MP40 Submachine Gun Without Sling – Inert Replica

The Maschinenpistole 40, better known as the MP40, was one of the most recognizable and widely used German submachine guns of World War II. Introduced in 1940, it was a simplified development of the earlier MP38, designed to reduce production time and cost while retaining the operational qualities of its predecessor.

Development of the MP38/MP40 family is principally associated with Heinrich Vollmer and Erfurter Maschinenfabrik (ERMA). The earlier MP38 had already introduced several modern features, including its distinctive folding metal stock, particularly useful for tank crews, vehicle personnel and mechanized infantry.

The MP40 further simplified production through the increased use of stamped sheet-steel components, welding and manufacturing processes requiring less machining than those used on the MP38. This made the weapon more suitable for large-scale wartime production.

The original weapon was chambered for 9 × 19 mm Parabellum and fed from a detachable 32-round box magazinemounted vertically ahead of the pistol grip.

It operated by simple blowback from an open bolt and was capable of fully automatic fire only. Its relatively moderate cyclic rate of approximately 500 rounds per minute helped make it more controllable than many contemporary submachine guns.

One of the design's most recognizable features was its folding tubular metal stock. When folded, it considerably reduced the overall length of the weapon, making the MP40 particularly convenient inside vehicles and other confined spaces.

The pistol grip and sections of the lower furniture were made from moulded synthetic material, commonly associated with Bakelite in collectors' terminology. The use of synthetic materials further reduced dependence on traditional wooden furniture.

The MP40 was initially issued particularly to squad leaders, tank crews, paratroopers and mechanized infantry, although its distribution became considerably broader as the war progressed.

Production involved several factories and subcontractors. Its simplified and relatively modular construction allowed individual components to be manufactured by different suppliers. Combined production of the MP38 and MP40 exceeded one million weapons.

Large quantities of captured MP40s remained in circulation after 1945. Examples continued to appear in post-war conflicts and remained in service with various armed forces and irregular formations long after the end of World War II.

This inert replica reproduces the classic MP40 configuration with a predominantly metal construction, black plastic components, a folding metal stock and a removable magazine.

Its movable mechanism simulates cocking and trigger operation without being capable of firing projectiles. The magazine can be removed and reinserted, while the stock can be folded or extended.

The replica measures approximately 64 cm with the stock folded and around 83 cm with the stock fully extended. It weighs approximately 3,660 g. This version is supplied without a sling.

Collector's note: the MP40 is still frequently referred to as a “Schmeisser”, especially in English-language popular culture, but this is historically incorrect. Hugo Schmeisser did not design the MP40. His name became associated with the weapon through a wartime Allied misunderstanding; Schmeisser was, however, genuinely involved in the development of the much rarer MP41.

Technical specifications

• Type: inert collector's replica

• Model reproduced: Maschinenpistole 40 / MP40

• Original introduced: 1940

• Historical period: World War II

• Materials: metal and black plastic

• Stock: folding metal stock

• Length with stock folded: approx. 64 cm

• Length with stock extended: approx. 83 cm

• Weight: approx. 3,660 g

• Magazine: removable

• Mechanism: simulated cocking and trigger action

• Sling: not included

• Operation: inert replica, incapable of firing projectiles

• EAN: 8435089711110