Shooting the MP40 Submachine Gun

Published on February 21, 2017
Duration: 2:38

This guide details the safe operation and firing techniques for the MP40 submachine gun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It emphasizes the critical safety procedure of locking the bolt to the rear in the safety notch before magazine insertion, a key aspect of handling open-bolt firearms. The guide covers deploying the folding stock and basic firing from both hip and shoulder positions, highlighting the MP40's controllable cyclic rate for suppressive fire.

Quick Summary

The MP40 submachine gun is a simple blowback-operated, full-auto firearm. A critical safety procedure involves locking the bolt to the rear in the safety notch before inserting a magazine to prevent accidental discharge. Its controllable cyclic rate makes it highly effective for suppressive fire and one of the most manageable submachine guns ever produced.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Safety Procedures
  2. 00:40Hip Firing Demonstration
  3. 01:01Folding Stock and Shoulder Firing
  4. 01:37Performance and Reliability Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the critical safety procedure for operating an open-bolt firearm like the MP40?

For open-bolt firearms such as the MP40, it is crucial to pull the charging handle fully to the rear and lock it into the designated safety notch before inserting a magazine. This prevents accidental discharge when the bolt is forward.

How does the MP40's cyclic rate affect its usability?

The MP40 features an ideal cyclic rate for suppressive fire, contributing to its reputation as one of the most controllable submachine guns ever made. This allows for effective fire while maintaining weapon stability.

What are common reliability issues with original MP40 submachine guns?

Original MP40s, due to their age, may experience minor malfunctions. A common issue can be related to worn recoil springs, which might necessitate replacement for optimal performance and reliability.

What is the primary difference between open-bolt and closed-bolt firing systems?

In an open-bolt system, the bolt stays to the rear until the trigger is pulled, then moves forward to chamber and fire a round. A closed-bolt system has the bolt forward, chambered, before the trigger is pulled.

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