I recently ordered a 9mm replica of the MP40. I got it home, opened up the manual and flipped to the section on disassembly. It read "Disassembly of the MP40 is an easy matter, please ask your specialist dealer to demonstrate it for you" no pictures, no instructions. Thank you for this video, excellent as always.

1938? B-B-But what did the Nazis have in 1936 while Indiana Jones was threatening to blow up the Ark of the Covenant with an RPG-2?

Back in the 80s my dad was in the Norwegian homeguard servicing as a medic. He was still issued a Mp40 until somewhere around 89-91 where he got an Mp5.. Back in those days gun safes were not really all that common around here and it was not a necessity to have your service weapon locked down.. So the Mp40 hung by its sling on a nail on my parents bedroom wall. Magazine was in it but the ammunition was locked down somewhere else.. One "funny" episode was when i was around 7-8 and got pissed off at the neighbours kids.. I stormed in to the bedroom and got the gun. And i ran around the neighborhood waving this gun around and scaring the crap out of the children.. Funnily enough there were absolutely NO consequences afterwards.. If something like this would have happened today my father would probably be locked up.. Ah i miss the 80s...

Otherwise known as the gun everybody picks up when they run out of bullets in a WW2 FPS.

The MP40, the most remembered forgotten weapon.

"...and likely shoot you. This was a problem" Ian's dry humour is one of the many reasons to love FW!

This must've looked so futuristic back then, I can't even imagine.

The most beautiful art decco design ever IMO. It's like the Chrysler Building of smgs

Ian's voice is so soothing you don't even have to be interested in guns to listen to him. His videos are like a haven of peace and sanity in a fucked up world.

So MP38 -> MP40 is essentially like AK-47 -> AKM.

The FG-42 and MP-38 are beautiful but expensive firearms. Absolutely love them.

When I was in the Portuguese Army in the eighties one of my duties was the delivery of Priority Military Mail in many units. I remember that in the Army High Studies Institute there were a MP-38 and a Sten (without magazine) hanging on the wall. In the 6th floor there was a Vickers machine gun with tripod. I always took a couple of minutes to admire these beauties. Comparing them with my G3 was like comparing a Omega with a CASIO G-Shock... Well, the Sten not quite so! 😀

To be fair to those (correctly) pointing out these are not exactly forgotten: they may be widely recognised, but there is SO many misconceptions about these weapons. Really enjoyed this episode

I really love that Ian is presenting us some more known guns from time to time, as although i know the MP40, I didn't know most stuff he talked about. Keep up the good work! :)

9:00 the split knurling (and also the angle on the knurl) is not for the gun operator, but it make machining easier, as the amount of area to knurl is reduced and the angle on the knurl make the tool run smoother, both of these means you can knurl faster and you tooling lasts MUCH MUCH longer

The lug under the barrel that Ian points out at 4:40 also works in conjunction with the front sight when used in AFV firing ports (MP Stopfen). The muzzle has to be pushed up and then down to get it through the port. This ensures that the gun cannot be pulled straight back through the port in the event of the shooter losing his footing.

The Germans have captured Ian from the French. What a prize!

I just love the look of Bakelite plastic. It's no longer particularly good for gun production since it's such a primitive plastic, but it just looks exactly as retro as it is. It comes from a cool chemical reaction too. Bakelite is actually really interesting stuff. It's formed from a type of chemical reaction called a condensation reaction, specifically between phenol and formaldehyde (in real Bakelite plastic you also use lignin powder from wood to add strength.) The reaction starts as just adding formaldehyde to some phenol crystals, then adding some acetic acid (concentrated vinegar) with constant stirring, then, finally, a small amount of hydrochloric acid is added, and just a few seconds later this totally clear solution starts to form some color, then literally instantly **poof** it goes totally opaque and milky, and then **pop** this lump of malleable plastic just snaps out of the solution out of nowhere! It's great! Periodic Videos and Nile Red both have great videos making Bakelite and you can see it for yourself. Periodic Videos: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jNKYY7x1t9O-YH0.html Nile Red (pt. 1): m.kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ps5-f8iUy9-7g2w.html Nile Red (pt. 2): m.kzfaq.info/get/bejne/sJOcZcKIqde7YXU.html

As always, an excellent overview and analysis (along with the dry humor). Thanks for putting these videos together! Well done.

Each of the guns shown has the forward sling loop on the left side of the weapon, meaning that the barrels have been removed. The sling loop was always factory installed on the right side in order to avoid the sling interfering with the bolt handle. The groove in the muzzle nut was added so that the standard 98K rifle buna rubber muzzle cap could be used. The double stack, single feed magazine and the Vollmer telescoping recoil spring housing were patented. These might not have been the best designs, but Haenel was paid royalties on every gun delivered.

Thanks for another great video, Ian. You’re such a good speaker and explain things so articulately. A real pleasure to learn stuff from you.

at this point, Ian should just rename the channel "Weapons" and start doing reviews on tanks and battleships Ian we need this... Ian pls

For some reason I just love how the MP40 looks. It just has a beautiful design.

My grand grandpa was partisan in Yugoslavia. He probably used the same MP 40 you had shown in the video. It was ( and it still is ! ) one of most famous weapons in the Balkans. It is known as "Šmajser" after it's manufacturer Schmeisser.

I finally bought an MP40 after wanting one all these years. I used to prefer the late war models due to the iconic look of the magwell reinforcing ribs, but after learning more about the guns I have come to prefer the early MP40's and the MP38's. They are a lot more sleek and feel high-quality. The one I bought is an early production MP40; 1940 exactly, actually. Production code is 660 which is Steyr before they went over to the much more well known 'bnz'. The gun looks really sleek and the finish is beautiful, reminiscent of the glossy finish on early K98K's. This will look good beside my K98 and MG-34. Now I'm onto buying my final grail gun which is the MG-42, and after that I'll have to find something new to desire I guess.

The very first frame with that gorgeous looking German steel and I'm drooling..There is nothing else like it.

I found this video to be exceptionally well done. Thank you for making it and for sharing all of these many details.

This is my favorite channel, keep em coming!

perhaps those that did not get an upgrade were captured guns, don't think that the Maquis would send their inventory to Erma for the latest fix.

"Alright volksgrenadiers, new MP-40s, try not to shoot each other"

another fantastic video ian! i eagerly watch your videos every morning on my morning commute 😁

I very much enjoyed this video as I do all that I view and am constantly amazed by your knowledge of firearms. German firearms craftsmanship has always amazed me and it’s frightening to think what they could have done with a more cogent war strategy/leadership and where we might all be today. Thank you.

Very interesting. Especially the charging handle issue. Never knew about that.

I've always loved these guns, such a cool design with the underfolder stock. I just wish they had a selector switch to make semi auto fire an option, but that's just me nitpicking. Thanks again Ian!

Thanks Ian, enjoying the videos. Please keep doing what you do.

Always wanted to know more about the 38.

Old German guns look so beautiful, been fascinated with the mp40's design since I had it as a toy gun as a kid

I love how the Germans' first approach was "Instead of just bending sheet metal, let's take a solid metal bar and drill out the middle."

My grandfather was in Metz , France (95th infantry division, part of The Iron Men of Metz) and multi Gold Star recipient, he never talked much about the war but he did say that the MP40 was highly sought after by fellow American GIs

Mr. McCallum, I have seen a few videos of yours over the last couple of Years, but over the last 2 Months (the Q) I have watched a ton...I am a Huge History Nerd and major gun guy (US Military), but as I have had nothing but time, I have ventured off the beaten path. I grew up loving the looks of the MP-38/40...but never knew the difference. I had looked off and on, but never really in depth...but this video really showed the progression of this weapon...You have been a huge help during this incredibly boring time...I'm finally going to venture out tomorrow for some Cordite therapy on my new Remington 700 Hunter .308. Semper Fi

This was such an awesome review! Thank you Ian!! My Dad used to play with these as a kid in Italy from '38 to '43. I wanted to get him a replica in .177 cal but...his wife ... :( Awesome review!!!! Thank you very much for this; passing it along to Dd who...is now 85. :) and going strong!

Most beautiful family of SMGs in history.

Very interesting. My dads friend was a camera man for one of the big 3 news organizations. He bought a MP- 38 in Europe ( about 1958 ) . He pointed out the different things, as you so well pointed out . I happened to like the underfolding stock ( most do not ) Thanx for showing how to field strip, great video. It was a trip down memory lane , my dad , his good friend, myself and a piece of history.

Great lesson!! I love your channel. I'm spanish and loving when see spanishs weapons on your channel. Thank you very much. ( sorry for my english)

So i was gonna ask about the MP 40 double mag configuration, that i have seen in a game (Red Orchestra 2) and if it was actually a real thing, seeing as i had never heard of it before. Just to make sure i didn't look stupid for asking about it, i googled it real quick. The first pic shows up is from your website with a whole article on it. :D Love the work you do. Keep it up

*its such a pretty gun*

Very nice. I was never super clear on the differences between the 38 and 40, other than the 40 being simplified. The 40 has a reputation for being controllable and fairly accurate, based on demos i have seen. It is certainly well made. The bolt handle safety mod is a great idea, simple and effective. That recoil spring system is ingenious too. I think i heard somewhere that it has a buffering effect and keeps the cyclic rate down to a usable level. Great video as always. Thank you

Amazing videos man. Been waiting for the Enfield and Ppsh to come in my feed.

I loved using this gun in WaW back in the day

probably the most pleasant and easy going SMG'S I've had the opportunity to fire and that's including the MP5 which I also loved.

Thank you for making these videos!

Subscribed! Thank you for making a very high-quality video.

Very few in depth videos on the German sun machine guns, thanks Ian!

Just got my GSG MP40p 2 days ago. Wish mine was open bolt and had the folding stock, but still it's an awesome gun and it's cool to see where some of it's design aspects came from.

Wow. I see a new video comes out, I like it instantly.

4:07 the stock folds away so beautiful, and the whole rifle is a piece of master engineering!.

Love these videos, I would love it even more if you tested the oldschool weapons.

When my grandpa passed away he left my family MP 38 officers rifle and an MP 40. Both very impressive guns.

This is one of the best channels on the internet!

If I was issued one of these I would have a lot of comfort in knowing I had a very well made and well thought out gun. This is some of the best hands on information on this family of guns I have ever seen.

It may be interresting for you, in Soviet Union MP 38 and MP 40 were usually named Schmeisser (Шмайсер),but for the last two decades we have a tendency to call them mith original name. My grandfather was on war, and he was colling those MPs "Schmeisser"

Did you forget to talk about how the back sight mounts on the MP40? You were talking about it being screwed down on the 38.

Great review-----i learned a lot from you. As a student of WWll and vet. myself I always wished I could give one of these a try

Definitey a detailed and complete look on these series

One of the first ever used firearms, the "Arquebus" (haakbus, in Dutch) had a hook on the same place on the barrel, and for a similar reason... To absorb the recoil, by hooking it on the wall of a castle...

Woo hoo for the early upload and the detailed look at this iconic weapon. Now I want to play medal of honor or CoD.

These are honestly very cool and versatile looking weapons. Simple, compact and effectively nasty at they're job. I've always personally admired these particular guns, they're badass

great info and discussion. in the movies we always see the soldiers kind of shooting from the hip with the stock folded and not shouldered using the sights. in one of my books there's a version or a special 90 degree barrel for shooting around a corner of a wall, kinda bizarre never seen that before.

“The guys really liked them and they did good service.” ... yeah... but I get what you meant.

Just seen this review and the section about the cocking handle brought back a bad memory for me. . Our squadron lost one of our guys on "Operation Granby" when the cocking lever on his S.M.G ( L2a3) slung over his shoulder caught on the door of his truck picked up a round and shot himself in the head.

Thank you Sir, amazing video!

Fascinating as always!!

Despite all the simplifications from mp38 to mp40, if you compare it to PPS for example, it still look quite complex to manufacture.

I love how this was simple for Germany while the Soviets has the pps-43 for simple

Thank you Ian I love your work

Excellent Sir. Thank You. I appreciate your effort, and knowledge. Damn cool firearm as well !!

Could you review some Nerf Gun, just for kicks sometime?

I once read in an issue of shotgun news where the author had toured the Finnish FBI's collection of confiscated firearms, and lo and behold, an enterprising farmer made a lower receiver for one of these out of wood, replacing the bakelite...

I'm sure it's already been mentioned but the ribs on the magazine were also to reduce friction of the cartridge along the sides and to avoid feed stoppages if sand or dirt got into the magazine.

Although it's certainly not forgotten, I would love to see you do a video about the development of the Thompson SMG.

Can you review the moonraker laser please?

I'm just waiting than lan show us a select fire version of this and a spanish copy.

That tubular recoil spring cover also helps to reduce the rate of fire significantly (down to 500-550 rpm), and works as a bolt buffer as well. Think of it as an air cylinder - sort of a shock adsorber - a pressure release hole is clearly seen on top of the front section of the cover. Near the end of the recoil, the inner section closes that hole like a plunger, locking air inside. That allows a pretty heavy bolt to stop without a bump into the back of the receiver. Recoil spring in MP40 is rather weak.

Very interesting to listen to you. Great knowledge.

Cannot wait for MP 18 video...

All hail Gun Jesus for spreading his vast knowledge upon us lowly peasants.

i was searching for this in your site thinking you must already have them only saw you shooting them hour later this happened, lucky day!

bakelite was developed right down the street from me in yonkers NY way back in 1907!

What's the MP with the wooden stock? Is it the '41?

Does this mean you'll be doing the PPSh-41 and PPs-43 soon?

he should’ve mentioned the mp36 in the developmental stage cause it was the 1st sub machine gun 2 look like the mp40 but not quite there yet

Thank you for the video- it was very interesting and informative. :)

Maybe I've missed it at some point, or the unlisting made it hard to find, but do you have (or plan to have) a video on the De Lisle carbine? It's funny because the first autocomplete result in google comes up "De Lisle Carbine Forgotten Weapons" :p

Ah, the gun that has equipped every Hollywood goon squad between 1945 and circa 1980.

keep up the good work ian.

I'm amused to watch this, with its digression into single vs dual feed, on the same day you released a video specifically addressing that in a bit more depth.

Was there a significant weight difference between the 38 and 40?

Carl Gustav m45 Or is it that forgotten?

I don’t know why I need to know the history and the inner workings of this gun but I’ve learnt something I won’t forget if only that little hook to prevent recoiling into your vehicle

Very nice review. Would be cool to see an MP 40/1; the rare variant that took two magazines.