Schmeisser

Nightcrawler · March 19, 2004, 11:33 PM

Which weapon does the term "Schmeisser" refer to? In World War II, it was a generic term for just about any German submachine gun. Where'd it come from? The Bergmann MP-18 (and its descendents, the MP-28 and MP-34)?

Thanks.

modifiedbrowning · March 19, 2004, 11:39 PM

In my understanding the term Schmeisser during WWII was used for the MP38 and MP40, even though Schmeisser didn't actually design those weapons.

BluesBear · March 20, 2004, 04:11 AM

I agree with modifiedbrowning.

Back in the 60s all the WWII German submachineguns in the movies and TV shows were called Schmeissers. It was about 1968 that I finally learned the differences between the MP38 & MP40.

Delmar · March 20, 2004, 04:21 AM

I believe Schmeisser was an engineer for Bergmann and actually designed the MP18. The MP38 and MP40 were also buit by Bergmann for WWII.

BigG · March 20, 2004, 07:21 AM

I beleive it was the Bergman Muskete which had a wooden stock and used Luger snail drums that stuck out the side like the later Sten. That may be what you are calling an MP18?

El Tejon · March 20, 2004, 08:22 AM

I believe Night is referring to the MP-18 as the MP-18.

Schmeisser is a misnomer. They "Schmeisser" is actually a "Vollmer." Not sure how this misnomer got started. Maybe an "official" report or some intel squirrel or troops on the line? Don't know.

Sort of like how guys say "Class 3" when they mean "Title II". It drives me nuts, but I know what they mean because of the context.

hops · March 20, 2004, 10:54 AM

Search for 'Hugo Schmeisser". He designed the Bergman (MP) 18, 1 and the MP 28. His design team at Heanel designed the MKb.42(H) which became the MP43. Schmeisser did design the MP41 - basically a MP40 with Single/Full fire modes - the MP40 is full auto only. He brother was Louis Schmeisser.

MrMurphy · March 20, 2004, 08:40 PM

Yeah, the MP38/40 were built for Vollmer and Erma, but Schmeisser had some hand in the design. The name stuck. Even among the Germans. Something like in Europe before the '70s, a common term for an automatic pistol, regardless of maker was a "Browning" since he did in fact design and build (for FN) a major chunk of the pistols used in Europe between 1900 and 1950s.....The FN1900, 1903, 1910, 1922, Hi Power, etc. Everyone knows they were made by Fabrique Nationale, but they still called them Brownings.

March 19, 2004, 11:33 PM	#1
Nightcrawler Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: Utah, inside the Terraformed Zone Posts: 6,950	Schmeisser Which weapon does the term "Schmeisser" refer to? In World War II, it was a generic term for just about any German submachine gun. Where'd it come from? The Bergmann MP-18 (and its descendents, the MP-28 and MP-34)? Thanks. __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΈ \|\| WOLVERINES! The cake is a lie. Atomic Rockets! FBMG: Fear the bunny.

March 19, 2004, 11:39 PM	#2
modifiedbrowning Member Join Date: December 25, 2002 Location: Bozeman, MT Posts: 1,929	In my understanding the term Schmeisser during WWII was used for the MP38 and MP40, even though Schmeisser didn't actually design those weapons. __________________ "Face your fear, accept your war, it is what it is." Black Label Society

March 20, 2004, 07:21 AM	#5
BigG Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: Dixieland Posts: 6,639	I beleive it was the Bergman Muskete which had a wooden stock and used Luger snail drums that stuck out the side like the later Sten. That may be what you are calling an MP18? __________________ Hatcher's Notebook Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition African Rifles and Cartridges Sixguns, by Keith M14 Rifle Winchester 1866 -1873 -1876 Rifles The Maxim Gun Wilson - Automatic Pistols Percussion Pistols & Revolvers - MEC Bob Brister - Shotgunning The Black Rifle

March 20, 2004, 08:22 AM	#6
El Tejon Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: Lafayette, Indiana--meanwhile, back in the Wabash Valley . . . zzzzz. Posts: 17,894	I believe Night is referring to the MP-18 as the MP-18. Schmeisser is a misnomer. They "Schmeisser" is actually a "Vollmer." Not sure how this misnomer got started. Maybe an "official" report or some intel squirrel or troops on the line? Don't know. Sort of like how guys say "Class 3" when they mean "Title II". It drives me nuts, but I know what they mean because of the context. __________________ I [heart] Wal-Mart threads.

March 20, 2004, 08:40 PM	#8
MrMurphy Member Join Date: February 25, 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 1,817	Yeah, the MP38/40 were built for Vollmer and Erma, but Schmeisser had some hand in the design. The name stuck. Even among the Germans. Something like in Europe before the '70s, a common term for an automatic pistol, regardless of maker was a "Browning" since he did in fact design and build (for FN) a major chunk of the pistols used in Europe between 1900 and 1950s.....The FN1900, 1903, 1910, 1922, Hi Power, etc. Everyone knows they were made by Fabrique Nationale, but they still called them Brownings. __________________ "Yub Yub!" Lieutenant Kettch, Wraith One

March 20, 2004, 04:11 AM	#3
BluesBear member Join Date: July 25, 2003 Location: The Great Pacific NorthWet Posts: 7,673	I agree with modifiedbrowning. Back in the 60s all the WWII German submachineguns in the movies and TV shows were called Schmeissers. It was about 1968 that I finally learned the differences between the MP38 & MP40.

March 20, 2004, 04:21 AM	#4
Delmar Member Join Date: December 26, 2002 Location: Lewisville, Texas Posts: 1,781	I believe Schmeisser was an engineer for Bergmann and actually designed the MP18. The MP38 and MP40 were also buit by Bergmann for WWII.

March 20, 2004, 10:54 AM	#7
hops Member Join Date: December 26, 2002 Location: Grid CN85, Jefferson Noon Net 7.232 megacycles Posts: 345	Search for 'Hugo Schmeisser". He designed the Bergman (MP) 18, 1 and the MP 28. His design team at Heanel designed the MKb.42(H) which became the MP43. Schmeisser did design the MP41 - basically a MP40 with Single/Full fire modes - the MP40 is full auto only. He brother was Louis Schmeisser.

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