MP 38
Erma Werke (Erfurter Maschinenfabrik B. Geipel GmbH) · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1938
Also known as: Maschinenpistole 38, MP38
Overview
The MP 38 is a German submachine gun designed by Heinrich Vollmer at Erma Werke and adopted by the Wehrmacht in 1938. Chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum and fed from a 32-round detachable box magazine, it operates by open-bolt blowback in full-automatic only. Revolutionary for its all-metal/plastic construction and under-folding stock, it was the first modern SMG to abandon wood furniture entirely. Issued primarily to paratroopers, vehicle crews, and squad leaders, it saw service in the opening campaigns of WWII before its expensive machined receiver was replaced by the stamped-steel MP 40 in 1940. Roughly 40,000 were produced.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4180 g (147.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 833 mm (32.80") |
| Folded Length | 630 mm (24.80") |
| Barrel Length | 251 mm (9.88") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Full Auto Only |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 381 m/s (1250 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 540 J (398 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 500 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: 32 Round Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cocking Handle Safety Notch Field Retrofit
- Features: Machined Steel Receiver, Aluminum Die Cast Lower, Bakelite Plastic Furniture, Under Folding Metal Stock First Smg, Longitudinal Milled Grooves Receiver, Single Column Feed Double Stack Magazine
Variants
- MP 38 (original) — Machined Receiver
- MP 38/40 — Transitional Safety Retrofit
Service history
Operators
- Wehrmacht (Heer) · adopted 1938
- Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger
- Waffen-SS
Conflicts
- Invasion of Poland (1939)
- Operation Weserübung (1940)
- Battle of France (1940)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 40,000 · Production years: 1938-1940
Erma main order ~40,000; total including Haenel secondary production and trial batches ~54,000.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Heinrich Vollmer
Discontinued: 1940
Notes
Distinguishing visual cues vs MP 40: longitudinal milled grooves on receiver and bolt; circular lightening hole on magazine housing; smooth (non-ribbed) magazine well. Original MP 38s could discharge if dropped on the buttstock with a loaded magazine - fixed by a field retrofit safety-notch on the cocking handle (MP 38/40 modification). Often mis-credited as a 'Schmeisser' weapon; Hugo Schmeisser had no design role - the magazine system traces to his patents only.
Background
First submachine gun in the world to use an under-folding metal stock - a configuration that became the dominant SMG layout for the next 50+ years. First all-metal/plastic SMG with no wood furniture - radical departure from contemporary SMGs (Beretta MAB 38, Thompson, PPD-40 all used wood). The expensive machined steel receiver and milled components made it slow and costly to produce, driving the development of the stamped-steel MP 40 within two years. The 'Schmeisser' misnomer persisted throughout the war among Allied troops despite Hugo Schmeisser having no design role.