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

Published on November 2, 2021
Duration: 12:19

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.

Quick Summary

The 'System Schmeisser' upgrade for the WWI MP-18 submachine gun replaced the awkward 32-round snail drum with a 20-round box magazine. This conversion, primarily for German police use post-WWI, simplified feeding and influenced later SMG designs.

Chapters

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the 'System Schmeisser' upgrade for the MP-18 submachine gun?

The 'System Schmeisser' was an upgrade for the WWI-era MP-18 submachine gun that replaced its original, cumbersome 32-round snail drum magazine with a more reliable 20-round box magazine, improving its functionality for police use.

Why was the MP-18 upgraded with a box magazine after WWI?

Following WWI, the Treaty of Versailles restricted German military submachine guns. The MP-18, primarily used by police, needed a more modern and reliable magazine system than the original snail drum, leading to Hugo Schmeisser's box magazine conversion.

What caliber could the Schmeisser box magazine for the MP-18 accommodate?

The 20-round box magazine designed by Schmeisser was versatile and could accommodate various cartridges up to 9x25mm Mauser, reflecting the diverse calibers in use by German police and other forces at the time.

Did the Schmeisser box magazine require modification of the MP-18's bolt?

No, the Schmeisser box magazine featured a single-stack feed. This design choice simplified the conversion process, as it allowed the use of the original MP-18 bolt without modification, which was designed for a single-position feed.

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