Bergmann MP 35
Theodor Bergmann Waffenfabrik · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1935
Also known as: MP 35/I, Bergmann MP 35/I, Kpist m/39, BMP 35
Overview
The Bergmann MP 35 was a German selective-fire submachine gun designed by Theodor Bergmann in the early 1930s. Distinguished by its right-side-mounted magazine and rear-mounted bolt-handle that resembled a bolt-action rifle, it used a unique two-stage progressive trigger: a short pull fired single shots, while a long pull engaged full-automatic fire. About 40,000 were produced during World War II, almost all delivered to the Waffen-SS.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4240 g (149.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 840 mm (33.07") |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 365 m/s (1198 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 496 J (366 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 540 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| 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, Two Stage Progressive Trigger
- Features: Open Bolt, Right Side Mounted Magazine, Rear Mounted Cocking Handle, Wooden Full Stock, Tangent Rear Sight, Perforated Barrel Jacket, Bayonet Lug
Variants
- MP 35/I — Production Model
- Kulspruta m/39 — Swedish Designation
Service history
Operators
- Waffen-SS · adopted 1940 · as MP 35/I
- Swedish Coastal Artillery · adopted 1939 · as Kpist m/39
- Royal Danish Army
- Ethiopian Imperial Forces
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
- Ethiopian Civil War (1974-1991)
Production
Estimated total produced: 40,000 · Production years: 1935-1945
Approximately 40,000 produced in total, with the majority manufactured by Junker & Ruh during WWII for delivery to the Waffen-SS. Earlier production by Walther and Bergmann itself was much smaller in scale.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Theodor Bergmann
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Production was licensed to Carl Walther in 1936 and to Junker & Ruh after 1940. Sweden purchased approximately 100 examples in 9x19mm as the Kpist m/39 for coastal artillery and naval guard use. The MP 35 is mechanically distinct from the earlier Schmeisser MP 28, despite both being often labelled 'Bergmann'.
Background
The MP 35's odd rear-mounted bolt handle made it look like someone had welded a rifle bolt onto a submachine gun. Despite being functionally inferior to the simpler MP 40, the Waffen-SS preferred it for its build quality and accuracy, and almost the entire wartime production was funneled directly to SS units rather than the regular Wehrmacht.