Armi-Capitolo I (Weapons-Chapter 1)

Front Firing PPK Replica (blanks only)

When it comes to partisan weapons, the general admonition is, “Determine what is known and what is plausible, and adopt what is most likely.” Some considerations:

• In urban areas behind German lines a partisan seeks to ‘hide in plain sight’ by blending in with the population in both clothing and manner and will carry little more than a hidden pistol (if that) and proper, but forged, identity papers.
• On routine business in the open countryside behind the lines where the possibility of being stopped and searched is greater, a hidden pistol would most certainly be rewarded with a trip to Rome’s notorious Regina Coeli prison interrogation center.
• While operating (hopefully in secret) behind the lines as part of a partisan band, rifles and submachine guns may be necessary to the incursion, but minimal other equipment is typically carried so as to simplify escape and evasion.
• As part of a larger Allied force, a partisan would typically need more than a pistol and require a canteen and something in which to carry incidentals. This is the scenario most common at tactical events; the proximity to Allied reenactors provides some justification for the partisan to have occasional access to Allied weaponry, rations, and some gear.

Handguns:

• Italy: Beretta 1934 or 1935, Glisenti M1910, Nagant M1895
• Germany: Walther P-38 or PPK*, Luger P-08, FN P35
• UK: .455 Webley or Enfield, .380 British service
• US: 1911* and variants

*A few of these pistols are reproduced as blank-fire-only replicas, however only two, the Walther PPK and the M1911 are available in 'front firing' configuration. The P-38 and many of the PPKs and 1911s are 'top venting' - not the best option. I'm most comfortable when the blast comes out of the expected hole (the muzzle); not out of the top, which could prove uncomfortable in those circumstances where one is aiming high because of the proximity of one's opponent.

Standard-issue German and Italian pistols typically came through German or Italian channels, likely taken from assassinated Nazi or Fascist officials or otherwise pilfered from military stocks. I read somewhere that between the wars, quantities of Russian-made Nagant pistols were purchased by Italian municipal and other civil police forces; these would have ended up in partisan hands in much the same fashion. Other handguns, while not necessarily of Anglo-American manufacture, may have come through OSS or SOE channels, or were acquired in extralegal transactions elsewhere.

Rifles:

• Italy: Carcano (any model), Vetterli-Vitali
• Germany: K98 Mauser
• UK: Enfield
• Austria: Steyr-Mannlicher M1895
• US: 1903 Springfield, M1 Carbine*, M-1 Garand (rare)*

*Most events require that semiautomatic weapons be blank fire adapted so that they operate as they would when firing live ammunition. Usually, a semiautomatic weapon can be blank fire adapted by either of the following:

• Modify the muzzle to accept a removable restrictor that provides the necessary gas pressure to cycle the action. This can be pricey and the alteration may negatively affect the resale value of the firearm.
• Install a removable blank fire adaptor on the muzzle. These devices may not be available for all guns and are often large and unsightly.

For this reason, consider acquiring a blank-firing, front-firing pistol, or a revolver or suitable bolt-action rifle, neither of which require modification for use with blank ammunition.

Ammunition used at battle reenactments must not discharge any sort of projectile. Crimped casings are preferred, however some events also allow wax-sealed cartridges.

To summarize, when considering weaponry, Italian source should be first choice with German running a close second, especially as regards handguns for behind-the-lines use. It is generally true that prior to the liberation of Rome the British were more inclined to equip the Italian partisans than were the Americans. Some events take this to an extreme by prohibiting Italian partisan reenactors from wearing U.S.-design gear or carrying U.S. weapons. Therefore, unless otherwise documented, British is third in likelihood with U.S. in a distant fifth place.