I wanted to start a thread where we could profile and discuss various infantry weapons. I’ll post the first weapon the MP40, please try to keep the profile for any weapons you post similar to the format in my post to allow easy reference.
MP40
Brief History of the weapon
The most common submachine gun used by the Germans during WWII was the MP40. The weapon was made by Heinrich Vollmer in 1940 and saw service between 1940 and 1945. The MP40 was a descendent of the MP38, the differences being in cost-saving alterations; especially the use of more pressed rather than machined parts and improved safety.
Weapon statistics
Cartridge - 9x19mm
Magazine capacity - 32
Action - Blow back
Rate of fire - 500round/min
Muzzle velocity - ~380 m/s (~1247 ft/s)
Number built - Over 1 million
Weapon use
The MP40 was small and handy equivalent of a machine gun, capable of a rapid rate of automatic fire, much faster than possible with a rifle, and was also mechanically very simple and reliable, and also very cheap and easy to produce. Its smaller and lighter ammunition, similar to that of pistols, meant that a soldier could carry many more bullets than a rifleman. These features made MP-40s a common weapon of choice for short-range combat, elite storm troops, tank crews.
Problems
The weapons magazine spring was found to wear out very quickly, and caused jams if loaded fully with 32 rounds so they were nearly always loaded with 1-2 rounds left out, giving a capacity of 30. The main disadvantage when compared to Machine guns its significantly lower range and accuracy, even in single shot mode, which is the combined result of weaker ammunition, shorter distance between the front and rear sights, and simpler and less precise production.
Common misconceptions
Often the term “Schmeisser” is used in reference to this weapon. This name is incorrect as the MP40 was not manufactured by Schmeisser nor did Schmeisser have any hand in making.
Relevant pictures
Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MP40
http://americanhistory.si.edu/militaryhistory/collection/object.asp?ID=398
www.2worldwar2.com/infantry-weapons.htm
http://www.olive-drab.com/od_other_firearms_smg_mp40.php