The MP40 or Machinenpistole 40 is a German submachine gun used during World War 2, as well as members of the Millennium Organization and its Letzte Bataillon.
Profile[]
The MP40 is a fully automatic submachine gun, with an open bolt and blowback system, an updated variant of the MP38. Though both guns are virtually identical, the devil is in the details, as the MP38 is composed of machined parts, whereas the MP40 is composed of stamped parts. The gun possesses an under-folding skeletal stock, which can be used at anytime. The weapon with its stock extended is 32.8 in long, but folded, it's 24.8 in long, with a barrel length of 9.9 in. The weapon fires the 9×19mm Parabellum ammunition from a magazine of 32 rounds, however some models were designed with the ability to fire from 2 magazines, maxing the gun's ammo to 64 rounds. The weapon fired 500-550 rounds per minute with a muzzle velocity of 1,312 ft/s and an effective range of up to 250 m.
History[]
The MP40 is a descendant of the MP38, which itself was a descendant of the MP36 prototype submachine gun, designed by Heinrich Vollmer and Berthold Geipel. When adopting the weapon, it was designated the MP38, composed of machined steel by the time of World War 2. As the war went on however, Germany found machined parts were becoming more and more expensive to mass produce, so alterations were made to the overall design of the weapon, particularly in the materials. The newer model, known as the MP40, was redesigned with a more cost effective stamped steel. It would then become a standard issued weapon of the Third Reich, alongside the Kar98k for the remainder of the war. It was also the inspiration for the development of the STG-44, which merged this machine gun's high fire rate, with the power of a rifle cartridge.
Following the fall of the Third Reich, the MP40 would not cease service, in fact, it would eventually come to serve various other nations throughout the world to the present day, including limited use in both the Iraqi War and Syrian Civil War.
Usage In Hellsing Series[]
Since the defeat of Nazi Germany, the MP40 remained in service with the remnant groups, known as the Millennium Organization and the Letzte Bataillon. Most soldiers are either issued this gun, the STG-44 or even the Kar98k in both the manga and anime. Because Millennium or the Letzte Bataillon were not present in the first anime of Hellsing, the MP40 would be shown in the second.
Manga[]
Ultimate[]
Throughout most of the series, the MP40 is seen in the hands of Waffen-SS troops, from the assault on the Hellsing Organization HQ, to the carnage over London, caused by Millennium and the Letzte Bataillon. Aside from this weapon, most other troops are seen carrying the Kar 98K as well, however some were seen in with the STG-44.