Post by MarkIf you are lucky enough to have one of these fine modelguns, I would like to start an registry for these models. As they are considered by many to be the number one collectable MGC modelgun. MGC produced these unique modelguns since late? 1967? to 1977 There are many variations of the MGC MP40 due to production/material costs and other reasons. In the short time that I have been studying this modelgun, I have noticed a few variations such as the color of the blued parts and sanding/machining/stamping marks on various parts.
So, if you don't mind sharing your MGC's information that applies, I would appreciate it!
1.
The serial number: This number can be found with or without the "No." prefix. It can also be located on the left or right side of the barrel. It can be located on the resting bar or elsewhere on the barrel. I assume that MGC started this serial number at 0000 and each of the MP40's had their own unique serial number. This of course, remains to be seen at this point. Perhaps sometime during mid to late production there is a chance that MGC dropped the individual serial numbers. So, it may appear that not all MGC MP40's will have the serial number.
Please note the serial numbers placement area.
2.
The type of magazine housing:
Early: No seam, one piece-stamped steel assy.
late: These are usually a two piece stamped steel assembly with a seam on the top that holds the two pieces together.
Also, please note the number of visible spot welds on the top straps.
The color of the magazine housings seems to vary from dark blue to a light gold color. If possible, please note the color of the housing and parts.
3.
The bolt type:
Type one. Typically, this is an early style bolt, with a center mounted, ejector slot. These bolts have a noticeably reduced diameter body. (for weight?) Usually these bolts are made out of fairly hard zinc alloy and they usually have a nice dark blue finish. The stamped and folded, steel extractor is usually a dark blue color.
Type two. late, offset ejector slot. These have a slightly reduced body diameter and these weigh considerably more than the earlier bolts. These bolts are made with a softer zinc alloy. These bolts, much like the earlier bolts, have a nice dark blue finish. The early bolts rarely have the feed rib/bolt face "angle milled" off to prevent cartridges from feeding.
These mid/late bolts will, quite often feature a milled, angle cut on their side. These cuts are in theory, presumably for weight control purposes. The stamped steel, extractor typically has a gold finish. These Mid/Late bolts more often than not will have their bolt feed ribs/face milled at an angle that prevents them from being used to fire caps.
Type three. Very late (last of the MGC "68" MP40 production?) with an offset ejector slot. These bolts possibly have other small detail differences. Sadly, I don't have enough information on these last production bolts at this point. Possibly all of these MP40's had their bolt faces/ribs milled off as the last MGC MP40's where possibly all exported from Japan in the 1977-79 period.
4.
Ejector: Early/mid production: center mounted, zinc alloy, with a thin blade shape. This type is very weak as the thin blade breaks off easily and, they are hard to replace.
Mid/Late: offset mounted reinforced post zinc alloy. This type is far stronger and it will take lots of abuse compared to the earlier version.
5.
Recoil assembly:
Early/mid production: small diameter spring in a blued, two piece, drawn steel, telescoping tube.
Late production: large-receiver interior diameter recoil spring without two piece telescoping tube.
6.
barrel trunion: Early: plain unfinished, zinc alloy
Mid/late: blued or chromed zinc alloy
7.
Receivers: Early "solid" tube without cut below the barrel trunion.
Mid production: solid/cut behind magazine housing.
Late: cut with two, small holes drilled in the receiver tube just below the barrel trunion.
The receivers can be found with several different tints (or colors) varying from a smooth dark blue to a purple/gold color/tint. The theory is that either the bluing solution or the cleaning process became contaminated during production and the receivers along with other smaller parts ended up with a gold/purple color due to this contamination.
8.
Grip assy:
Early: "Made in Japan" on trigger guard
Late: "Japan" on trigger guard.
9.
Muzzle nut: Early: Machined, non-threaded pressed on, usually with a blued steel finish
Mid/Late: Machined, non-threaded pressed on, with a typical gold color.
10.
Trunnion screws: Early: Black oxide finished allen bolt with a small head/shank.
Late: Black oxide finished allen bolt with a large head/shank.
11.
Forearm Early: Dark or light Brown color
Mid/Late: Black
Examples:
My Early MGC "68" MP40:
1. Serial # NO.3824 left side by barrel nut (not muzzle nut)
2. Magazine housing: no seam, blued.
3. Bolt type: type one blued.
4. center mounted blade
5. tube type
6. plain
7. solid
8. "Made in Japan"
9. Blued.
10. Early small.
11. Dark Brown
My mid/late MGC "68" MP40
1. Serial # 17418 on front of resting bar right hand side.
2. Seamed type. With three spot welds, blued.
3. Type two bolt. blued
4. offset.
5. Tube type
6. chromed
7. cut (no drilled holes)
8. "Japan"
9. gold.
10. late large.
11. Black
_________________
Wanted to buy: MGC Sten MK3....trades?(still)
MGC MP40 Marushin MP40 Nakata MP40 TRC MP40
Modelgun manufacturers, past and present:CMC,CAW,Hudson,HWS,LS,MGC(R.I.P. 1960's~2007) Marushin,Marui,Kokusai,Shoei,Tanaka and Western Arms
Last edited by mark on Tue Dec 26, 2006 5:59 am; edited 7 times in total
Subject: MGC68 MP40 ... Registry 
Sat Sep 06, 2008 12:10 pm
But, I couldn't afford it at that time...
)
