by Larry S. Sterett

The MP38, 40, 40/1 and 41 Submachine Gun, Volume 1.

Copyright 2001.
ISBN 90-805583-2-X.
Distributed by Ironside International Publishers, Inc.,
Dept. SAR, PO Box 55,
Alexandria, VA 22313-0055.
Price $34.95, plus $6.00 s&h
Phone: 703-683-5486.
Reviewed by Larry S. Sterett.

This slim hardbound volume features more than 200 historical black and white photographs of the German MP38, MP40 and its variants. The majority of the photos have never appeared in any prior publication, having been gleaned from German and other archival sources.

The purpose of this book is to explain the history of the MP38 and MP40, their predecessors and variants that Hugo Schmeisser did not design and that models such as the MP38/40 never actually existed. (Schmeisser did design the MP41, manufactured by Haenel, probably for Rumania.) Following the usual preface, acknowledgements, and introduction, the book is divided into ten chapters, with the final one being sources, literature and notes.

The first eight chapters are devoted to discussion of the various models, including some experimental models, accessories, ammunition, and production. Lists of production codes, manufacturers, time periods, and estimated production figures for 1939-1944 are provided. Illustrations consist of excellent, detailed black and white photographs, including assembled and disassembled views, receiver cap and magazine markings – some 10 to 15 million or more magazines were manufactured – and miscellaneous features.

Chapter IX is the largest and consists entirely of propaganda photos illustrating the various models in service by German soldiers, and others, such as the Russian Cossack in a German uniform and the Slovenian female partisan carrying an MP41. Each of the photographs is accompanied by text explaining it, along with the approximate time frame, and the source of the photograph. They include desert and winter scenes, young soldiers and combat veterans, and even civilians in the last ditch army in early 1945. One of the most interesting shots is of a soldier in Tunisia carrying an MP38 or early MP40 in a dust cover. The cover protects the weapon from dust, except for the lower portion of the magazine, and the barrel, but can be removed quickly in an emergency.

This unique volume is one any fan of the MP38 and MP40 machine pistols will find worthwhile. Almost as well known as the Thompson, the Maschinenpistoles 38 and 40, and variants, were forerunners of things to come. Although copied and improved on by later designers, many of the original MP38 and MP40 submachine guns are still being used in various parts of the world today, more than six decades later. This book illustrates the guns as they were originally used.

The Mkb 42, MP43, MP44 AND THE STURMGEWEHR 44

by Guus de Vries and Bas J. Martens
ISBN 90-805583-6-2,
Copyright 2003
Special Interest Publicaties BV
P.O. Box 282,
6800 AG Arnhem,
The Netherlands
USA distributor:
Ironside International Publishers Inc,
Dept. BG, P.O. Box 55,
Alexandra, VA 22313-0055
Price $38.95 plus $6 s&h
Reviewed by Lee Arten

The Mkb 42, MP43, MP44 and the Sturmgewehr 44 is the fourth book in the Propaganda Photo Series written by Guus de Vries and Bas J. Martens, two historians from the Netherlands. The men have written 12 books of firearms history. Others in the series include The MP38, 40, 40/1 and 41 Submachine Gun, The K98k Rifle and The P08 Luger Pistol.

I learned some new things from the book. One was that the combat philosophy that led to selective-fire assault weapons was discussed by the German military as early as the 1920s. Complaints about weapons used in World War I were that the 7.92x57mm cartridge had too much recoil and too much range. The Gewehr ’98 was said to be too long and lacking in magazine capacity. Submachine guns were one proposed solution. Rifles like the MKb 42, MP43, MP44 and the Sturmgewehr 44 were another.

As with other military weapons in history, development of these rifles was a political as well as a military process. Their proponents had to deal with infighting between manufacturers, production problems acerbated by Allied bombing raids, and more. The authors state: “Even as late as August, 1944, competition among German companies was stiff. At the same time, Haenel’s director Schmeisser staged a successful coup. He got the committee to agree that “alien companies would not get involved in the further development of devices without consulting the mother company,” thus effectively blocking the initiatives of ERMA.”

On the political front they relate: “The Fuhrer was not impressed. In his opinion, an infantry weapon should have a range of at least 1200 to 1500 meters. The troops needed sniper rifles and fast-firing machineguns, such as the recently introduced MG42, and not weapons for an intermediate cartridge.”

Hitler proved to be a poor military planner in this instance too. The work on assault rifles went on, and he eventually approved production.

The book contains many photographs of the rifles that came before the SturmGewehr. One was the select-fire Vollmer M35/III. It was the first rifle made for an intermediate cartridge, the 7.75 x 39.5 mm. The caption with the photos of the Vollmer rifle says, “for obscure reasons, the design was not pursued.”

Besides photos of early rifles, one of the book’s plates shows a line-up of intermediate cartridges including the 7.5x35mm Swiss, the 7.75×39.5mm (Genshow) and several other variations on the theme. Another shows an original box of 15 cartridges for the Sturmgewehr.

Other photographs illustrate types of magazines, and six different markings found on the weapons. One rifle had the original mark crossed out and a new one added.

The authors write: “The Sturmgewehr has the doubtful honour of being the most frequently renamed gun in history”… and “There may have been moments that nobody knew which was the correct designation and this lead to weapons that were re-stamped, some even getting earlier or non-official designations.”

Other photos of interest show a device for carrying an assault rifle on a bicycle, and devices for shooting a SturmGewehr from cover. “Shoot around corners” devices have recently gotten new notice on the Internet. This proves there aren’t many old ideas that can’t be revamped.

The longest part of the book is section “IX Propaganda Pictures.” The authors write: “The propaganda photos were collected from German and other archives, and were taken by official German war photographers. During World War II, there were about 2,500 official photographers and reporters… Their work was considered so important, that some of them were given permits that gave them immediate access to any form of transport at any time on any front.”

Photos include shots of Field Marshal Albrecht Kesselring inspecting weapons in Italy, and watching as an MP43/1 is fired from prone and offhand. There are shots of Mountain and Ski troops carrying the MP43/1 in Russia and SS troops with another variant of the weapon. Also included are pictures of a factory building SturmGewehrs, and a machine used to test fire them.

MPs in use by partisans are also included. Two of them picture Polish resistance fighters with captured MPs. Another shows German men, wearing civilian topcoats and hats, organized for defense late in the war. The men carry a variety of arms, including an MP41 made by Haenel.

I recommend this book to those interested in World War II history and in the German weapons developed during the war.

by Larry Sterett and Charles Cutshaw

Combat Shotguns
By Leroy Thompson.
ISBN 1-85367-515-6
Published by Stackpole
Books, Dept. SAR, 5067 Ritter Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
Price: $24.00, plus $4.00 s&h
Available at bookstores, or direct: orders@stackpolebooks.com
Review by Larry Sterett

One of the Greenhill Military Manuals, this small hardbound volume is one of the few books covering the subject of shotguns that have been designed, and/or configured for, combat. The first five chapters are devoted to: Evolution of the Shotgun in Combat, Characteristics of the Combat Shotgun, Missions of the Combat Shotgun, Improvements to the Combat Shotgun, and Combat Shotgun Ammunition. This is followed by coverage of shogun action types: slide-action, self-loaders, dual action, rifle/shotgun combos, rotary chamber, double barrel, and single barrel. (The only action type not covered, and some of which are known to have been used in combat, is the bolt-action.) Overall, more than four-dozen shotgun models are covered, with 28 of these being slide-action models.

Each model is illustrated, frequently with a double-page photograph, and discussed briefly with regard to special features or characteristics: gauge (including chamber length), length overall, barrel length, weight, sights, stock type, and magazine capacity. Measurements are in metric and English units.

Not all the models discussed are “issue” weapons, although in an emergency anything is better than nothing. Some models, such as the Stevens Model 311R may still used by police or security agencies, but the Snake Charmer II is better adapted to a survival pack than to combat use. The Ithaca Auto & Burglar Gun has not been in production for decades, although some Spanish produced copies have been manufactured for police use. Another design ahead of its time was the High Standard Model 10. Ideal as a short heavy-caliber weapon, but limited by magazine capacity, only a few ever saw police use, and possibly none by the military.

This is a handy reference volume on the subject. No experimental designs or prototypes are discussed. Anyone, military historian, arms student or collector, interested in the combat use of shotguns, past, present, or future, should find Thompson’s book useful.

The P.38 Pistol, Volumes One through Three
By Warren H. Buxton
Ucross Books
P.O. Box 764,
Los Alamos, NM 87544-2350
Volume One –
The Walther Pistols 1930-1945
1978, ISBN Number: 0-87833-303-7
328 pages, black & white
photographs and drawings
Volume Two –
The Contract Pistols 1940-1945
1984, ISBN Number: 0-96-140240-7
247 pages, black & white
photographs and drawings
Volume Three –
International Distribution,
Post 1945
1990, Second Printing 1999,
ISBN Number: 0-96140240-1-5
270 pages, black & white
photographs and drawings
$68.50 per volume plus $3.50 each shipping
Review by Charles Cutshaw

The Walther P.38 pistol is a true handgun landmark that has never had its full

story told, until now. In three lavish volumes, Warren H. Buxton lays out virtually every detail of the design, operational history, commercial sale and worldwide distribution of this historic pistol. The P.38 not only was far ahead of its time, but has had its short recoil operating system used as the basis of many subsequent designs, including the current US military Beretta 92F (M9).

The first aspect of Mr. Buxton’s definitive P.38 work is the high quality of the books. These volumes are all physically beautiful with red leatherette binding and a gold foil impression of a P.38 on each cover. The pages are of high quality stock and the profuse photographs are of high quality and excellent resolution. The photos are supplemented by drawings produced by the author. Close-up photos of various markings ensure that each P.38 model is illustrated in detail.

Although the books stand alone and are in fact sold separately, all three are necessary to have a complete history of the P.38. Volume One covers the design and development of the P.38, beginning about 1930 and ending with the cessation of World War II when Walther ceased production of all handguns until the mid-1950s. Volume Two covers World War II contract pistols manufactured by Mauser, Spreewerk, FN and others. The level of detail on all manufacturers’ variants leaves nothing to the imagination. Volume Three details postwar distribution of P.38 pistols throughout the world for use by military and police.

Where possible, national markings of these “surplus” pistols is included. Each volume has an extensive index and is profusely illustrated. It is difficult to conceive of the massive amount of research that went into the production of these volumes!

In Volume One, the author does not limit himself to the P.38, but also discusses competing models that vied for German military adoption in the mid 1930s, including Mauser, Sauer & Sohn and BSW pistols.

The author also discusses firearm laws and regulations under Nazi German government and policies in occupied countries. For the average German, handgun ownership was tightly regulated, but possible upon obtaining a permit to purchase and then another to possess.

The P.38 Pistol is clearly the definitive work on the P.38 pistol in all its manifestations. The volumes are laid out in a logical manner and are well organized. The many photographs and drawings are interesting in and of themselves, besides supplementing the text. These definitive books belong in the reference library of any student of modern firearms.

The present three volumes do not comprise the complete history of the P.38. Mr. Buxton has three more volumes in preparation to complete the P.38 story. Volume Four will cover the postwar “Ulm pistols” made by Walther and Manurhin. These pistols include the P38, P38II, P1, P38K, P4, P5, P88, commemoratives, special orders, and others. Military and police distribution will also be covered in Volume Four. Volume Five will feature holsters used with P.38 and related pistols since the 1930s. Volume Six will be a reappraisal of the material contained in all the preceding volumes, with emphasis on World War II pistols.

by Larry Sterett and Vic Fogle

The Encyclopedia of Handheld Weapons
Edited by James Marchington.
ISBN 1-930983-14-X
Published by Lewis International Inc.
Available from Cheaper Than Dirt,
Dept. SAR, 2524 NE Loop 820,
Fort Worth, TX 76106.
Price: $27.97, plus $7.99 s&h
1-800-421-8048 or www.cheaperthandirt.com
Reviewed by Larry Sterett

Following a short Introduction discussing such topics as the “changing face of war,” this thick hardbound volume provides coverage on nearly 300 different modern handheld weapons. There are a dozen categories, ranging from Semiautomatic Pistols to Utility and Special Purpose Blades. Each weapon category begins with a one-page Introduction, after which the weapons are presented in alphabetical order by name of country of origin. (The Assault Rifles, Sniping Rifles, and Combat Shotguns are presented in order by country of origin, but the Submachine Guns are presented in order by the name of the manufacturer of model.

Coverage of individual pistol, revolver, and submachine gun models includes Background, Operation, Controls, and for some models, Service. The long arms and edged weapons are discussed differently, without specific feature coverage, but often with additional comments. Each model is illustrated with one or more black and white photographs or drawings; some parts, fieldstripped, in the field shots illustrating the weapon in use may be included. In addition, specifications are provided for each weapon. However, the specifications provided depend on the type of weapon.

This is a handy volume for quick reference on many of the handheld weapons currently in use by the military, police, and security agencies. Light machine guns or weapons above assault rifle size are not covered. This volume has a useful nine-page Glossary, beginning with ACR and ending with Zero, but it does not have an index. Locating a specific model is not a problem, however, and is easily accomplished by looking for the model under the proper category in the Contents pages. Small arms students, military historians and researchers should find this a useful volume for reference. It’s not Jane’s Infantry Weapons, but it provides good basic information and the illustrations are good.

The Complete Machine Gun: 1885 to the Present
By Ian V. Hogg
London: Phoebus Publishing Co.
and New York: Exeter Books, 1979
128 pp., illus, artwork index, tables
out of print, ISBN 0-89673-012-3.
Reviewed by Vic Fogle

The Complete Machine Gun is a compact but surprisingly comprehensive trip through most of the era of the machine gun – roughly the last part of the 19th century and most of the 20th. In this period the machine gun largely dominated combat on various battlefields of the world. In assessing the importance of the coming of the machine gun, Ian Hogg wrote “if any single event can be said to have transformed the history of warfare it was the perfection of the true automatic machine gun by Hiram Maxim in 1885. Its effect was far greater than the introduction of aircraft or even nuclear weapons to the battlefield. Its importance paralleled the introduction of firearms themselves into a world of arrows and spears.”

The volume contains two separate but parallel surveys; published earlier in Great Britain, one covering machine guns and the second submachine guns. The periods into which the author divides his presentations are pre-World War I, the war itself, between the wars, World War II, and post-World War II up to the late 1970s. The surveys conclude with discussions of the Mini gun and the MP5. Upon this framework the author stretches a canvas upon which he paints in a background of national aspirations and rivalries, differing military philosophies, diverse national characteristics, and changing combat conditions, displaying the guns against this setting. Ignoring 19th century colonial use, mainly by his own countrymen, and domestic American use by industrialists and by National Guardsmen acting in their behalf, Hogg’s emphasis is upon 20th century military usage, and he shows how national tensions called forth new weapons and, in turn, counters to them. He discusses more than just the most popular models. While the most produced models are featured, so are many little produced or failed models: certainly the MG42 is included, but so is the super rare Gast; the Thompson naturally appears, but so does the SIG MP41.

Photos abound, some are large as a complete 11 3/4” x 17 1/4” page spread, usually showing the guns in action or being carried. Additionally, there are line drawings and many colored illustrations. Indeed, so copious are the book’s graphics that the only index is an artwork index covering the 280 illustrations, of which 153 are in color.

By pausing briefly from time to time, Hogg enriches his survey with additional, often non-mechanical, explanations. While he describes operating systems and parts for submachine guns, he also draws our attention to such things as German tactical doctrine on the difference between light and medium machineguns, rather than the reverse. He explains the Japanese model numbering system and Japanese ammunition. He details the Carl Gustav-Swedish K-Port Said lineage and that of the Sten family. And he summarizes Japan’s struggle with the Taisho 11 by noting that “it can come as no surprise to find that the weapon handbook listed no less than 26 different kinds of stoppages that the gun might suffer from” In explaining why there was little development work done immediately after World War I, Hogg tells us that military establishments were tired, their budgets were being cut, and there was no immediately perceived threat. Moreover, most military planners throughout the world were convinced that World War I conditions were a non-recurring aberration. These brief commentaries over which Hogg lingers set the book apart from most similar surveys.

The large format and relative thinness of this book give the impression, at first glance, that it may be a “coffee table” book, meant to impress visitors. But it is the reader who will be impressed. This is a fine job for what initially appears to be a quick survey. There is enough history in it to provide good depth, so that designers and armies do not seem to exist in a vacuum, unacted upon by any other forces. One always wants more in a good book, but Hogg packs a great deal into this one.