The MP18 was a submachine gun used by the German Army during World War I. Produced from 1916 to 1945, it and its derivatives were also later used in World War II.

History

In 1915 the German Rifle Testing Commission at Spandau decided to develop a new weapon for trench fighting. Originally intending to modify an existing weapon, technical issues made this impractical so the Commission determined that a completely new kind of weapon was needed. Hugo Schmeisser eventually designed a weapon to fulfill the requirements. This weapon was designated Maschinenpistole 18.I (MP18). The MP18 was a solid weapon, for it was a soundly engineered piece of equipment with near commercial grade fittings. The MP18 had a well machined walnut butt stock, the blow back mechanism was made of the finest materials, and the breech block was well machined. Produced by Bergmann, it served in the later part of the war. It was used by the German police force after the end of the war.

The MP28.II was an improved version of the MP18, used by the German police and by SS units. A version of this weapon was also made in Switzerland known as the MP34.

Operation

The MP18 could use both a box and snail drum magazine. The MP18.I could only fire full automatic fire, while with the MP28.II, this was changed to either single shot or automatic fire.

Service

The MP18 would prove to be an excellent weapon. Its basic design would influence later submachine gun designs, and copies of it were made in several countries. The open bolt design left one problem: if the butt was given a hard knock while the gun was cocked and loaded, it would fire.

Specifications

• Caliber: 9x19 mm
• Length: 815 mm
• Length of barrel: 200 mm (7.8 in)
• Mass empty: 4.18 kg
• Capacity: 20, 30, 50 round magazine
• Rate of fire, cyclic: 450-500 rpm
• Muzzle velocity: 380 m/s (1247 ft/s)

External links

• Historic Arms