The following report on the Schmeisser MP40 Submachine Gun was published in Foreign Military Weapons and Equipment, Vol. III, Infantry Weapons, Pamphlet No. 30-7-4, Department of the Army, 1954.
9-mm Submachine Gun MP40 (Schmeisser)
(MACHINENPISTOLE M40)
This weapon is an improved version of the MP38 which was designed for use by parachute troops. Because of its simple construction and general reliability it was produced and issued in large quantities to all Army units. Of excellent design, these “machine pistols”, as the Germans called them, proved superior to all other types of German submachine guns and rapidly replaced all earlier weapons of this type.
The MP38 and the MP40 are almost identical in appearance and operation. However, the MP40 is slightly lighter in weight, has a slower (and more practical) rate of fire, and has a smooth barrel and receiver jacket in place of the corrugated jacket on the MP38. To increase the firepower, some of the late models of the MP40 weapons have a modified magazine housing which will accommodate two 32-round magazines mounted side by side. When one magazine has been emptied, it can be moved out of the bolt-barrel line and the unused magazine moved into line for firing.
The MP40 is recognized by: (1) The folding metal stock; (2) the curved magazine guide; (3) the corrugated metal fore-end; (4) the prominent receiver lock screw just rearward of the magazine guide; and (5) the slotted sling holder cut through the rear of the receiver housing just above the stock release button.
Large numbers of these weapons were captured and used by the Soviets during World War II and may still be held in reserve stocks.
RECOGNITION FEATURES
CHARACTERISTICS
System of operation Blowback; automatic fire only Caliber 9-mm (caliber .354) Weight: Without magazine 4.0 kg (aprx. 9 lb) With one loaded magazine 4.7 kg (aprx. 10.4 lb) With two loaded magazines 5.3 kg (aprx. 11.4 lb) Length over-all: With stock folded 625-mm (25 in. aprx) With stock extended 856-mm (34 in. aprx) Length of barrel 250-mm (9.8 in) Feeding devices 32-round box magazine Sights: Front Hooded-blade Rear Open V. Standing leaf sight. One folding leaf sight for use at 100 meters. Behind this is another folding leaf, sighted for use at 200 meters Muzzle velocity 390 m/s (1,280 fps) Effective rate of fire 80-90 rpm in short bursts; 120-180 rpm in long bursts Cyclic rate of fire (aprx) 400-500 rpm Effective range 200 m (aprx 220 yd) Ammunition 9-mm Parabellum cartridges
