Bergmann MP34
Carl Walther GmbH · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1934
Also known as: BMP34, Bergmann-Maschinen-Pistole Modell 1934, MP 34
Overview
The Bergmann MP34 is a German blowback-operated, open-bolt submachine gun designed by Emil Bergmann in the early 1930s and chambered primarily in 9x19mm Parabellum. Its most distinctive feature is the right-side magazine housing, which feeds from the right and ejects to the left, the reverse of most contemporaries. A progressive trigger gives semi-automatic fire with a partial pull and full-automatic fire with a full pull, and the bolt handle at the rear of the receiver must be rotated up before being drawn back. Limited capacity at the Bergmann works in Suhl meant most examples were built by Carl Walther at Zella-Mehlis.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4050 g (142.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4450 g (157.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 840 mm (33.07") |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 365 m/s (1198 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 481 J (355 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 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, Bolt Lock
- Features: Open Bolt Operation, Right Side Magazine Feed, Progressive Trigger Select Fire, Bolt Handle Rotating Lock, Wooden Stock
Variants
- Bergmann MP35/I - Improved Model
Service history
Operators
- Waffen-SS · as MP34(d)
- Royal Swedish Army · as Kpist m/39
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 2,000 · Production years: 1934-1940
Approximately 2,000 MP34s produced by Carl Walther at Zella-Mehlis; the lineage continued as the MP35/I built by Walther and later Junker & Ruh.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Emil Bergmann
Discontinued: 1940
Notes
Often abbreviated BMP34. Built in both a 200mm short-barrel and a 320mm long-barrel (bayonet-lugged) configuration. Walther produced roughly 2,000 MP34s for export and domestic sale before the design was reworked into the mass-production-oriented MP35/I.
Background
The Bergmann MP34 descends from the MP32, first manufactured under licence by the Danish firm Schultz & Larsen. Its unusual right-hand feed and bolt-action-style cocking handle made it one of the more idiosyncratic submachine guns of the interwar period.