What member of the older generation, playing war games with friends in childhood, did not imagine himself as a brave partisan with a German machine gun in his hand? Moreover, this Schmeisser was certainly taken from the enemy in battle. The German company Umarex provides you with this opportunity. This brand is known for producing pneumatic copies of almost all known rifle modifications. The company is known all over the world, because its products are of high quality and almost completely identical to the prototype.
Today, as you probably already understood, a copy of the famous MP-40, the most famous German machine gun from the Second World War, is being presented to the public. He is known by his own name Schmeisser, after the German gunsmith of the same name. Although its inventor is another German weapon builder, Heinrich Volmer. Today we are not talking about him, although he was a brilliant gunsmith of his time.
Review of the pneumatic machine Schmeisser MP-40
The pneumatic automatic machine Schmeisser MP-40 is produced by the German company SRC. This type of weapon is characterized by high build quality and extreme reliability. The product can be used in various conditions for a long period of time. Schmeiser MP-40 is a kind of modification of the MP-38 model.
The main design difference between the two weapon models is that the MP-40 has a stamped receiver, while the MP-38 has a milled one. You should also pay attention to the change in the magazine neck. Stamped ribs appeared on it, the presence of which has a positive effect on the overall strength potential of the product.
Advantages and disadvantages
The body of the machine is made of high-strength steel, so the product is resistant to various mechanical damage. The magazine can hold up to fifty shells at a time, so there is no need to frequently reload the weapon. The high-quality SRC GEN 3 gearbox and the new MOSFET controller deserve special attention. The latter is built into the trigger mechanism.
The most problematic aspects of such pneumatic weapons include the lack of a safety lock and a low effective firing distance. The initial speed of the bullet also leaves much to be desired - the projectile flies out of the barrel at a speed of 90 km/h.
Another drawback is the lack of a handguard, which leads to overheating of the barrel at high firing rates. This moment may cause some discomfort. The disadvantages of this model also include the inconvenient location of the folding stock.
Advantages:
- spacious magazine (50 shells);
- durable steel structure;
- convenient German markings;
- the presence of a special controller in the trigger mechanism;
- high build quality.
Disadvantages of the Schmeisser MP-40 pneumatic machine:
- lack of fuse;
- low initial bullet speed (90 km/h);
- lack of fore-end;
- possible difficulties with manual loading (the model is additionally equipped with a special device).
Photo of the pneumatic machine Schmeisser MP-40
Purpose
The main purpose of this type of weapon is to play airsoft. In addition, the Schmeiser MP-40 can be used for recreational shooting and hitting targets at short distances. The Schmeisser MP-40 assault rifle can also be used for plinking.
Video review of the Umarex Legends MP 40 German-Legacy Edition pneumatic submachine gun:
A pneumatic replica of the legendary submachine gun of the Second World War - MP 40. The model was manufactured by the German company Umarex.
The energy required to eject the ammunition from the model's barrel is provided by one 12 gram CO2 cartridge, which is installed in the cylinder compartment located inside the model's magazine.
Shooting from an air pistol-machine gun is carried out exclusively with steel BB balls, the caliber of which is 4.5 mm. The initial speed of the ball when fired from the model is 140 m/s , however, in the basic configuration the power of the weapon is significantly reduced.
Firing from this submachine gun is carried out in automatic and single mode, while the Umarex Legends MP 40 German Legacy Edition pneumatic submachine gun is equipped with a BlowBack , thanks to which, after each shot, the trigger mechanism is automatically cocked.
The Umarex mp 40 air pistol submachine gun can be purchased both for recreational shooting in the summer and for collection as a fairly realistic copy of a combat model from the Second World War.
The pneumatic model's magazine is full-size, which increases the realism of the pneumatic submachine gun, and also makes it easy to service the model's gas supply mechanism. The balls are loaded into the magazine of the pneumatic MP 40 in the amount of 50 pieces, which allows you to work with the model for a long time without reloading.
The main parts of the outer body of the air gun are made of durable plastic. The barrel, as well as all the main parts of the model’s mechanisms, are made of metal. The length of the submachine gun is 830 mm , and its weight is 3500 grams .
The sighting mechanism of the model is represented by a non-adjustable front sight, as well as an adjustable rear sight, which greatly simplifies the process of shooting at targets located at different distances.
So, the Umarex Legends MP German submachine gun will be of interest to all collectors, as well as fans of weapons from the time of World War II. The model is perfect for outdoor entertainment, as well as in the country.
Specifications
The airsoft machine Schmeisser MP-40 of the electro-pneumatic type has a special thickening in the lower part of the barrel. This design feature makes it as practical as possible and allows shooting from various positions. The weapon magazine has a straight two-row design.
Balls with a diameter of 8 mm are used as projectiles for shooting. The traditional stock is replaced by a folding shoulder rest, which has no play. This moment has a positive effect on shooting accuracy. The forend and handle of the machine gun are made using bakelite.
Instead of a traditional safety device, a special shaped cutout is used in the receiver. The bolt handle is inserted here for a secure fit. In some models, the shutter handle can move in a transverse plane. Thanks to this, it is additionally possible to fix the shutter in the forward position.
Technical characteristics of the pneumatic airsoft machine Schmeisser mp 40:
Characteristics | Indicators |
Initial bullet speed, km/h | 90 |
Total weight of the product, kg | 3 |
Housing material | steel |
Handle material | bakelite |
Length of the inner stem, mm | 270 |
Weapon length, mm | 613-840 |
Muzzle energy, J | 0,9 |
Magazine capacity | 50 |
Principle of operation | electropneumatic |
Sighting range, m | 30 |
Maximum range, m | 50 |
Store type | bunker |
Motor | Ultra High Torque Motor |
Battery type | mini |
Preparing to shoot
To prepare for shooting, take the magazine in your hands and, using a special key with six edges, which is included in the kit, unscrew the nut located at the bottom of the magazine. A hole will open; you need to insert both gas cans into it.
Attention, the cans must be inserted as follows: the first one is inserted with the neck up, the second, on the contrary, with the neck down. Then we tighten the nut back, it will tighten the cans while piercing them.
The store, as already indicated, includes fifty standard BB balls, 4.5 mm caliber. To load the magazine, you need to press the feeder down with your finger; by the way, its spring is not too tight, so this is quite easy to do. Approximately in the middle of the magazine there is a hole through which charging must be carried out. After the required number of bullets has been loaded, release the feeder. The magazine is ready, you can insert it into the machine gun and start shooting.
Experts recommend that the entire preparation procedure be carried out with the safety switch on, located at the bottom of the receiver. By the way, the fuse performs another function - a fire switch, and has three positions. Which can be identified by the inscription and color of the dot.
- A white dot and the inscription “Safe” - the machine is on safety.
- The button is red and the inscription “Fire” - then we can conduct single shooting.
- When you slide the switch, the inscription “Auto” appears, which means the machine is ready for automatic firing (in bursts).
For the slow-witted, there is an instruction manual where meticulous and punctual Germans have outlined all the steps for using their products. The instructions are written in 8 main languages used in the world, including Russian. For those who are particularly slow-witted, the Germans have drawn instructions in pictures, which can also be used to master the machine gun.
It has already been indicated that the MP-40 has the ability to fire in two modes - single and burst. When you put the safety on the machine, it blocks the trigger.
The magazine is inserted into the machine gun, the safety is switched to single-fire mode. That's it, you can press the hook, we press and nothing happens, it doesn't shoot. Is it really broken? No, everything is simple, the Germans did everything as in the prototype, but in it to start shooting you had to move the shutter, everything is the same here.
You can shoot until the magazine runs out. After it is empty, you can press the trigger, but the shot does not fire. The manufacturer made it impossible to fire a blank shot to save gas.
A special feature of the model is the almost complete imitation of military weapons. For example, when shooting, the shutter moves, and when switching to automatic shooting, it becomes possible to shoot in bursts. Many may argue that such an option is available in other pneumatic machines. This is not the same, other machines shoot a burst of several balls, that is, you press the hook, three or six balls fly out, after which a cutoff follows and then again the same number of balls. The MP-40 shoots in a real burst, that is, with one press of the trigger you can fire all 50 balls in one burst.
The accuracy and accuracy of fire of this model is excellent, and this is despite the fact that the machine gun is of the smooth-bore type and uses heavier steel ammunition for firing. Targeted shooting can be carried out at a distance of up to 15 meters, but 7-8 meters is recommended.
There is enough gas in two cylinders to shoot three magazines, which, if you do the math, is equal to 150 shots. In this case, it is possible to fire with only one canister, although the gas volume is only enough for half of the above.
The aiming system consists of a fixed and protected front sight and an adjustable rear sight.
Device
The MP-40 model is distinguished by the presence of a reinforced gearbox of the third generation GEN 3. This element is made entirely of metal. The gearbox consists of an electric motor, gears, piston and cylinder. All these elements of the pneumatic system ensure the normal functioning of the weapon.
A powerful motor with a maximum number of revolutions deserves special attention. Additionally, it is equipped with a hop-up device, thanks to which the projectile is given additional lifting force at the moment of firing.
At the base of the trunk there is a small window through which a rubber roller is lowered into it. Passing through this system, the ball receives additional rotation due to friction against the rubber. Due to the fact that the diameter of the barrel is slightly wider than the diameter of the ball, the projectile does not stop rotating.
A small tide is structurally provided under the barrel of the weapon. This moment acts as a stop and allows for dynamic shooting. The striker is distinguished by the presence of a pneumatic recoil damper, thanks to which the user can slow down the initial rate of fire. A reversible rear sight and a front sight in a ring-shaped front sight are used as standard sighting devices.
Equipment
The standard package includes an 8.4 V battery, an instruction manual, a magazine for shells and shooting balls. The weapon manufacturer is required to provide a warranty card and a weapon passport. All of these elements must be requested by the buyer at the point of sale.
You should also pay attention to the presence of a special device that acts as a loading accelerator. The need to use this device is due to existing problems that may arise when manually loading a machine gun. The kit also includes a cleaning rod for cleaning weapons. Battery charger is not included.
Complete set of pneumatic automatic machine Schmeisser MP-40
Principle of operation
The main functional mechanism of an electro-pneumatic airsoft machine is a gearbox. It is thanks to him that the spring is cocked and charged with balls. The gearbox itself is cocked by an electric motor, which is powered by a battery.
Immediately at the moment of firing, the pressure inside the pneumatic cylinder increases due to the movement of the piston. The latter uses the energy of a compressed spring to function. The ball is exposed to direct air pressure, causing it to fly out of the barrel.
Firing a shot in electro-pneumatic weapon models has much in common with the functioning of spring-piston pneumatics. The main design difference in this case is the presence of an electric drive. The engine pulls the piston back, causing the spring to be compressed. This is how the shot is fired.
Disassembly
At the initial stage of disassembly, the magazine is dismantled and the receiver cover is removed. To unscrew the mounting screws, it is best to use a small Phillips screwdriver. Before starting work, you should retract the bolt handle and make sure that there are no shells in the chamber.
At the next stage of disassembly, the rod should be moved back. After this, the shutter guide is dismantled and the shutter itself is removed.
The hop-up retainer is then removed. To do this, first unscrew the screws in the upper and lower parts. This fixing element has the form of a steel plate.
To unscrew the fire selector, you must additionally use pliers. This unit is dismantled along with all the guides. To disconnect the bolt frame, pull it all the way to the rear. After this procedure, you should lift the entire structure and separate the bolt frame from the receiver.
The machine is assembled in the reverse order. It should be emphasized that the disassembly procedure should be carried out only if absolutely necessary. The need for this procedure arises only during cleaning or when there are malfunctions.
Photo of the machine in disassembled condition
MP-40 disassembly
Disassembling the Schmeisser submachine gun will not be difficult even for someone who has never held a pneumatic machine gun in their hands. The most important thing is to strictly follow the algorithm of actions described in the instructions, and also carefully handle small parts, since they are most susceptible to breakage:
- We take out the magazine with ammunition.
- We pull back the bolt and make sure that there is no bullet in the barrel.
- We remove the weapon from the safety and fire a blank shot.
- Press the trigger guard all the way down.
- Remove the bolt frame.
- Remove the return spring.
- Unscrew the gas cylinder.
- Unscrew a couple of bolts on the trigger.
- Remove the trigger mechanism.
After this, all that remains is to carry out maintenance or repair of the submachine gun. If the breakdown is in one of the systems, then you will have to carry out a more complete disassembly of the weapon, according to the instructions. As for assembly, it must be carried out in the reverse order, otherwise problems may arise with attaching some parts.
Possible tuning
An upgrade can have a positive impact not only on the appearance of an electro-pneumatic weapon, but also on its functionality. In order to increase the rate of fire of the Schmeisser MP-40 assault rifle, it is advisable to resort to installing a more powerful spring. You can also increase the overall battery voltage to resolve this issue. These characteristics have a direct impact on the formation of the gear ratio. Replacing the piston can increase the muzzle velocity of the bullet. The main function of this element is to compress the air inside the cylinder.
Video review of the Schmeisser MP-40 air pistol:
Advantages and disadvantages of the model
Despite the fact that the MP-40 “Schmeiser” pneumatic assault rifle is quite popular, the owners still never tire of reminding the manufacturer of the model’s shortcomings. This is not to say that the submachine gun is bad (the pros completely outweigh the cons), but if you delve into the device and performance characteristics in more detail, you will find the following features:
Advantages | Flaws |
Appearance (pneumatic "Schmeisser is an exact copy of the legendary German MP-40) | Price (it’s unlikely that in any store the price tag for a submachine gun will be less than 30 thousand rubles) |
Simplicity (it applies to everything from operation to weapon disassembly and repairs) | Recoil (the other side of the coin of a high rate of fire - at an increased rate of fire, the spread of bullets is too large) |
The presence of fundamentally new systems that fit perfectly with the Schmeisser design | Lack of opportunities for modernization (there is simply nowhere to attach the body kit) |
One of the best airsoft guns (good combination of fire rate and bullet speed) | Narrow focus (without modernizing the energy source, it will not be possible to use weapons for hunting) |
If the future owner is not afraid of the described shortcomings, then you can safely purchase the model - it will not bring any surprises in the future. However, even if you don’t like any of the negative aspects, you can always try to correct it at home. For example, a problem with a lack of power for hunting can be easily compensated for by replacing the gas cylinder and attaching several gaskets.