Even though The MP-40 was not the first submachine gun in the world, it became the standard for many subsequent models. Its design, based on its predecessor MP-38, was distinguished by its simplicity and manufacturability - most parts were made by stamping, which reduced the cost of production. Today Schmeiser is not only a museum exhibit, but also an object of interest for collectors, replicators and historians.
In this article we will look at MP-40 technical specifications, its design, combat qualities and comparable to other submachine guns of that time. You will also find out why this particular slot machine has become so popular and where it can be seen today.
History of creation: from MP-38 to the legendary MP-40
Development MP-40 began in the late 1930s based on the model MP-38created by the constructor Hugo Schmeisser (despite a common misconception, the inventor’s last name is spelled with two “s”). The first samples entered service in 1940, hence the “40” in the name. The main task was to create a light, compact and reliable weapon for motorized units, paratroopers and officers.
Distinctive feature MP-40 began replacing milled parts with stamped ones, which significantly reduced the cost of production. For example, the receiver was now made from sheet steel, rather than machined from a single piece of metal, as in MP-38. This made it possible to increase output to over 1 million units by the end of the war.
It's interesting that the title "Schmeisser" became attached to the weapon thanks to the propaganda of the Allies, who mistakenly attributed the authorship of the entire line MP Hugo Schmeisser. In fact, he worked on other projects, e.g. StG 44, and MP-40 was developed by a team of engineers led by Heinrich Volmer.
- 📅 1938 - adoption MP-38, predecessor MP-40.
- 🔧 1940 - start of mass production MP-40 with a simplified design.
- 🎖️ 1941–1945 - massive use in battles on the Eastern and Western Fronts.
- 🏆 After the war — MP-40 became one of the most copied submachine guns in the world.
MP-40 Specifications: What Made It So Effective
MP-40 belongs to the class of submachine guns chambered for 9×19 mm Parabellum. Its key features are open shutter, which simplified the design, and blowback without locking, which ensured a high rate of fire. The weight of the weapon was only 4.7 kg in equipped condition, and the length is 833 mm (with the butt folded - 630 mm).
One of the main advantages was reliability in extreme conditions. For example, MP-40 could shoot even after falling into mud or snow, which was critical for the Eastern Front. However, it also had a drawback: due to the lack of adjustment of the rate of fire 500–550 rounds per minute ammunition consumption occurred very quickly.
| Characteristics | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9×19 mm Parabellum |
| Length (with stock folded) | 630 mm |
| Weight (without magazine) | 4.03 kg |
| Magazine capacity | 32 rounds |
| Effective firing range | 100–150 m |
Deserves special attention store: It was made of steel and had a double-row arrangement of cartridges, which reduced the risk of jamming. However, it had a drawback - the difficulty of reloading in battle, since the cartridges had to be inserted one at a time or use a special clip.
Design and principle of operation: how Schmeisser works inside
MP-40 works on the principle blowback recoil. This means that the bolt does not lock when fired, but is held in the forward position only by the mass and force of the return spring. When you press the trigger, the bolt moves forward, chambers a cartridge, fires, and then the bolt rolls back, removing the cartridge case and cocking the hammer.
Main weapon components:
- 🔫 Receiver — stamped, with guides for the shutter.
- 🔄 Shutter - massive, with cutouts for lightening and a cocking handle.
- 📦 Store — removable, box-type, with a spring feeder.
- 🎯 Sights - open sight with divisions into
100and200meters.
Disassembly MP-40 took less than a minute and required no tools. It was enough for the soldier:
- Separate the store.
- Move the bolt to its rearmost position and lock it.
- Press the receiver lock and remove it.
- Remove the bolt and return spring.
Inspect the barrel for contamination |
Check magazine fixation|
Make sure the shutter moves freely|
Check the presence of lubricant on rubbing parts
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One of the features was folding metal stock, which made it possible to reduce the size of the weapon during transportation. However, shooting with a folded stock was extremely inconvenient due to strong recoil.
Combat use: where and how the MP-40 was used
MP-40 became the main close combat weapon for German soldiers, especially in the following units:
- ☂️ Paratroopers (Fallschirmjäger) - its compactness and lightness made it ideal for landing operations (for example, the capture of the Eben-Emael fortress in 1940).
- 🚗 Motorized parts - crews of armored vehicles and tankers often had MP-40 as a personal weapon.
- ⚔️ Assault groups - in urban battles, such as the Battle of Stalingrad, the machine gun was indispensable.
- 👮 Officers and non-commissioned officers - as a status symbol and a means of self-defense.
On the Eastern Front MP-40 often opposed the Soviet PPSh-41, which surpassed it in magazine capacity (71 rounds against 32) and rate of fire. However, the German machine gun was more accurate and reliable in extreme conditions. For example, in the Battle of Berlin in 1945 MP-40 used in basements and narrow streets where its compactness gave an advantage.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the popularity MP-40 had limited ammunition. In protracted battles, soldiers had to carry multiple magazines or switch to carbines such as Kar98k.
Interesting fact: after the war MP-40 continued to be used in various conflicts, including Vietnam War (in the Vietnamese army) and even in Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Many countries produced unlicensed copies of it, e.g. M3 Grease Gun in the USA was inspired by the German design.
Comparison with analogues: MP-40 vs PPSh-41 vs Thompson
To understand why MP-40 became so popular, let's compare it with the main competitors of that time:
| Characteristics | MP-40 (Germany) | PPSh-41 (USSR) | Thompson M1A1 (USA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9×19 mm |
7.62×25 mm |
.45 ACP |
| Magazine capacity | 32 rounds |
71 rounds |
20/30 rounds |
| Rate of fire (rounds/min) | 500–550 |
900–1000 |
600–700 |
| Weight (kg) | 4,7 |
5,3 |
4,9 |
| Benefits | Compactness, reliability, accuracy | High rate of fire, large magazine | Powerful cartridge, durability |
MP-40 wins in accuracy and convenience, especially at distances up to 100 meters. Soviet PPSh-41 was cheaper and shot faster, but its cartridge 7.62×25 mm had less stopping power. American Thompson, despite the powerful cartridge .45 ACP, was heavier and more expensive to produce.
Another advantage MP-40 — ergonomics. Its pistol grip and folding stock made it easier to handle than, for example, the British STEN, which was cheap but extremely inconvenient.
If you see MP-40 in movies or games, pay attention to the magazine - in reality it was inserted on the left, and not on the right, as is sometimes shown in movies!
Where can you see the MP-40 today: museums, replicas and collectibles
Original MP-40 today they are rare and expensive exhibits. They can be found in the following places:
- 🏛️ Museums:
- Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk (Poland).
- Imperial War Museum in London (UK).
- Museum of weapons in Tula (Russia).
- 🎮 Replies: For shooting, paintball and airsoft copies are used (for example, from Tokyo Marui or CYMA).
- 💰 Collectors: Original copies at auctions (eg. Rock Island Auction) are sold for
$10 000–$30 000.
In some countries (for example, the USA) you can legally purchase semi-automatic version chambered for 9 mm, but it must comply with local gun laws. Original in Russia and CIS countries MP-40 are prohibited for civil circulation.
⚠️ Attention: Please check your local laws before purchasing a replica or deactivated copy. For example, in the EU, deactivation must comply with the standard EU Gun Deactivation Regulations, otherwise the weapon may be confiscated.
For those who want to feel like a soldier of World War II, there are interactive museums, where you can hold the deactivated MP-40 or shoot his replica. For example, in Moscow, in the Patriot Park, historical reconstructions using copies of these weapons are regularly held.
Why is the MP-40 often confused with the MP-38?
Although these models are almost identical in appearance, they MP-38 the receiver was milled, and MP-40 - stamped. In addition, MP-38 had a wooden butt (not folding), but MP-40 - metal folding.
Myths and reality: what’s wrong with films about Schmeiser
Thanks to movies and video games around MP-40 many myths have arisen. Let's look at the most common ones:
Myth 1: “Schmeisser could fire bursts of 1,000 rounds per minute.”
Reality: The rate of fire was 500–550 shots/min. The rate of fire was higher PPSh-41 (900–1000 shots/min).
Myth 2: “German soldiers always carried 10 magazines for the MP-40.”
Reality: Standard layout - 3–4 stores (96–128 rounds). It was simply uncomfortable to wear anymore.
Myth 3: "The MP-40 was the best submachine gun of the war."
Reality: He was one of the best in terms of balance of characteristics, but was inferior PPSh-41 in firepower and Thompson in stopping action.
Myth 4: “Schmeisser could penetrate body armor.”
Reality: Cartridge 9×19 mm did not penetrate standard armor plates of that era (for example, Soviet CH-42).
Another popular stereotype is the sound of gunfire. In films MP-40 often sounds like "tra-ta-ta-ta", but in fact the timbre was duller and less rhythmic due to the blowback action.
The MP-40 was not a universal weapon - its effectiveness was limited to a distance of 100–150 meters. At greater distances, accuracy dropped sharply.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the MP-40
❓ How many rounds did the MP-40 magazine hold?
Standard store MP-40 accommodated 32 rounds caliber 9×19 mm Parabellum. There were also experimental options on 64 rounds (double magazines), but they were rare.
❓ Why is the MP-40 called “Schmeisser” if it was not developed by Hugo Schmeisser?
This is a mistake in Allied propaganda, which attributed the authorship of all German submachine guns to Hugo Schmeisser. In fact, he worked on other projects, e.g. StG 44. Real developer MP-40 was Heinrich Volmer.
❓ Is it possible to legally buy an MP-40 today?
Original in most countries MP-40 are prohibited for civil circulation. However, you can purchase:
- Deactivated copies (without the ability to fire).
- Semi-automatic replicas chambered for cartridges
9 mm(for example, in the USA). - Airsoft or paintball copies.
In Russia and the CIS countries, originals are prohibited, and replicas are subject to registration as edged or pneumatic weapons.
❓ What was the effective firing range of the MP-40?
The sighting range was 200 meters, but efficient - no more 100–150 meters. At longer distances, the dispersion of bullets became too great.
❓ How was the MP-40 different from the MP-38?
Main differences:
- MP-38 had a milled receiver, and MP-40 - stamped.
- MP-38 was equipped with a wooden butt, and MP-40 - metal folding.
- MP-40 was cheaper and faster to produce.