Like all the old open bolt guns, they are inherently dangerous to handle.
The safety consists of a little notch for the charging handle, plus a little catch of equal value.
Staying on a range should present no problems with this, but handling in other environments requires caution.
Snagging the handle or dropping the piece can cause a discharge.
I actually had a MP 40 for a while in VN. Whole companies of CIDG were issued them at one time or another.
I know of two deaths from dropping blowback SMGs, a M1 Thompson and a Swedish K.
Both incidents involving highly experienced senior NCOs.
I have read of German incidents as well.
Firing pins and extractors can be issues with these pieces also.
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