MP 40
The MP 40 (Maschinenpistole 40) is a submachine gun chambered for the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge. It was developed in Nazi Germany and used extensively by the Axis powers during World War II.
| Maschinenpistole 40 | |
|---|---|
A Maschinenpistole 40 made by Erma Werke in 1943 with the stock unfolded | |
| Type | Submachine gun |
| Place of origin | Nazi Germany |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1939 – 1945 (Nazi Germany) 1940 – present (other countries) |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars |
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| Production history | |
| Designer | Heinrich Vollmer Berthold Geipel |
| Designed | 1938 |
| Manufacturer | |
| Unit cost | 57 ℛ︁ℳ︁ (1940) 250 EUR current equivalent |
| Produced | 1940–1945 (MP 40) |
| No. built | 1,100,000 (estimated) |
| Variants |
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| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3.97 kg (8.75 lb) |
| Length | 833 mm (32.8 in) stock extended/630 mm (24.8 in) stock folded |
| Barrel length | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Cartridge | 9×19mm Parabellum |
| Action | Straight blowback, open bolt |
| Rate of fire | 500–550 rounds/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 400 m/s (1,312 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 100–200 m (330–660 ft) |
| Maximum firing range | 250 m (820 ft) |
| Feed system | 32-round detachable box magazine, 64-round with dual magazines |
| Sights | Hooded front blade |
Designed in 1938 by Heinrich Vollmer with inspiration from its predecessor the MP 38, it was heavily used by infantrymen (particularly platoon and squad leaders), and by paratroopers, on the Eastern and Western Fronts as well as armoured fighting vehicle crews. Its advanced and modern features made it a favorite among soldiers and popular in countries from various parts of the world after the war. It was often called "Schmeisser" by the Allies, after Hugo Schmeisser, who designed the MP 18, although he was not involved in the design or production of the MP 40. The weapon's other variants included the MP 40/I and the MP 41. From 1940 to 1945, an estimated 1.1 million were produced by Erma Werke.