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The Best Submachine Guns: A Comprehensive Look at the MP 38 and MP 40

David Peterson

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Published in MP 38 And MP 40 Submachine Guns (Weapon 31)

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The MP 38 and MP 40 submachine guns are two of the most iconic weapons of World War II. They were used by the German military to great effect, and they continue to be popular with collectors and shooters today. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at these two weapons, including their history, design, and performance.

MP 38 and MP 40 Submachine Guns (Weapon 31)

MP 38 and MP 40 Submachine Guns (Weapon Book 31)

by Riley J. Ford

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	80 pages

History

The MP 38 was developed in 1938 by Erma Werke, a German arms manufacturer. It was based on the earlier MP 36, but it featured a number of improvements, including a more compact design, a higher rate of fire, and a folding stock. The MP 38 was first issued to German troops in 1939, and it quickly became one of the most popular weapons in the German arsenal.

The MP 40 was developed in 1940 as a simplified and cheaper version of the MP 38. It featured a stamped steel receiver instead of the milled steel receiver of the MP 38, and it had a slightly lower rate of fire. The MP 40 was also more compact and lighter than the MP 38, making it easier to carry and maneuver. The MP 40 quickly became the standard submachine gun of the German military, and it was used extensively throughout World War II.

Design

The MP 38 and MP 40 are both blowback-operated submachine guns. This means that they use the recoil of the fired cartridge to cycle the action. The bolt is held in place by a spring, and when the cartridge is fired, the bolt moves backward, ejecting the spent cartridge case and chambering a new cartridge. The bolt then moves forward, firing the new cartridge.

The MP 38 and MP 40 both have a simple and reliable design. They are easy to disassemble and maintain, and they can be fired from the hip or the shoulder. The MP 38 has a folding stock, which makes it more compact and easier to carry. The MP 40 has a fixed stock, which makes it more stable when firing from the shoulder.

Performance

The MP 38 and MP 40 are both accurate and reliable submachine guns. They are capable of firing a high volume of fire at a relatively short range. The MP 38 has a rate of fire of 500 rounds per minute, while the MP 40 has a rate of fire of 600 rounds per minute. Both weapons are effective at ranges of up to 100 yards.

The MP 38 and MP 40 are both powerful weapons, but they are not without their drawbacks. They are both relatively short-ranged, and they can be difficult to control when firing fully automatic. Additionally, the MP 40 is not as accurate as the MP 38, and it is more prone to jamming.

The MP 38 and MP 40 are two of the most iconic submachine guns of World War II. They were used by the German military to great effect, and they continue to be popular with collectors and shooters today. These weapons are well-made, reliable, and accurate, and they are capable of firing a high volume of fire at a relatively short range. However, they are also relatively short-ranged, and they can be difficult to control when firing fully automatic.

MP 38 and MP 40 Submachine Guns (Weapon Book 31)

by Riley J. Ford

4.8 out of 5