MP40
Country of origin
Nazi Germany
ManufacturerErma Werke, Steyr Arms, C. G. Haenel
The MP 40 (Maschinenpistole 40) is a submachine gun chambered for the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge. Developed in Nazi Germany, it saw service with the Axis forces during World War II and extensive use post-war globally with various fighting forces.
Designed in 1938 by Heinrich Vollmer (with inspiration from its predecessor, the MP 38), it was heavily used by infantrymen (particularly by platoon- and squad-leaders), and by paratroopers, both on the Eastern and Western Fronts as well as by the crews of armoured fighting vehicles. Its advanced and modern features made it a favorite among soldiers and popular in countries from various parts of the world after the war.
The Allies often referred to the MP 40 as the "Schmeisser", after the firearms-designer Hugo Schmeisser (1884-1953). In 1917, Schmeisser had designed the MP 18, which was the first mass-produced submachine gun. He did not, however, have anything to do with the design or development of the MP 40, although he held a patent on the magazine.
The MP 40's variants included the MP 40/I and the MP 41. Erma Werke produced an estimated 1.1 million MP 40s between 1940 and 1945.
Designed in 1938 by Heinrich Vollmer (with inspiration from its predecessor, the MP 38), it was heavily used by infantrymen (particularly by platoon- and squad-leaders), and by paratroopers, both on the Eastern and Western Fronts as well as by the crews of armoured fighting vehicles. Its advanced and modern features made it a favorite among soldiers and popular in countries from various parts of the world after the war.
The Allies often referred to the MP 40 as the "Schmeisser", after the firearms-designer Hugo Schmeisser (1884-1953). In 1917, Schmeisser had designed the MP 18, which was the first mass-produced submachine gun. He did not, however, have anything to do with the design or development of the MP 40, although he held a patent on the magazine.
The MP 40's variants included the MP 40/I and the MP 41. Erma Werke produced an estimated 1.1 million MP 40s between 1940 and 1945.
