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MP 40

The MP 40 (Maschinenpistole 40) is a German submachine gun chambered for the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The MP 40 (Maschinenpistole 40) is a German submachine gun chambered for the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge. Developed in Nazi Germany, it was widely used by German and other Axis forces during World War II and remained in post-war service with some armed groups and militaries.

Development

The MP 40 was developed in Nazi Germany in the late 1930s as a refinement of the MP 38. Sources identify Heinrich Vollmer as the designer and describe the weapon as a simplified, cheaper-to-produce firearm built for mass manufacture. It was introduced in 1940 and produced until 1944.

Service history

The MP 40 is commonly associated with German infantry during the Second World War. It was used extensively by German forces and other Axis units during World War II. After the war, it continued to appear in use by various forces around the world, seeing extensive post-war use beyond Germany.

Design

The MP 40 is a 9×19mm Parabellum submachine gun noted for its compact form and folding stock. Its stamped-metal construction is widely cited as a major design feature that improved manufacturability, making mass production easier. The weapon typically used a 32-round magazine.

Legacy

The MP 40 became one of the best-known submachine guns of the Second World War. It is frequently referenced in military history and popular culture, and it influenced later firearm design through its emphasis on compactness and efficient production.

Key facts

  • The MP 40 was a simplified, cost-effective evolution of the MP 38.
  • It used stamped steel construction to make mass production easier.
  • Chambered for 9×19mm Parabellum with a 32-round magazine.
  • Widely used by German and Axis forces during World War II.
  • Saw post-war use by various armed groups and militaries.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter the MP 40 in World War II history, museum collections, and wartime media coverage, where it is often discussed as a recognizable German infantry weapon.

Frequently asked questions

What is the MP 40?
The MP 40 is a German submachine gun developed in Nazi Germany and chambered for 9×19mm Parabellum ammunition.
Who designed the MP 40?
Heinrich Vollmer is identified in the provided sources as the designer.
When was the MP 40 introduced?
It was introduced in 1940 and produced during World War II until 1944.
What weapon did the MP 40 replace?
The MP 40 was a development of the MP 38, which it followed as a simpler, improved version.
Was the MP 40 used after World War II?
Yes. The sources state that it remained in post-war use with various fighting forces and militaries worldwide.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MP_40
    Supports: Basic identification as a German submachine gun, chambering, wartime service, and post-war use.
  2. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maschinenpistole_40
    Supports: Development timeline, relationship to the MP 38, and production dates.
  3. Smithsonian National Museum of American History — https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_415106
    Supports: Description of the MP40, relation to the MP38, and estimated production figure.
  4. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maschinenpistole_40
    Supports: Designation, caliber, and succession from the MP 38.
  5. Athlon Outdoors — https://athlonoutdoors.com/article/mp40/
    Supports: Stamped-steel construction, design simplification, and historical significance.