MP 28/II
C.G. Haenel Waffen- und Fahrradfabrik · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1928
Also known as: MP 28, Schmeisser MP 28, Bergmann MP 28, Naranjero, Be-Shiki
Overview
The MP 28/II was a German submachine gun developed by Hugo Schmeisser as an improved derivative of the World War I MP 18. Manufactured by C.G. Haenel from 1928, it featured a side-mounted box magazine, a selective-fire mechanism, and a longer effective range than its predecessor. It served widely in police, paramilitary, and military forces across Europe, Asia, and South America during the interwar years and World War II.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 820 mm (32.28") |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 538 J (397 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Bolt Safety Notch
- Features: Open Bolt, Side Mounted Magazine, Wooden Full Stock, Tangent Rear Sight, Perforated Barrel Jacket
Variants
- Pieper MP 28/II — License Production
Service history
Operators
- German Police · adopted 1928
- Wehrmacht · adopted 1939
- Republican Forces · adopted 1936 · as Naranjero
- Imperial Japanese Navy · as Be-Shiki
- Republic of China Army
Conflicts
- Chaco War (1932-1935)
- Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
- Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1928-1945
Produced by C.G. Haenel in Germany and under license by Pieper in Belgium; exact production figures are not well documented. Used widely by German police, paramilitary units, and exported globally.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Hugo Schmeisser
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Often confused with the MP 18 due to its similar appearance. Licensed production was carried out by Pieper in Belgium (Mi-34) and by BSA in the UK (Lanchester derivative). Exported in 7.63x25mm Mauser, 7.65x21mm, 9x23mm Bergmann, 9x25mm Mauser Export, and .45 ACP variants.
Background
The MP 28 is the firearm that gave Hugo Schmeisser's name worldwide notoriety, though ironically he had nothing to do with the later MP 38 and MP 40 that bear his nickname. Spanish Republicans nicknamed it the 'Naranjero' (Orange-grower) because so many were stockpiled in the orange-growing region of Valencia.