I have done a search for MP40 in this forum and found 2 threads where a book named Blitzkrieg by Frank Iannamico was recommended. Is this book to the MP40 what the Backbone of the Wehrmacht book is to the K98?
Basically I'd like to learn how many makers there were? Markings in general? Design history etc.?
Also I'd like to hear if the MP40 had any weaknesses inhenrent in its design? Was it a reliable weapon for the German soldiers?
Since I'm curious I'd also like to ask what prices you lucky americans typically pay for your fully functional MP40s?
I don't know the answers to any of your questions but the last fully functional MP40s that I ever saw or fired were in the armsroom at the Home Guard School in Dombas, Norway back in 1989. They had inherited all the weapons from the German occupation forces after the war.
Don
There are a couple of books available the first one is THE MP38, 40, 40/1 AND 41 SUBMACHINE GUN I can't remember who wrote or publishes it but it is an excellent reference book which will answer all your questions. The other book is the MP 40 SUBMACHINE GUN by Mike Ingram, again a good book but not as detailed as the first one in my opinion
Prices for a legal, fully functional MP40 depend upon whether it is one that is covered by the Curios and Relics Act (C&R) or a "tube" gun with a remanufactured receiver. A "tube" MP40 will start around $7500 while an all original, C&R gun will add another $4-$5K to the asking price.
I think I just answered this question about 2 days ago?
There were three different makers of the MP40 and its' derivitives.
Here are the names and maker codes for each:
1. ERMA-"ayf"
2. Steyr- "bnz"
3. C.G. Haenel- "fxo" (this is the factory run by Hugo Schmeisser, and the weapon is commonly referred to as the "Schmeisser")
There are several good books on the MP40, and sub-MGs in general.
The book that you mentioned, "Blitzkreig The MP40 Maschinepistole of World War II," by Frank Iannamico is an excellent reference book. I have a signed copy of the book, as well as a fully functional Mp-40, all matching numbers, and it has very rare features. The price mentioned in previous thread would be accurate.
The book is 279 pages, and covers history of the MP "family" of weapons, design, contracores and production, Waffenamt-marks and proof marks, accessories, etc.
I can't compare it to the K98 book, as I don't own that book or any K98's, but I can tell you it is an excellent reference. I was able to find out my weapon is worth a lot more than I paid for it, because of rare details it has, that a covered in Frank's book. Must have !
That's just my two coins in the fountain, for what it's worth....
I have done a search for MP40 in this forum and found 2 threads where a book named Blitzkrieg by Frank Iannamico was recommended. Is this book to the MP40 what the Backbone of the Wehrmacht book is to the K98?
Basically I'd like to learn how many makers there were? Markings in general? Design history etc.?
Also I'd like to hear if the MP40 had any weaknesses inhenrent in its design? Was it a reliable weapon for the German soldiers?
Since I'm curious I'd also like to ask what prices you lucky americans typically pay for your fully functional MP40s?
Hi PO8,
I can highly recomend all of the already mentioned books.
Especialy 'Blitzkreig' by Nick Iannamico ISBN 0-9701954-9-4. It covers every thing regarding the MP family.
'The MP.40' by Mike Ingram is good, but not as detailed.
'The MP38, 40, 40/1 and 41 Submachine Gun' by Guus de Vries & Bas. J. Martens - ISBN 90-805583-2-X is very good and has many rare photo's.
Regarding performance, that seems to be a matter of opinion.
I have read reports that say it was prone to jamming, and others which hold it in very high esteem.
Not being a shooter myself ( ) i am unable to give a first hand opinion.
But compared to the Russian PPSh i would guess the only down-side is the clip capacity. 50 rounds for the PPSh and 32 for the MP.40.
Thanks a lot for all the answers. I already have Mike Ingrams book. It's good, but not as detailed as I had hoped for when I bought it.
It seems Frank Iannamico's Blitzkrieg might be the most detailed book on the MP40. The other book mentioned is described at some online bookstores as having many rare photos. That's nice enough, but not what I'm after.
Only three makers. Well that makes it a bit easier than with the K98
MP40 - Makers? - Reliability? - Book?
) i am unable to give a first hand opinion.
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