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 Custom MP38

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kiwigunner
Cerwyn
6 posters
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Cerwyn
Cerwyn (Site Admin)
Cerwyn (Site Admin)
Cerwyn


Number of posts : 11073
Age : 65
Location / Country : North Wales
Registration date : 2008-07-20

Custom MP38 Empty
PostSubject: Custom MP38   Custom MP38 Icon_minitimeThu Apr 14, 2011 7:02 pm

Custom MP38 Review

Custom MP38 MP381-1

Custom MP38 MP38FrontRightView



History


The M.P. 38 submachine gun started its life under requirements from German Heereswaffenamt (HWA, Army Weapons Office), which saw the need for a compact submachine gun, suitable for use by armoured vehicles crews and paratroopers. German arms-making company Erfurter Maschinenfabrik Gmbh,better known under its trade name Erma, began the development of a new weapon under HWA specifications. It must be noted that a new submachine gun was not built from the scratch; instead, it was just an evolution of a rarely known prototype weapon, provisionally known as Erma MP-36. MP-36 was a compact version of the better known ERMA EMP submachine gun but fitted with the now-familiar underfolding metallic shoulder stock and bottom-feed magazine, which was slightly canted forward to accommodate EMP magazines.


Custom MP38 Erma_e10

ERMA EMP submachine gun



Custom MP38 MP36
MP36

MP-36 was a selective-fired weapon, and in fact the improved MP-38 was a simplified version of its little known predecessor, adapted for different magazine. Therefore, it took only few months before the new weapon was ready for official adoption and mass production. Manufacture of a new submachine gun, designated as MP-38, commenced in summer of 1938, at Erma, and later on also at C.G. Haenel.

The MP38 was manufactured for just 2 years, when it was replaced in production by externally similar, but less expensive MP-40, which used more stamped parts instead of machined parts, found in MP-38. There also were minor variations in design of MP-38, such as shape of cocking handle etc. The MP38's handle is a curved hook or spoon shape , whereas the MP40 has a push in-out Knob. (see photosbelow)
The MP-40 was also produced in a number of variations, which differed in shape of certain parts; also, toward the end of the war, several production shortcuts were introduced to save the costs of manufacturing.
Probably the most interesting variation of the MP-40 were the MP-40-I and MP-40-II. These guns featured dual magazine housings which hold two magazines in a laterally sliding bracket. This increase the total ammunition capacity "in the gun" to 64 rounds, in a desperate attempt to catch up with 71-round magazine capacity of Soviet PPSh-41. The later variant, MP-40-II, was made in limited numbers, but turned out to be a failure - sliding dual-magazine housing was a constant source of jams and failures, and was very sensitive to dirt and fouling.
Nevertheless, MP-38 and especially MP-40 submachine guns were of good design,and set the pattern for so called "second generation" of submachine guns ("first generation" being represented by the wood-stocked and carefully machined MP18, MP28 and the like). The second generation weapons usually were of compact design, and made using mostly steel stampings and pressings, or castings.
It also must be noted that many MP-40 that survived the WW2, continued to serve up until late 1970s or early 1980s, in a few European armies such as Austrian or Norwegian. Examples were used in Central European conflicts (Bosnia for example) too.


Design

Both MP-38 and MP-40 submachine guns are blowback operated weapons that fire from open bolt. Both weapons were full-automatic only, but relatively slow rate of fire permitted for single shots with short trigger pulls. The proprietary bolt system with telescoped return spring guide served as a pneumatic recoil buffer,helping to decrease rate of fire to a very manageable level. The bolt handle was permanently attached to the bolt on early MP-38's; on late production MP-38's and MP-40's bolt handle was made as a separate part and also served as a safety.


Custom MP38 MP38Cocked


Pushing the head of bolt handle inward locked the bolt either in cocked or forward position. Lack of such feature on early MP-38's resulted in field expedients such as leather harnesses with small loop, used to hold the bolt in forward position.


Custom MP38 MP3840SafetyStrap

Safety strap fitted to a rare MP40 with curved cocking handle

Custom MP38 MP38withsafetystrap

MP38 painted white & fitted with Safety Strap

Photos from www.mp40.nl

One unusual feature on most MP-38 and MP-40 submachine guns was an aluminum or Bakelite rail under the barrel, which served as a barrel support /protector when firing over the board of armoured personnel carriers or other vehicles. The short handguard was made from Bakelite and was located between magazine housing and pistol grip.
The barrel lacked any heat insulation, which often caused burns for supporting hand.
Folding shoulder stock resulted for compact weapon when folded, but it was insufficiently durable for combat use and hand-to-hand combat.
Single-feed, double-row box magazines with a maximum capacity of 32 cartridges were used


MP38/40 Resting Bar

Custom MP38 MP40RestingBar

MP38/40 Folding Stock

Custom MP38 DSC00244

Pre production MP38

Custom MP38 Pre-ProductionMP38


Pneumatic Recoil Tubes & Cocking Handles

Custom MP38 MP3840RecoilTubes

Top: MGC68 MP40- Note only Two tubes. Bottom Custom MP38 and correct use of Three tubes



MP38 Bolt & Cocking handle

Custom MP38 MP38BoltSteel

MP40 Cocking Handle: (Fire position)

Custom MP38 DSC00936

Safe Position

Custom MP38 DSC00935

The MP 38 receiver was made of machined steel, but this was a time-consuming and expensive process. To save time and materials, and thus increase production, construction of the MP 40 receiver was simplified by using stamped steel and electro-spot welding as much as possible.
The MP 38 also features longitudinal grooving on the receiver and bolt, as well as a circular opening on the magazine housing in an effort to reduce weight. These features were eliminated on the M38/40 and MP 40.


Custom MP38 MP3840UpperReceiver

Top: MGC MP40 Receiver Bottom: Custom MP38 Milled Receiver



MP38 Magazine Well

Custom MP38 MP38MagWell

MGC MP40 Magazine Well

Custom MP38 MP40MagWellSteel

Note slot provision for Push in Safety knob fitted to MP40 Cocking Handles



References


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MP38
http://www.mp40.nl/
http://world.guns.ru/smg/de/mp3-mp40-e.html



Modelgun – Custom Made and Built by Kickback:-

Several Japanese Modelgun manufacturers have produced replica MP40s. But as far as I am aware, there are only two sources, both British based, of replica MP38s.

ModelgunCollector.co.uk and Forum member Kickback offer Blank Firing and PFC cap firing models of superb quality.
Produced to order for Re-enactment use, the Blank Firing version is the one in most demand. As such, the Replicas are made from high grade steel, capable of withstanding the pressures generated by 9mm Blank Ammunition.

These are very high quality, strong safe functional replicas. Some parts, not subjected to these high pressures are taken from Marushin or MGC68 modelguns.
Grip Frames, Folding Stocks, Trigger, Sling Loop, Resting Bar and Front Sights can be safely used.

The “working” parts of the replica are made from machined steel. This amounts to a considerable amount of skilled work. Barrel, Trunnion and Chamber, Upper & Lower Receiver, Magazine Well, Ejector, Bolt and Recoil Tubes, Barrel Nut, Rear Sight, Trigger Group are all custom built and machined by Kickback and 8ace. Hopefully my photographs will convey just how skilful these two Gentlemen are.

My choice was a PFC, cap-firing model, capable of firing KSC 9mm Luger c.p. cartridges. This allowed my model to have a removable barrel, unlike British spec. Blank Firers that are welded to the Trunnion & Receiver. A custom Detonator Pin and different spec.(softer) Recoil Spring would be required also.
The end result is a hand made, unique replica which takes pride of place in my collection. Photos describe this modelgun far better than words :-


Custom MP38 MP387

Custom MP38 MP3819

Custom MP38 MP3818-1

Custom MP38 MP3821-1

Note: Inert 9mm Luger rounds in the magazine for photographic purposes. This PFC modelgun cannot chamber these rounds.


Custom MP38 MP3812

Custom MP38 MP3817

Custom MP38 MP3813

Custom MP38 MP38DetPinandChamber

Custom MP38 MP38leftrearview

Custom MP38 MP3820

Real MP38 for comparison

Custom MP38 RealMP38


Rather than use Black grips and Foregrip/Sideplates from Marushin’s MP40, the more authentic Reddish Brown Bakelite replica set available from www.historyarms.com have been used. A replacement matching Bakelite resting bar will be fitted once it arrives.

Custom MP38 MP38RedBrownSideplates

Comparison to MGC68MP40

MGC were the only manufacturers of steel PFC MP40 Modelguns and as such, their acclaimed ’68 MP40 is a true classic. Highly collectable, desirable and as a bonus, capable of firing PFC cartridges superbly well. Rightly taking Top Position in any collectors’ Wish-List.
The MGC MP40 was one modelgun I had always wanted. It took a long time to find a good one but I was extremely happy when an example became available. It is still one of my favourite models to fire as well as just admire.
Comparisons between Kickback’s replica MP38 and MGC’s MP40 not only accurately show the differences between both versions of the real weapons, but also the differences in build quality.

Custom MP38 MP3816

Custom MP38 MP3840Comparison

Top: MGC68 MP40, Bottom Kickback’s MP38



MGC MP40s were made with steel Upper and Lower Receivers, but the Bolt, Ejector, Sear and Barrel were made of cast Zinc Alloy. The original MGC Bolt's Charging Handle is cast with the Bolt and is NOT moveable as per the genuine item.
My own MGC MP40 has one of 8ace's custom steel bolts with a functioning cocking handle/safety adapted from Marushin's ABS MP40 model

As stated earlier, the MP 38 receivers were made of machined steel, but this was a time-consuming and expensive process. To save time and materials, and thus increase production, construction of the MP 40 receiver was simplified by using stamped steel and electro-spot welding as much as possible.

Both MGC68 MP40 and Kickback’s custom MP38 illustrate these different manufacturing methods very clearly.

Custom MP38 MP3840UpperReceiver

Top: MGC68 MP40 Upper Receiver (Stamped & Rolled Steel) Bottom: Kickback’s MP38 Upper Receiver (Machined from Steel Tube)


Custom MP38 MP40UpperRecRearSteel

MGC68 MP40 Rear Upper Receiver

Custom MP38 MP38UpperRec


Custom MP38 Rear Upper Receiver


Custom MP38 MP3840LowerRec2

Left: Custom MP38 Lower Receiver Right: MGC68 MP40 Lower Receiver (Stamped Steel)



The custom MP38’s machined receivers are made of nominal 0.095”/0.100” (2.40mm / 2.50mm) thick steel whereas the stamped MGC68 MP40 is made of 0.050” / 0.053”
(1.27mm /1.35mm) steel.

Magazine

Custom MP38 Mgcmp40u1

This model uses MGC68 MP40 magazines. The magazine well has been made to accept genuine MP40 magazines also

Cartridges and Detonator Pin

KSC 9mm Luger c.p. cartridges are relatively inexpensive and plentiful unlike the “old faithful” MGC P220 which was the cartridge of choice when a replacement or better performing c.p. cartridge was required.
Practically identical to MGC c.p. cartridges in design, KSC’s perform well.


Custom MP38 Ksc9mm11openbox

Photo courtesey of smootik’s Cartridge Library


Custom MP38 Mp40set3
Detonator Pin

Loading Cartridges

KSC’s 9mm Luger cartridges are loaded in exactly the same way as MGC c.p. types.
Refer to https://mp40modelguns.forumotion.net/t924-loading-mgc-type-cartridges for instructions.

Custom MP38 Ksc9mm12cartridgecomponents

Photo courtesey of smootik’s Cartridge Library


Comments

Kickack and 8ace, both skilful and knowledgable Modelgun enthusiasts, have produced a truly outstanding Modelgun.
In the best British tradition, men working away in their garden sheds have taken on the World’s best Manufacturers and not only matched them, but surpassed them in more ways than one.

8ace‘s Steel MP40 and Kickback’s Steel MP38 Bolts
Custom MP38 MP4038BoltFace

Custom MP38 MP38Cocked

Custom MP38 MP4038BoltUnderside

MP38 Boltface
Custom MP38 MP38BoltFaceSteel


MP38 Bolt
Custom MP38 MP38BoltSteel

8ace’s Steel MP40 Bolt
Custom MP38 MP40BoltFaceSteel

Custom MP38 MP40BoltSteel


MP38 Ejector
Custom MP38 MP38Ejector2

MGC MP40 Ejector
Custom MP38 DSC00890

Custom MP38 MP3819

_________________
Cerwyn

Hobby collector of Replica model guns and Militaria.
also member of Living History Reenactment Groups.


Last edited by Cerwyn on Sun Jul 09, 2017 1:42 pm; edited 1 time in total
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kiwigunner
Modelgun Master
Modelgun Master
kiwigunner


Number of posts : 556
Age : 73
Location / Country : Auckland/New Zealand
Registration date : 2010-03-10

Custom MP38 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Custom MP38   Custom MP38 Icon_minitimeSat Apr 16, 2011 3:53 am

Nice review & great photos......
What an awesome replica, Cerwyn!
Worth the wait I bet!
And did you & Carol have to re-mortgage the house??? 'lol!'
I'll try not to remain green with envy for too long!

Kiwigunner

eulogio likes this post

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Cerwyn
Cerwyn (Site Admin)
Cerwyn (Site Admin)
Cerwyn


Number of posts : 11073
Age : 65
Location / Country : North Wales
Registration date : 2008-07-20

Custom MP38 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Custom MP38   Custom MP38 Icon_minitimeSat Apr 16, 2011 10:58 am

Hello Kiwi,

It is an awesome replica, no doubt about it Very Happy Glad you enjoyed the Review, I still don't think I've done it justice though. I may need to add more information about it at some stage.

Plan for today is to start videoing the 38 firing bounce bounce bounce something it does really well. If the video doesn't turn you completely green with envy, nothing will Wink

Watch this space...

_________________
Cerwyn

Hobby collector of Replica model guns and Militaria.
also member of Living History Reenactment Groups.
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richie328
New Member
New Member



Number of posts : 70
Age : 75
Location / Country : Western NY, USA
Registration date : 2013-01-23

Custom MP38 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Custom MP38   Custom MP38 Icon_minitimeWed Jan 23, 2013 4:38 pm

An awesome endeavor, to be sure!!!

Could you explain/comment further on how the magazine housing was made/formed??? (Not the magazine body itself, but the stamped housing that holds it).
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Momocampo
Modelgun Master
Modelgun Master



Number of posts : 389
Age : 50
Location / Country : France
Registration date : 2011-01-31

Custom MP38 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Custom MP38   Custom MP38 Icon_minitimeWed Jan 23, 2013 7:32 pm

My god!!
That's something this review!!! There are some details Laughing Laughing Laughing
Congratulations Cerwyn and thanks for this amazing review !

Wink
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Dronne
Modelgun Enthusiast
Modelgun Enthusiast
Dronne


Number of posts : 215
Age : 58
Location / Country : France Paris
Registration date : 2012-01-05

Custom MP38 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Custom MP38   Custom MP38 Icon_minitimeWed Jan 23, 2013 11:36 pm

Hi everybody,
Thank your for this really interesting and very, very well illustrated review.
Is it possible to dig a bit more, with a kind of "review in the review", with some explanations about the making of the steel parts?


Last edited by Dronne on Thu Jan 24, 2013 7:21 am; edited 2 times in total
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pitfighter
Modelgun Master
Modelgun Master
pitfighter


Number of posts : 616
Location / Country : Hollywood, California
Registration date : 2008-09-07

Custom MP38 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Custom MP38   Custom MP38 Icon_minitimeThu Jan 24, 2013 6:04 am

That is a great review of a phenomenal model gun!

Thank you,

Pit
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Cerwyn
Cerwyn (Site Admin)
Cerwyn (Site Admin)
Cerwyn


Number of posts : 11073
Age : 65
Location / Country : North Wales
Registration date : 2008-07-20

Custom MP38 Empty
PostSubject: Re: Custom MP38   Custom MP38 Icon_minitimeThu Jan 24, 2013 11:23 am

I'm glad you've all enjoyed my review of my MP38 Very Happy Thank you very much for your kind comments.

The Magazine Well and Housing is fabricated by hand using sheet steel. The magazine is a MGC68 MP40 example. To ensure a perfect fit, the mag' was used as a former having the sheet steel cut, folded and welded around it.

The trigger mechanism, grip frame, folding stock, front sight assy and muzzle nut are Marushin MP40 items while the remainder of the model is fabricated from steel tube, bar and sheet. Rear sights, bolt assembly and recoil tubes are all custom made using lathe, milling machines and good helping of skill Wink The Bakelite replica pistol grips, foregrip/sidepanels and barrel resting bar were sourced from a company in the USA. It really is a phenomenal model.

I really must sort out a long awaited video of this firing and share it with you soon

_________________
Cerwyn

Hobby collector of Replica model guns and Militaria.
also member of Living History Reenactment Groups.
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