History of WWI Primer 114: German Maschinen Pistole 18, I a.k.a. MP18,I Documentary

The MP 18,I, the first submachine gun in WWI, weighs 9.3 lbs and is 32 inches long. It utilizes a 32-round Luger Trommel magazine, which causes a left-side weight bias. Operating from an open bolt, it features a single-stage, fully automatic trigger. While recoil is minimal with 9mm, the heavy bolt mass impacts precision, and its sights are designed for short-range suppressive fire.

This episode of American Rifleman Television's "I Have This Old Gun" features a deep dive into two classic German submachine guns: the MP18 and the MP28. The video likely explores their historical significance, design features, and potentially their performance, offering a detailed look at these iconic firearms from the early 20th century.

This video compares the rate of fire and controllability of three open-bolt submachine guns: the WWI MP18, the WWII MP40, and a modern M11A1 with a Lage Mk31 A2 conversion. While historical SMGs like the MP40 offer excellent controllability due to slower rates of fire and design, modern conversions like the Lage kit significantly increase ROF. Factors influencing controllability include gun weight, bolt weight, spring tension, and ammunition power.

The MP-28,II, an evolution of the MP-18,I by Hugo Schmeisser, introduced a crucial double-stack, single-feed box magazine that became a standard for later SMGs. Key improvements include selective fire (semi/full auto) and an upgraded tangent rear sight. Despite its advanced design for the era, it saw limited official German adoption until WWII, finding greater export success internationally.

The MP40, an iconic WWII German submachine gun, evolved from earlier designs like the MP38, featuring a stamped receiver for mass production. Despite its controllable cyclic rate and underfolding stock, its double-feed magazine was a significant weakness, prone to stoppages in harsh conditions. Originally developed to circumvent post-WWI arms limitations, it became a symbol of German forces and is now a sought-after NFA collector's item.

Brandon Herrera reviews the FN MTL-30, a 30mm grenade launcher drawing comparisons to the Warhammer 40k Bolter, highlighting its recent U.S. Army contract. The video also touches on FN's SCAR platform evolution, Canadian gun control issues, Palmetto State Armory's civilian-focused mission, and the acquisition of historical firearms like the MG08/15 and MP18.

This video demonstrates loading the rare Howell Automatic Rifle, a semi-automatic conversion of the SMLE. It showcases the efficient use of four 5-round stripper clips to fill the 20-round detachable box magazine with .303 British ammunition. The process highlights the mechanical operation of chambering a round after magazine insertion.

This review showcases the Springfield 1903 Air Service Rifle, highlighting its unique 25-round extended magazine and loading procedure using stripper clips. The demonstration includes live fire from a standing position, emphasizing the bolt-action operation and recoil management of the .30-06 cartridge. Visual analysis in slow motion captures muzzle blast and barrel harmonics, concluding with target results at 70 yards.

This ASMR video showcases the unique Lancaster 4-barrel pistol, demonstrating its loading, action closure, and firing mechanisms. The presenter highlights the .455 Webley caliber and a 4-round capacity, emphasizing smooth mechanical operation and proper muzzle discipline. The content is geared towards experienced firearm enthusiasts due to its historical nature and focus on technical details.

This video provides a detailed live-fire demonstration of the WWI-era Lewis Gun. It showcases the unique process of loading the 47-round pan magazine and mounting it onto the firearm. The footage includes full-auto fire, slow-motion analysis of the cycling action, and target results at 50 yards, highlighting the weapon's effectiveness and handling characteristics.