The AGM MP40 airsoft gun ⭐ a star in its category

One of the most iconic individual weapons of World War II is undoubtedly the MP40. Most of us, when we imagine a soldier of the Wehrmacht, envision them carrying one, even though it is much more likely that their issued weapon was a Mauser Kar98k. This misconception is probably also due to cinema, but it is undeniable that the association persists, and the MP40 is immediately recognizable and highly representative of the era and the category of submachine guns. It's worth delving into the reasons for this.

The Maschinepistole 40, as it is fully known in German, is the immediate successor to the MP38, and both models are designs of the famous engineer Heinrich Vollmer. The MP40 represents a version better suited for mass production and introduces practical improvements, such as the "L"-shaped groove in the upper receiver to safely lock the bolt's charging handle, preventing accidental firing, which was common in blowback-operated systems.

Unlike the MP38, which was milled from solid steel, the MP40 extensively used stamped sheet metal. It shares with the MP38 the pistol grip, the foldable buttstock under the receiver, and the long single-column magazine holding 32 rounds of 9x19 Parabellum ammunition.

It also retains another typical and recognizable feature from its predecessor: the barrel shroud, indicating its intended use, primarily for close combat while mounted on armored vehicles like the Kfz. 13 and 14 or half-tracks like the Sd.Kfz. 251, as well as from the hatches of armored crew compartments.

Also, the choice to house the magazine in a vertical position seems more suitable for use in the confined spaces of a vehicle and less ergonomic for an infantryman who needs to fire while lying down.

The various German manuals from the early days of the war dedicated to doctrine and usage for mechanized units and Panzerdivisions seem to show an almost perfect correspondence between the number of vehicles in the unit and the number of MP38 or MP40s assigned. All of this seems to confirm that these weapons were initially designed for vehicle crews, and only later, thanks to increased production, were they extended to officers and non-commissioned officers leading companies, squads, or platoons as per the manual, who had to lead and inspire assaults.

From this perspective, the MP40 was a revolutionary weapon: it allowed for a good rate of fire, compact dimensions, especially with the folding stock, and decent accuracy within 50 meters, thanks to a sufficiently heavy bolt to limit the rate of fire and recoil well-managed by the introduction of a telescopic recovery spring, designed by Vollmer himself, divided into three sections that collapsed into each other, cushioning the bolt's movement.

The weapon was well-suited for firing on the move from the side, likely maintaining enough ammunition to be ready for close-quarters combat, perhaps upon reaching an occupied building or a position defended by the enemy.

The airsoft replica produced by AGM fully respects the spirit of the original MP40. It is made almost entirely of metal: the barrel, sights, stock, upper receiver, and even the magazine. ABS is only used for the covers of the lower receiver and the grip, just like they were made of plastic in the real version. The AGM MP40 reaches a considerable weight of 2792 grams, giving a rather realistic feel when held in hand.

Regarding how to hold it, it's interesting to compare it to the original: the most common practice was to grip the magazine with the second hand, but this was discouraged by manufacturers and training manuals because the twisting force applied could lead to jamming issues. The AGM MP40 magazine housing, on the other hand, is contoured for a more secure grip, although it's relatively small and accommodates only the thumb, index, and middle finger. Airsoft players, therefore, have to choose whether to adhere to doctrine or hold it by the barrel, which, of course, does not have the overheating problems of a real firearm. It's probably still not advisable to hold it by the magazine, especially as the sole point of contact, while removing the hand from the pistol grip for any reason.

The disassembly of the AGM MP40 is also particularly realistic, and separating the lower section of the receiver from the upper receiver allows for the installation of the battery in the space reserved, in the original, for the bolt and telescopic recoil spring. Pulling back the charging handle opens the ejection port on the right and exposes the hop-up adjustment mechanism.

As an airsoft gun, the AGM MP40 also maintains the philosophy of the Teutonic machine pistols: 50 BBs in the magazine for bursts at medium and short range or for urban scenarios, in a compact device. In games with restrictions on the use of automatic magazines, the advantage would be even more evident.

The AGM MP40 comes complete with a rechargeable battery (8.4V - 1100mAh), charger, a military green canvas sling, a bag of ready-to-use BBs, and a tool to facilitate magazine loading. However, it would likely be more satisfying in gameplay to have spare magazines readily available, perhaps inside some nice reproductions of standard issue magazine pouches.

With a very affordable cost for a metal electric airsoft gun, the AGM MP40 replica is very appealing and allows you to own a true piece of history that has become almost a pop icon. It's easy to be fascinated by it, whether you participate in World War II-themed games or have in mind Clint Eastwood in "Where Eagles Dare" or Harrison Ford as the adventurous archaeologist in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."

1. solid construction, quality materials
2. fairly faithful reproduction
3. battery and charger included
4. good value for money
5. easy disassembly

1. dedicated hop-up and barrel
2. 50-round magazine (hi-cap mags not available)

You are a fan of WWII replicas, a reenactor or are a collector. As an Airsoft player, you are not a fan of Airsoft high-speed replicas and high-cap magazines but love to play with low or real capacity magazines.

you love filling your rifle with high-tech accessories, such as red dots, lasers, grips or other. You only use high-capacity magazines and prefer high fire volume instead of realism and tactical play.