SIG MP41
Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG Neuhausen) · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1941
Also known as: SIG MP41/44, SIG MP44, Neuhausen MP41, Maschinenpistole 41
Overview
The SIG MP41 is a rare Swiss delayed-blowback submachine gun developed by SIG at Neuhausen in 1941 as an urgent wartime response to the Swiss Army's need for a modern automatic weapon. Chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and firing from an open bolt, it inherited the hesitation-delayed blowback mechanism and swiveling magazine housing of SIG's earlier MKMO: the 40-round box magazine could fold forward into a groove in the finned fore-end for compact carry. Beautifully machined but complex and expensive, it lost the Swiss adoption trials to the W+F Lmg-Pist 41/44, and only about 200 examples were built.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 800 mm (31.50") |
| Barrel Length | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Action Type | Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 40 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 365 m/s (1198 fps) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 850 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| 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
- Features: Select Fire, Folding Magazine Housing, Finned Barrel, Perforated Barrel Shroud, Adjustable Rear Sight, Fixed Wooden Stock
Service history
Operators
- Swiss Army (trials)
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 200 · Production years: 1941-1942
Approximately 200 units produced as trials and limited-issue weapons before being passed over for the W+F Lmg-Pist 41/44.
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Designer: Pál Király
Discontinued: 1942
Notes
Sometimes designated MP41/44. Mechanically derived from the SIG MKMO; the swiveling magazine folds into the handguard and is released by a catch beneath the front sight. Rejected by the Swiss Army in favor of the Furrer-designed W+F Lmg-Pist 41/44.
Background
The MP41 traces its delayed-blowback heart to Hungarian engineer Pál Király, who helped SIG develop the hesitation-locking system of the 1930s MKMO. Praised for its fine machining and clever folding magazine, the design proved too costly and intricate for mass production, leaving it a beautiful curiosity of the Swiss wartime arms race.