American Rifleman TV: German MP40

Published on December 21, 2010
Duration: 5:04

This video provides a historical and technical overview of the German MP40 submachine gun, a descendant of the MP18 and a significant firearm of World War II. It details its development from the MP38, highlighting its innovative use of stamped and welded parts for faster, cheaper production compared to earlier machined firearms. The MP40's design, including its folding stock and blowback operation, is discussed, along with its widespread adoption by German forces and its influence on later submachine gun designs.

Quick Summary

The German MP40 submachine gun, chambered in 9mm Luger, was a highly iconic firearm of World War II. Developed from the MP38, its production was revolutionized by the extensive use of stamped and welded metal parts, making it cheaper and faster to manufacture. Over 750,000 MP40s were produced between 1938 and 1944.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Iconic WWII Firearm
  2. 00:08Descendant of MP18
  3. 00:15Submachine Gun of WWII
  4. 00:45Ubiquitous Schmeisser
  5. 00:49WWI Submachine Guns
  6. 01:02Post-WWI Arms Restrictions
  7. 01:19Demand for New SMG
  8. 01:26Erma's Secret Development
  9. 01:33The MP38
  10. 01:469mm Submachine Gun
  11. 01:57Stamped and Welded Parts
  12. 02:17Open Bolt Blowback Action
  13. 02:22MP40 Development
  14. 02:28Cheaper Manufacturing
  15. 02:43Production Numbers
  16. 02:519mm Luger Caliber
  17. 02:55Desired Weapon
  18. 03:00Popularity with Soldiers
  19. 03:06Wide Distribution
  20. 03:16Issue Rate per Squad
  21. 03:21Best Submachine Guns of War
  22. 03:25Widely Copied Designs
  23. 03:36Ergonomic Touches
  24. 03:43Smooth Bolt Operation
  25. 03:46Continuous Recoil Principle
  26. 03:54Blowback Operation
  27. 03:56Telescoping Shroud
  28. 04:02Hugo Schmeisser Patents
  29. 04:12Schmeisser's Influence
  30. 04:27MP38 and MP40 Design
  31. 04:44Schmeisser's Vexation
  32. 04:51Army's Perspective
  33. 04:59Schmeisser's Lack of Involvement

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the German MP40 submachine gun so iconic during World War II?

The MP40 became the most iconic firearm of German forces in WWII due to its widespread use, distinctive appearance, and frequent portrayal in films. It was a symbol of German military presence on battlefields from Russia to North Africa.

How did the MP40 differ from its predecessor, the MP38, in terms of production?

The MP40 was significantly cheaper and faster to produce than the MP38. It achieved this by extensively using stamped and welded metal parts, which required less complex tooling and could be farmed out to subcontractors, unlike the MP38's more traditional machined components.

What caliber was the German MP40 chambered in, and how many were produced?

The German MP40 submachine gun was chambered in 9mm Luger. Between 1938 and 1944, over 750,000 MP40s were manufactured, making it a widely distributed and highly desired weapon.

Did Hugo Schmeisser design the MP40, and what was his role?

While Hugo Schmeisser held patents for key features like the blowback operation and telescoping recoil spring shroud used in the MP40, he had little direct involvement in its design and development. He is credited with the earlier MP18, and his patents were utilized by Erma for the MP38 and MP40.

Related News

All News →

More General Videos You Might Like

More from NRApubs

View all →