Help needed to identify replica MP40

Hi everyone,
Here goes , the pics below are of my replica MP40 which I would be most grateful if anyone out there could help me identify its origin ? On its right hand side it has a couple of slots cut into its upper receiever - not sure why as they do not affect the function ?
The last pic shows the areas (green) that are steel versus  the pot metal parts (red).









Thanks in advance,
Paul (Broomie)

It's an MGC68 MP40. Strangely enough without the stamp on the receiver. But I'm 100% sure.

Hi,
Thanks for your thoughts, really appreciate it. I too haven't the foggiest why it doesn't have the MGC 68 on the rear of the receiver if it's one ? Could it be a Nakata or some other similar Japanese make ?
The strange thing is the 2 cuts on the right hand side which serve no function whatsoever ? Plus it takes an original MP40 mag and can chamber inert rounds. I will need to take courage and try to field strip it at some point to see if its bolt is either cut or not , and whether it has an ordinary firing pin for the use of 9mm disposable blanks  
I would also love to know if there was a competent welder out there who would be able to weld up the 2 slots on the rhs of the receiver & make good of them ? You see, realism is of utmost importance when it comes to re-enactment   
Cheers,
Paul (Broomie)

Looks clear (think you can still see some marks) that the MGC68 mark below the "MP40" has been ground off
Really not sure why those slots have been cut?

Looks like nothing has been removed below the MP40 that I can see. What I am puzzled about are the 2 slots cut into the receiver , just doesn't make sense   
Thanks a bunch for your help by the way, much appreciated   
Paul

As stated, I'm 100% sure it's an mgc. And I agree it sure looks like the MGC68 mark has been ground off. Can you take off the tube and take a picture so we can see the cut a bit better?

Had a friend saying it's a hybrid ??? Definitely no sign of the MGC68 being ground off.
I will take it apart when I gather enough courage and will post pics the moment I do. I need to check up on how to field strip this darn thing cos I really want to examine its innards a lot closer.
Thanks for your help, and will keep ya al' posted on my frankengun later    
Paul

Hi
Its a MGC :)The photo does show some signs of abrasion under the MP40, but maybe its the camera angle ................
Also under the trigger guard there are also abrasion marks where it used to say "made in Japan"...


Did it come with its original mag? can you photograph or  ANY markings on that mag.

The abrasion that you see in one of the pics is nothing more than age and rust. The only abrasion I see is at the bottom of the triggerguard where there's some filing done to it - probably where it used to say "Japan" or "made in Japan" ?   
No, it came only with an original MP40 mag. Does an original MP40 mag fit in a MGC68 MP40 ? 
Here's a pic of the original mag that came with the MP40.

Cheers,
Paul

Two of my MGC's came with original MP40 mags, they fit fine into an MGC replica -
One came with an original sling, too - which was the reason I bought the replica, the sling is now on the byf43 and the replica went to a member here.
Not much else fits, on the MP40 - in the way of original to MGC.
The MGC is much lighter and all of the metal used is very thin and delicate compared to the original, the thread on the muzzle protector is different.
Front sight protector is different size, the resting bar is plastic and not fitted in the same way as the original, I had a spare resting bar and though I might put it onto the MGC, no such luck.

My second hand shoei MP44 came with an original mag (post war east German 1001), too, also the whole lower receiver (late war Haenel) was from an original MP44, and fits fine, as well as the fore grip, and buttstock, all from an original that fit fine with no modification.

The Shoei mag I bought from Cerwyn, fits into my real MP44, but alas does not successfully feed rounds -

Hi
Are there any other markings at all on the mag? if not it could possibly be a Marushin one.

Wow, wow and wow again !!! First, I'd like to thank all those who have responded to my help - I am eternally grateful and still am in awe with the tremendous tips you have all provided   
A special thank-you to Cerwyn for the links to other posts ! I will do my best to pull the thing apart at some point.
About the mag : Thanks Pitfighter for the insight into the interchangeability of the mag - original & replica - on some of the MGC68 models. Would you happen to know which generation MGC68 would this feature be ? I understand from Cerwyn's tips that there are at least 3 or 4 all with minor modifications due to the changing nature of the regulations of the time ?!? Oh, and no, I am not about to alter the replica in question by substituting replica parts for real parts, so please don't worry - I have enough trouble with identifying the gun as it is   
Cerwyn, I have trouble working out which generation this MGC68 is from the link you gave me   Please bear with me, I new at this sort of thing. The barrel on mine is completely clear and there is absolutely no sign of any block (as shown in the pics of the link) nor any sign of any attempt at removing any ??? The only block is the removable plug that is used for PFC cartridges from what I see in other posts ? Once this plug is removed, inert 9mm cartridges can be chambered with ease   
Johnny V : no, there is no other marking on the mag and it is definitely an original MP38/40 mag. Plus, the original seller told me so when he sold it to me. I have no reason to doubt him   
Lastly, from all the links I think I have one helluva lot to learn (thanks again, Cerwyn) about the intricacies & differences of these replicas. From my findings thus far, without taking the gun apart, the telescopic bolt is steel cos it's definitely magnetic !?! I just hope it hasn't been illegally modified   noting that the upper reciver has already had 2 slots drilled into it for no apparent reason ?     
I will soon post other pics of my replicas & my older brother's stuff to keep everyone satisfied should anyone be interested ?   
Eternally grateful,
Broomie

Here's a couple more pics of the mag which I am pretty sure is original MP38/40 to answer Pitfighter's question.


Hope these pics help ?
Broomie

"
Johnny V : no, there is no other marking on the mag and it is definitely an original MP38/40 mag. Plus, the original seller told me so when he sold it to me. I have no reason to doubt him  Wink
"
Hi Broomie
The mag follower inside the mag is 100% MGC not a real one, the mag itself...would need a picture of the top/back face to tell. seller may well have been sold it as real, happens all the time
Good news is an MGC one is worth more 

Hi Guys,
First, I would like to respond to Johnny V regarding the mag being a MGC : You're most probably right as you know about these things more than I will ever hope to    But my mag doesn't have any of the MGC markings  which is puzzling  
Second, thanks once more to Cerwyn for an in-depth breakdown of the MGC MP40 and your insight in this field of interest  - You're truly a fountain of knowledge   To answer your observations ;
i) Yes, the plug in the chamber is like the one pictured in your photo, it's removable so inert rounds can be chambered,
ii) The bolt face on mine doesn't look cut, but I need to work up enough courage to strip the thing apart to be sure,
iii) I was told the replica can fire 9mm disposable blanks   So this must mean it has a firing pin , no   This is what swayed me to buy the thing in the first place cos I really want to get into re-enactment ... as yet there's no group in East Anglia   
Here are some more pics :


In the first pic you can see the barrel assembly with the removable barrel plug. And in the second, that's how the trunion looks from the front ? I think it's called the trunion    
I need to get drunk to get the rest apart   
Thanks guys,
Broomie

Hi Brommie
Had an ask around and you should get a PM from my friend in the next few days regarding a replacement MGC receiver if thats of any help

All the best

Excellent !!! Thanks Johnny V, much appreciated   
Broomie

Hi Broomie,
 
Before ANY attempt to fire 9mm Blank ammunition, you MUST ensure the entire gun has been thoroughly and correctly reenforced. It WILL blow up if it hasn't. Be VERY careful. I'd strongly and respectfully suggest contacting John at www.plugfirecapgunsuk.com to ask if he would check it over for signs of competent, legal and safe conversion work if there's ANY doubt.
 
In my honest opinion I'd suggest that your MP40 is NOT a Blank Firer simply because the barrel is removeable.
Laws and Legislation governing Blank Firers insist that barrels are permanently welded to the receiver. The reason being to simply stop anyone fitting a "live" barrel and firing live ammunition.
Obviously getting caught attempting to do so would land you in a World of Trouble with the Law but could put you in Hospital thanks to the gun blowing itself to bits.
 
Without seeing the internals, it's not really possible to determine if any converting has been done to make this a safe and legal Blank Firer but to be honest, it's unlikely as your barrel is removeable.
 
The photo you've posted showing the barrel and resting bar is almost 100% certainly MGC. (which is good news   )
Also, if you can manually cycle inert rounds through the gun, I'd guess the bolt is NOT cut. Bolt faces have to be complete to strip rounds from the mag' and hold the rounds' rim to extract and eject.
As soon as you strip it you'll be able to confirm that too.
 
Assuming your bolt isn't cut, it's more likely you'll be able to fire re-useable cap loaded brass cartridges. You'll need a Detonator Pin which sits in the Chamber instead of that plug. I'm sure John at www.plugfirecapgunsuk.com could get you a Det. Pin and the required cartridges and caps.
This is how MGC intended their model guns to be fired. Have a look at the Videos here:
 
 
Quiet enough to be fired indoors without blowing out windows and scaring neighbours silly, these are good fun and one of the reasons most of us have these models.
The downside is that the report from the gun is too quiet for reenacting outdoors. You would also need a round catcher attaching to the gun to collect spent and ejected cartridges. At around £3 each these brass cartridges are not cheap but look after them and they'll last for years. Caps are £8.50 per box of 100.
 
Don't strip it down drunk     , you'll only lose some vital component or forget how to put it back together again   
 
Until later then,
        

Awwww, you mean to say it cannot ffire any 9mm disposable blanks    That's real bugger cos I was told originally by the seller it would with the plug removed   
Well, I am going to take it apart sooner or later cos Johnny V says he has a mate who may be able to supply me with an uncut receiver to replace mine    Let's hope it fits    
I am gradually finding I am spending more & more money on this ... and not what I exactly wanted it for in the first place   
Keeping my fingers firmly crossed ... guys, yo're scaring the hell outta me with all the regulations   
Cheers everyone,
Broomie

Hi Cerwyn,
I read what you said with amazement as you obviously have had far more experience in this field than I could ever wish to have   
First, I will need to strip it apart first and see what's what ?
Second, wait and see if I can have the upper receiver replaced ?
Third, send it to John (PlugFireCapGunsUK) to have it inspected ?
Last, ascertain the cost of converting this into a f/v 9mm disposable blank firer so long as it's not illegal ?
A mate of mine has a front-venter '40 and it's very, very cool   
I also happen to like your custom replica MP38, bet it costs an arm & a leg   
Thanks Cerwyn, your advice has been taken on board and I may use this '40 as a display model in that case. Time to look for a UK-legal 9mm blanker   
Broomie