MP-40/I: The Dual-Magazine Experimental MP-40

Published on September 23, 2017
Duration: 4:17

This guide details the installation and operation of the experimental MP-40/I dual-magazine housing, as explained by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers replacing the standard housing with the wider unit, inserting two 32-round magazines, and the sliding mechanism used to switch between them. The guide also touches on potential drawbacks like increased weight and stock compatibility issues, reflecting the experimental nature of the device.

Quick Summary

The MP-40/I was an experimental German submachine gun designed to hold two 32-round magazines, doubling its immediate ammunition capacity. Developed in late 1942, it featured a sliding housing to switch between magazines but suffered from increased front-heaviness and stock compatibility issues, preventing widespread adoption.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the MP-40/I
  2. 00:27Mechanism of the Dual-Magazine Housing
  3. 01:11Design Details and Disassembly
  4. 02:03Experimental Status and Drawbacks
  5. 03:03Stock Compatibility Issues
  6. 03:34Rarity and Markings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MP-40/I?

The MP-40/I is an experimental German submachine gun developed in late 1942. Its primary innovation was a housing designed to hold two standard 32-round magazines simultaneously, allowing for a doubled immediate ammunition capacity.

What were the main drawbacks of the MP-40/I?

The MP-40/I suffered from several significant drawbacks, including becoming excessively front-heavy, making magazine changes slower than the standard MP-40, and the bulky housing preventing the folding stock from closing flush.

How did the MP-40/I double its ammunition capacity?

It achieved this by replacing the standard magazine housing with a wider, sliding mechanism that could accommodate two 32-round MP-40 magazines. The user would slide the housing to switch from the first empty magazine to the second loaded one.

Is the MP-40/I a common firearm?

No, the MP-40/I is extremely rare. It was developed as an experimental device and never widely adopted by German forces. Very few examples exist today, often found in specialized historical collections.

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