MP40 (Maschinenpistole 40) Submachine Gun (SMG)

The German MP40 Submachine Gun was a refined version of the revolutionary MP38 model intended for mass production.

 Updated: 5/9/2017; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com

As the original German Army MP38 submachine gun series proving a success, it was also too expensive for war time production. As such, the MP40 was offered up as a slightly reworked design featuring more in the way of welded steel construction and pressed components. Modifications to the internal components were also made that attempted to decrease the number of jamming incidences being reported with operational use of the original MP38.

With these changes in hand, the MP40 became the definitive submachine gun for the German Army in the latter stages of World War 2. The weapon continued the revolutionary thinking behind the original German submachine gun approach including its folding stock and long magazine that doubled as the forward grip. The relatively compact size of the gun proved ideal for forces on the march, in particular, the German mechanized forces on all fronts. Its use, however, was not restricted as such for the submachine gun could stock the inventories of special operatives and logistical, second-line personnel as well.