions, these were the weapons that shaped the fate of nations - one trigger pull at a time."

Welcome to the Small Armaments of World War II exhibit, a journey into the weapons that were wielded not from tanks or bombers, but from the hands of soldiers in trenches, forests and city streets across the globe.

These rifles, pistols, submachine guns and sidearms were more than just tools of war - they were constant companions to the men and women who bore them. From the reliable American M1 Garand to the rugged Soviet PPSh-41, the infamous German MP40 to the enduring British Lee Enfield, each weapon tells a story of innovation, desperation and determination.

As you explore this collection, consider how these small arms reflected the doctrines, industries and identities of the nations that produced them. These were the…