A Police SMG Upgrade: the MP-18 System Schmeisser (audio fixed)

Published on November 2, 2021
Duration: 12:19

This guide details the historical context and technical aspects of the MP-18 System Schmeisser conversion. It covers the reasons for the upgrade, the licensing and manufacturing changes, and the technical modifications made to incorporate a 20-round box magazine. The conversion aimed to improve reliability and adapt the WWI-era submachine gun for post-war police use, influencing later firearm designs.

Quick Summary

The MP-18 System Schmeisser conversion upgraded the WWI submachine gun from a 32-round 'snail drum' to a 20-round box magazine. This was driven by post-WWI restrictions and aimed to improve reliability for police use. The single-stack design simplified the conversion and influenced later firearms like the MP-40.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the MP-18
  2. 01:00Post-WWI Restrictions and Licensing
  3. 03:51The Schmeisser Box Magazine Conversion
  4. 05:24Government Markings and Property Stamps
  5. 06:21Magazine Design and Caliber Versatility
  6. 07:40Technical Rationale for Single-Stack Feed
  7. 09:10Historical Context of the Upgrade

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary purpose of the MP-18 System Schmeisser conversion?

The primary purpose was to upgrade the WWI-era MP-18 submachine gun from its original, less reliable 32-round 'snail drum' magazine to a more modern and dependable 20-round box magazine system for police and security forces.

Why was the MP-18 design licensed to SIG in Switzerland?

Following World War I, the Treaty of Versailles prohibited Germany from possessing submachine guns. This led manufacturers like Bergmann to license designs, such as the MP-18, to foreign companies like SIG in Switzerland to circumvent these restrictions.

How did the Schmeisser conversion simplify the MP-18's operation?

Hugo Schmeisser's design utilized a single-stack box magazine. This allowed the conversion by simply replacing the magazine well, as the original MP-18 bolt was designed to feed from a single-position feed, avoiding the need for complex bolt modifications.

What historical impact did the MP-18 Schmeisser magazine have?

The innovative 20-round box magazine design developed by Schmeisser for the MP-18 conversion proved influential, directly impacting the design principles of later iconic submachine guns like the German MP-38, MP-40, and the British Sten gun.

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