MP40 info wanted

MikeP · 05-13-2015, 06:52 AM

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.

05-13-2015, 06:52 AM	#7
MikeP User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: ILL Posts: 686 Thanks: 36 Thanked 452 Times in 198 Posts	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.