MP41 Submachine Gun with Leather Sling – Inert Replica

The MP41 Maschinenpistole was an unusual German submachine gun of World War II, designed by Hugo Schmeisser and manufactured by C.G. Haenel of Suhl. Appearing in 1941, it closely resembled the MP40 at first glance but was actually a hybrid combining elements from two different families of submachine guns.

Its upper assembly and much of its operating system were derived from the MP40, while its fixed wooden stock, lower assembly and elements of the trigger mechanism followed concepts found on the earlier MP28, another design closely associated with Schmeisser.

The most obvious difference from the MP40 was the fixed wooden stock, replacing the MP40's folding metal stock. More importantly, the MP41 incorporated a fire selector, allowing both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire, whereas the standard military MP40 was designed for fully automatic fire only.

The original weapon was chambered for 9 × 19 mm Parabellum and fed from a detachable 32-round magazinecompatible with the MP40. It operated by simple blowback from an open bolt and had a comparatively low cyclic rate of approximately 500-550 rounds per minute.

Contrary to some simplified commercial descriptions, the MP41 was never formally adopted as a standard Wehrmacht service weapon. Production remained comparatively limited, with a substantial number supplied to Romania, then an ally of Germany. Limited use by German police and other formations has also been recorded or reported.

Production was undertaken by C.G. Haenel, and original examples carry the distinctive marking “M.P.41 Patent Schmeisser C.G. Haenel, Suhl”. Unlike many German military weapons of the period, both Schmeisser's name and the manufacturer's identity therefore appeared openly on the receiver.

The MP41's production life was relatively short. Patent disputes involving ERMA, the company connected with the development of the MP38 and MP40, also contributed to its limited manufacture. As a result, the MP41 remained far less common than the mass-produced MP40.

This inert replica reproduces the characteristic MP41 configuration with a predominantly metal construction, wooden stock and furniture, and a leather sling. The magazine can be removed, while the movable mechanism simulates loading and trigger operation without being capable of firing projectiles.

Measuring 86 cm in overall length and weighing approximately 3,235 g, the replica reproduces the substantial proportions of the historical weapon. Its large fixed wooden stock makes the MP41 immediately distinguishable from the much more familiar MP40.

Collector's note: Allied soldiers frequently referred to the MP40 as a “Schmeisser”, even though Hugo Schmeisser did not design it. The much rarer MP41, however, really was designed by Hugo Schmeisser, and original examples actually carry his name on the receiver.

Technical specifications

• Type: inert collector's replica

• Model reproduced: MP41 Maschinenpistole

• Historical period: World War II

• Original model: 1941

• Materials: metal, wood and leather

• Stock: wood

• Sling: leather, included

• Overall length: 86 cm

• Weight: 3,235 g

• Magazine: removable

• Mechanism: simulated loading and trigger action

• Operation: inert replica, incapable of firing projectiles

• EAN: 8435089791242