The MP40 was a revamped version of the ground-breaking MP38 submachine gun design and continued service well past the end of World War Two. By Staff Writer
Whereas the MP43 submachine gun, though proving a success, was too much for war time production, the MP40 was offered up as a redesigned model featuring more in the way of welded construction and pressed components. Modifications to the internal components were also made that decreased the number of jamming incidences.
With these changes, the MP40 became the definitive submachine gun for the German Army for the rest of the Second World War. The system, going back to the original MP43 offered up revolutionary thinking in being the first weapon system to offer up a folding stock. The small size made the weapon ideal for forces on the go, in particular, the German mechanized forces on the fronts.
Various attempts to produce specialized versions of the MP40 were made with few seeing much production. A dual-magazine version was in limited production but did not see extensive action. A wooden butt version also existed as the MP41/I. The MP40, as success would dictate, would go on to see service on a global scale with some in number even to this day.
Manufacturers of the Maschinenpistole 40 (MP40) submachine gun included Erfurter Maschinenfabrik B. Geipel GmbH, C.G. Haencl Waffen-und Fahrradfabrik AG and Osterreichische Waffenfabrik-Gesellschaft.
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Profile:
Designation:Maschinenpistole 40 (MP40) Classification Type:Submachine Gun Manufacturer:Erfurter Maschinenfabrik B. Geipel GmbH (among others) - Germany Country of Origin: Nazi Germany
Operators: Nazi Germany
Variants
MP43 - Initial Production Design on which the MP40 is based on.
MP40 - Production Designation for redesigned MP43 series of submachine guns featuring an increase in stamped and pressed components; welded construction throughout.
MP40/II - Dual-magazine design attempt featuring two 32-round detachable magazines for 64 total rounds.
MP41/I - Wooden Butt series of the MP40 base model.
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