MP40 Full Auto Field Strip

Published on November 13, 2015
Duration: 3:43

This guide details the field stripping process for a German MP40 submachine gun from World War II. It covers magazine removal, receiver separation, and the disassembly of the firing pin assembly and bolt. The process is described as relatively simple, comparable to or less complex than a Thompson submachine gun.

Quick Summary

The MP40 can be field stripped by first removing the magazine, then separating the upper and lower receivers by pulling the trigger and rotating them apart. The firing pin assembly and bolt are then removed from the rear. This process is considered simpler than field stripping many Thompson submachine gun models.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to MP40 Field Strip
  2. 00:07MP40 Historical Context
  3. 00:13The "Schmeisser" Misconception
  4. 00:23MP40 Caliber and Magazine Capacity
  5. 00:30MP40 Features: Resting Bar and Compactness
  6. 00:42MP40 Folding Stock
  7. 00:49MP40 Threaded Barrel and Attachments
  8. 00:59MP40 Safety Features (Open Bolt)
  9. 01:14Locking the Bolt to the Rear
  10. 01:27Beginning Field Stripping
  11. 01:31Magazine Removal
  12. 01:38Receiver Separation Mechanism
  13. 01:46Separating Upper and Lower Receivers
  14. 01:57MP40 Lower Receiver Mechanics
  15. 02:05Disassembling Firing Pin Assembly
  16. 02:10Telescoping Firing Pin Explained
  17. 02:21Bolt Removal
  18. 02:25Bolt Face vs. Firing Pin Assembly
  19. 02:36Comparison to Modern Open-Bolt Guns
  20. 02:39Overall Field Strip Simplicity
  21. 02:41MP40 vs. Thompson Field Strip Comparison
  22. 02:52Shooting Impressions: MP40 vs. Thompson
  23. 03:02Cyclic Rate and Ammo Consumption
  24. 03:04Firefight Considerations
  25. 03:18MP40 Effectiveness
  26. 03:25Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you field strip a German MP40?

To field strip an MP40, first remove the magazine. Then, pull down and rotate a disc near the receiver. Next, pull the trigger while separating the upper and lower receiver halves. Finally, remove the firing pin assembly and the bolt from the rear.

What caliber does the MP40 use?

The MP40 is chambered in 9mm Parabellum ammunition. Its magazines typically hold 32 rounds, offering a reasonable capacity.

What are some notable features of the MP40?

The MP40 features a baked-on resting bar, a compact folding stock, and a threaded barrel for suppressors or blank-firing attachments. It also has safety mechanisms for its open-bolt operation.

Is the MP40 difficult to field strip compared to other WWII submachine guns?

The MP40 is considered relatively simple to field strip, often described as less complicated than a Thompson M1A1 and significantly less so than earlier Thompson models like the 1921 or 1928.

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