MP38 Submachine Gun

Introduction

The MP38 (Maschinenpistole 38) is a legendary German submachine gun that served as one of the key firearms of the German Wehrmacht during the early years of World War II. Known for its rugged design, ease of use, and effectiveness in close-quarters combat, the MP38 became a foundational weapon for mechanized infantry and paratroopers. This article explores the design, features, historical context, and battlefield performance of the MP38, solidifying its place in the evolution of modern military firearms.

Historical Background of Mp38

The development of the MP38 came as Germany sought to modernize its military arsenal in the 1930s. Submachine guns had already demonstrated their utility during World War I, particularly in trench warfare. With the rise of fast-moving infantry tactics, known as Blitzkrieg, there was a pressing need for compact automatic weapons for use by paratroopers, vehicle crews, and assault units.

The MP38 was introduced in 1938 and developed by Erma Werke under the direction of Heinrich Vollmer. It was directly influenced by earlier German SMG designs like the MP36 but marked a significant leap in manufacturing and tactical philosophy.

Design and Construction

Ergonomics and Structure

The MP38 was engineered with both form and function in mind. Unlike previous wooden-stocked firearms, it had a stamped metal receiver and a distinctive folding metal stock, making it ideal for airborne troops and armored vehicle crews. Its compact profile when folded allowed for easy transport in tight quarters.

Blowback Operation

The MP38 uses a simple blowback-operated firing mechanism. It fires from an open bolt position, meaning the bolt remains open when ready to fire and moves forward when the trigger is pulled, simultaneously chambering and firing a round. This system is both mechanically simple and reliable, especially under adverse conditions.

Technical Specifications of Mp38

• Caliber: 9×19mm Parabellum
• Operation: Blowback, open bolt
• Rate of Fire: Approximately 500-550 rounds per minute
• Muzzle Velocity: Around 400 m/s (1312 ft/s)
• Weight (Unloaded): 4.2 kg (9.26 lb)
• Length (Stock Extended): 833 mm
• Length (Stock Folded): 630 mm
• Magazine Capacity: 32-round detachable box magazine
• Effective Range: 100–200 meters

Key Features of the MP38

Folding Stock

One of the defining characteristics of the MP38 was its folding metal stock. This innovation made it much easier for airborne and mechanized troops to carry the weapon in tight spaces and allowed for faster deployment.

Magazine Design

The MP38 featured a 32-round double-column, single-feed magazine. While it provided decent capacity, the single-feed design was prone to jamming, especially in dusty or muddy conditions. Later designs like the MP40 improved this aspect slightly.

Safety Mechanism

The MP38 lacked a conventional safety switch. Instead, it used a slot on the receiver to lock the bolt in place, preventing accidental discharge. This design was functional but not ideal by modern standards and posed a risk if the bolt was jarred from the locked position.

Milled vs. Stamped Parts

The MP38 was manufactured with milled steel components, giving it a robust feel. However, this made production slower and more expensive, leading to the development of the MP40, which used more stamped parts to reduce costs and speed up manufacturing.

Combat Use and Effectiveness

Early War Deployment

The MP38 was used extensively during the early campaigns of World War II, including the invasions of Poland (1939), France (1940), and the Low Countries. Its effectiveness in urban and close-quarter combat was particularly noted in street fighting and house-to-house clearing operations.

Paratroopers and Mechanized Units

Fallschirmjäger (German paratroopers) were among the primary users of the MP38. It provided them with compact firepower essential during airborne drops. Panzer crews and motorcycle troops also favored the MP38 due to its collapsible stock and ease of storage.

Limitations in Harsh Conditions

Although the MP38 was rugged, its exposed magazine and lack of dust covers made it vulnerable in sandy or muddy environments. Soldiers often experienced feeding issues due to the magazine’s single-feed design, which was sensitive to debris and deformation.

Users of the MP38

Primary User: Nazi Germany

The MP38 was primarily used by German forces during the early years of World War II. However, as production of the MP40 ramped up, the MP38 was gradually phased out from front-line units.

Other Notable Users

• Finland: Limited use during the Continuation War.
• Croatian Ustaše: Captured or supplied units during WWII.
• Resistance Movements: Captured MP38s were also used by Allied resistance fighters across Europe.
• Post-War Use: Some MP38s were retained or distributed by various militias and third-world armies after the war.

Strategic and Tactical Impact

The MP38 revolutionized infantry tactics by offering mobile troops a reliable, automatic weapon that could deliver suppressive fire in confined environments. It became an essential tool during urban combat and trench clearing, laying the groundwork for submachine guns in modern military doctrine.

While later replaced by the MP40, the MP38 was instrumental in shaping German small arms development and is still regarded as one of the most iconic firearms of the Second World War.

Mp38 vs Mp40 and other guns of ww2

Feature	MP38	MP40	Sten Gun (UK)	Thompson M1A1 (USA)
Caliber	9×19mm Parabellum	9×19mm Parabellum	9×19mm Parabellum	.45 ACP
Rate of Fire	500–550 RPM	500–550 RPM	500 RPM	600–700 RPM
Stock Type	Folding metal	Folding metal	Fixed metal	Fixed wood
Construction	Milled	Stamped	Stamped	Milled
Magazine	32-round box	32-round box	32-round box	30-round box
Weight	4.2 kg	3.97 kg	3.2 kg	4.8 kg

MP38 Specifications Table

Specification	Details
Origin	Nazi Germany
Manufacturer	Erma Werke
Year Introduced	1938
Caliber	9×19mm Parabellum
Operation	Blowback, open bolt
Rate of Fire	500–550 rounds/minute
Weight (Unloaded)	4.2 kg
Magazine Capacity	32 rounds
Length (Stock Extended)	833 mm
Length (Stock Folded)	630 mm
Muzzle Velocity	400 m/s
Effective Range	100–200 meters
Sights	Fixed front, adjustable rear

In Short

The MP38 stands as a pivotal weapon in the history of military firearms. Its design influenced generations of submachine guns and provided German forces with a crucial edge in mobile warfare during the early years of World War II. Despite its limited production compared to the MP40, the MP38 is remembered as a trailblazer in compact automatic weaponry and holds a revered place among military historians and collectors alike.