Description

The MP40 submachine gun, faithfully recreated here in minifigure scale, stands as one of the most iconic firearms of World War II. It remains instantly recognizable more than eight decades after its introduction. Designed by Heinrich Vollmer in 1938, the MP40 evolved from earlier designs such as the MP38 and was intended to provide German mechanized and airborne troops with a compact, reliable, and modern submachine gun for close-quarters combat. Unlike its finely machined predecessors, the MP40 was revolutionary for its extensive use of stamped metal and plastic parts. This made it one of the first mass-produced weapons built with large-scale industrial techniques rather than time-consuming craftsmanship. This streamlined production process allowed for more than a million MP40s to be manufactured during the war, equipping paratroopers, armoured vehicle crews, and infantry squad leaders across every theatre of conflict.

Chambered in the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge, the MP40 offered both familiarity and logistical efficiency, as the round was already widely used in German sidearms such as the Luger P08 and Walther P38. The weapon fed from a straight 32-round magazine, though soldiers often loaded only 28 rounds to improve reliability. Firing at a rate of 500 to 550 rounds per minute, the MP40 balanced firepower with controllability, making it highly effective in urban environments, trenches, and other close-range engagements. Its simple open-bolt, blowback operation minimized mechanical complexity, reducing the chances of failure even in adverse battlefield conditions. Soldiers appreciated its relatively low recoil, which allowed for accurate bursts, while its distinctive folding metal stock gave it a compact profile when stowed in vehicles or used by airborne troops.

Beyond its technical qualities, the MP40 carried immense cultural and symbolic weight. It became closely associated with German forces in popular memory, often depicted in war films, documentaries, and post-war media. Its rugged, utilitarian design contrasted with the ornate elegance of earlier weapons like the Luger, symbolizing a shift toward practicality and efficiency in modern firearms. The MP40 also influenced later submachine gun development, inspiring weapons such as the Soviet PPS and, indirectly, post-war designs in Europe and beyond. Despite its eventual replacement by assault rifles like the StG 44, the MP40’s service record cemented its place as one of the defining weapons of World War II.

This minifigure accessory captures the unmistakable lines of the MP40, including its slender barrel, folding stock, and box magazine, bringing a piece of history into miniature form. Collectors will value it as a historically significant addition to their arsenals, while builders can use it to equip paratroopers, tank crews, or infantry minifigures with one of the most recognizable weapons of the 20th century.

Includes 1 x black plastic replica MP40 submachine gun