Schmeisser MP 41
C.G. Haenel Waffen und Fahrradfabrik · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1941
Also known as: Maschinenpistole 41, MP 41(r) (Romanian), Schmeisser SMG
Overview
The Schmeisser MP 41 is a German submachine gun designed by Hugo Schmeisser at C.G. Haenel in 1941 as an alternative to the Erma-designed MP 40. It mates the upper receiver, barrel, bolt and operating mechanism of the MP 40 with a wooden full-stock and selective-fire lower receiver derived from Schmeisser's earlier MP 28/II. The result is a heavier, longer, but more controllable and accurate weapon than the standard MP 40.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 835 mm (32.87") |
| Barrel Length | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 401 m/s (1316 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 599 J (442 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 525 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: Selector Safety, Bolt Locking Notch
- Features: Wooden Full Stock, Open Iron Sights, Selective Fire Lever
Service history
Operators
- Waffen-SS · adopted 1941 · as MP 41
- German Police · adopted 1941 · as MP 41
- Royal Romanian Army
Conflicts
- World War II (1941-1945)
- Eastern Front (1941-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 26,700 · Production years: 1941-1942
Production ended early after Erma Werke patent lawsuit; mostly issued to SS units
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Hugo Schmeisser
Discontinued: 1942
Notes
Production was halted in late 1941 after Erma Werke successfully sued Haenel for patent infringement. Approximately 26,700 were built. The weapon was issued primarily to Waffen-SS, police, and Romanian forces rather than the regular Wehrmacht.
Background
Despite the iconic 'Schmeisser' nickname applied by Allied troops to virtually every German SMG of WWII, Hugo Schmeisser had nothing to do with the much more common MP 40 - the MP 41 is the only wartime German submachine gun he actually designed.