The Erma EMP36 is a rare precursor to the MP38/MP40, showcasing early design elements like an underfolding stock and muzzle hook. Its complex bolt assembly and telescopic mainspring highlight its prototype nature, with many features later simplified for mass production. Only two examples are known to exist, making it a critical piece of firearms history.
This video delves into the Schmeisser MK-36,II, a prototype submachine gun that predated the MP38. It highlights the design's open-bolt blowback operation, unique magazine safety, and Hugo Schmeisser's inter-war design evolution. The review also contrasts a German trial variant with a Hungarian trial version, noting differences in caliber and charging handle.
The Haenel MKb42(H) was the original prototype for the German Sturmgewehr, pioneering the intermediate cartridge and selective-fire concept. Despite initial rejection by Hitler, its stamped construction and open-bolt design addressed wartime material shortages and provided increased firepower. Lessons learned from its troop trials directly influenced the development of the iconic MP43/StG 44 series.
This comprehensive review of the StG 44, presented by Brandon Herrera, details its historical significance as the original modern assault rifle. It covers its development by Hugo Schmeisser, its role in bridging the gap between submachine guns and rifles, and the naming controversy involving Hitler. The video also provides a technical breakdown of its ergonomics, the 8mm Kurz cartridge, and internal mechanics, including a field strip to illustrate its long-stroke gas piston and tilting bolt.
The Schmeisser MP-28,II is Hugo Schmeisser's refined version of the MP-18, featuring a more efficient milled receiver and a crucial selector lever for semi-auto and full-auto fire. Its box magazine design influenced later iconic submachine guns like the MP-38/40 and Sten. Despite a front-heavy characteristic typical of early SMGs, the MP-28,II offers smooth handling and control during automatic fire, with a lower rate of fire than its predecessor.
This video details the 'System Schmeisser' upgrade for the WWI-era MP-18 submachine gun, focusing on the transition from the awkward snail drum magazine to a more reliable 20-round box magazine. It highlights Hugo Schmeisser's role, the post-Versailles Treaty context for German police firearms, and the technical rationale behind the single-stack magazine design. The upgrade significantly influenced later submachine gun designs like the MP-38 and MP-40.
This WWI Primer episode from C&Rsenal delves into the history, function, and live-fire demonstration of the Danish Bergmann 1910 pistol. Hosted by Othais and Mae, the documentary explores this WWI firearm as part of the centennial anniversary series. The video also provides links to support the channel, purchase merchandise, and references additional reading material and related content, including other Bergmann pistol reviews.
Brandon Herrera, demonstrating high expertise through hands-on disassembly, debunks the myth that the AK-47 is a direct copy of the STG-44. He highlights critical mechanical differences, particularly the AK-47's rotating bolt and long-stroke piston system, which are more akin to the M1 Garand, versus the STG-44's tilting block mechanism. The video emphasizes that while the STG-44 pioneered the assault rifle concept, its internal design lineage leads more towards Heckler & Koch rifles.
The Schmeisser MP41 is a unique hybrid submachine gun, merging the MP40's upper receiver with the MP28's lower receiver and wooden stock. Designed by Hugo Schmeisser, it offered selective fire, unlike the MP40, and was primarily exported to Romania. Despite its hybrid nature, it shared many components with the MP40 and was produced in limited numbers.
The MP-28,II, an evolution of the MP-18,I by Hugo Schmeisser, introduced a crucial double-stack, single-feed box magazine that became a standard for later SMGs. Key improvements include selective fire (semi/full auto) and an upgraded tangent rear sight. Despite its advanced design for the era, it saw limited official German adoption until WWII, finding greater export success internationally.
The MP-18,I, designed by Hugo Schmeisser, is recognized as the first true submachine gun to see combat, establishing a design standard. It features a simple blowback, open-bolt mechanism and was initially intended for box magazines but adapted to use 32-round Luger drum magazines. Its tactical employment involved specialized machine gun squads or distribution among riflemen, influencing close-quarters combat tactics.
This expert-level review of 'The Schmeisser Myth' by Martin Helebrant, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, delves into the complex history of German submachine guns. The book meticulously debunks the myth that Hugo Schmeisser designed the MP40, attributing its development to ERMA technicians and German trials officers, while clarifying Schmeisser's actual design of the MP41. It covers early WWI submachine guns, the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on German arms development, and provides extensive technical details on MP38/MP40 variants, magazines, and accessories, making it an invaluable resource for firearms collectors and historians.
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