German Submachine Guns (MP 40)

Great Illustrated History of the MP-40!

The MP40 Submachine Gun by Mike Ingram

Of all infantry weapons conceived during the 20th century, few were as important as the submachine gun, a weapon designed specifically for close-quarter combat.

From the back cover:
The MP40 Submachine Gun is the first in-depth study of one of the most important weapons of World War II. It is packed with action photographs and specially commissioned illustrations. These appear alongside the weapon's design and combat history, as well as detailed specifications and comparison data, so that the reader can set the weapon in its context at a glance.

From the front flap:
Of all the new infantry weapons that have made their appearance during the past century, one of the most important to emerge was the submachine gun. Also known as the machine pistol — the terms are interchangeable — the weapon was specifically designed for close-quarter fighting, a type of combat to which the bolt-action rifle was unsuited. The new infantry assault tactics developed in the latter part of World War I called for a high degree of individual firepower at close range to use in clearing the trenches. A pistol was useful in this respect, but it could only fire single shots and had to be frequently reloaded; moreover, it was not very accurate. What was needed was a new weapon, midway between apistol and a rifle, with a large-capacity magazine that would continue to fire repeatedly while the user instinctively adjested his aim; in fact, a miniature machine gun
     The MP40 Submachine Gun is the first illustrated book to describe in detail what was arguably the best such weapon used in World War II — the German MP40 submachine gun. It follows the path of its development from the first SMG designs of World War I through the refinements of later post-war models used by several nations, and its direct predecessor, the MP38, culminating in the robust, mass-produced weapon that was used by the German armies — and their enemies — on all fronts. Types described inside include the MP18, MP28,

Thompson submachinge gun, and later, the M3 'Grease Gun', Sten and Russian PPSh-41. The effect of the MP40 in Germany's savage close-quarter battles is dealt with in full, from the Blitzkrieg of 1940 throught he sands of North Africa to the snows of Russia, and the desperate last-ditch fighting on the soil of Nazi Germany itself. First-hand accounts bring the experience of using a MP40 in combat to life. The book also covers the MP40 in service with other nations during and after the war.

The technical data for the MP40, its predecessors and rivals are provided in depth, with details of each weapon's specifications. Photographs are used to illustrate the process of stripping a MP40, and each inidividual component is show, allowing a thorough examination of the weapon. The authoritative text complements the photographs, describing not only how a German soldier would use his weapon in combat, but also how he would clean and maintain it. The book shows the usual distribution of the MP40 in the German forces.
     Heavily illustrated throughout, the book includes artworks featuring cutaway views of the MP40, and comparative tables including all of its closest rivals...