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MP
38 AND 40
The
MP-38 and MP-40, often incorrectly referred as "Schmeissers", were
developed by german engineer Follmer at the Erma company and adopted by
Wehrmacht (German Army) in 1938 and 1940, respectively. The MP-40 is a further
modification of the MP-38. Total of some 1.2 millions of MP-38/40 were
manufactured prior and during WW2. Initially, MP-38 was intended for use by
paratroopers and vehicle
crews, but later was widely used by german infantry.
Both
MP-38 and MP-40 were blowback operated, full auto only submachine guns. MP-38
featured steel machined receiver, while MP-40 featured stamped receiver and
stamped magazine veil to make the gun cheaper. The charging handle (located at
the left side of the receiver) was used as a safety, locking the bolt in forward
or rearward position when placed in cut slots in the receiver. Both MP-38 and
MP-40 fired from the open bolt. Both featured special rate of fire reducer, that
resulted in very controllable rate of fire of some 400-500 rounds per minute.
Both guns featured special detail below the barrel to use the guns from armoured
wehicles. Both guns featured underfolding steel buttstock. Both MP-38 and MP-40
featured fixed and hooded front sight and flippable rear sight with settings for
100 and 200 meters.
The
main drawbacks of the MP 38/40 were the lack of the front handguards that often
resulted burned hands during the sustained fire, and the lack of the effective
range, when compared to its soviet counterparts (PPSch-41, PPS-43), chambered
for more powerful 7.62mm TT round.
Caliber:
9x19mm Luger/Para
Weight: 4,7 kg loaded, 4,03 kg
empty
Lenght (stock closed/open):
630/833 mm
Barrel lenght: mm
Rate of fire: 500 rounds per
minute
Magazine capacity: 32 rounds
Effective range: ca. 100 meters
MP
38
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MP40
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