The MG 40 was designed in late 1939 to early 1940 as a project to deliver an improved version of the MG 34 to machine gunners. However, the gun's identity was only made public in early 2000s under VERY limited amount due to its evolution to the popular MG 42.
Features[]
Little is known about the gun itself but in general, the MG 40 shares a lot with similarities with the MG 42 being its final production.
In terms of appearance, the MG 40 looks really similar to the MG 42 but bulkier and heavier. The pistol grip was adopted from the MG 34 and later changed in the development of its successor.
The MG 40 also possessed an astoundingly high maximum fire rate of 960 rounds per minute, considered the fastest firing machine gun of its time.
Also, the MG 40 was one of the first weapon to introduce the side mounted charging handle, one of many features that were kept and inherited later on during the development of the MG 42 along with the quick change barrel mechanism.
Earlier design[]
Before the gun was completed, the MG 40 went through multiple stages of testing, upgrading and re-designing. Among the stockpile found by a German expedition in 1997, another version of the MG 40 was discovered.
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The presumed "prototype" of the MG 40
While being very similar to the MG 40, this version seemed to be much less developed in comparison. Not only that, the gun has the side charging handle similar to the MG 34 and no quick change barrels. This led to the speculation that this version was a prototype in the early stages of development.
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The other variant of the "prototype" MG 40
The gun has a wood padded grip and a wooden hand guard placed under the barrel for one-man operation. This however was removed in its later stages, presumably deemed too cumbersome to be operated by one person. Not to mention, another gun of this version was found but armed with a telescopic sight and a wooden foregrip, further emphasizing the one-man operating aspect of the project.
A minor change was also done to the grip, as the original slanted angle on the pistol grip was deemed too uncomfortable for extended use.
(Thanks to Scorpion AI for pointing out the error on the grip, it really hurts my eye upon reviewing)
Operation[]
The MG 40 was meant to be operated by a squad of 4 men according to a document found during the 1997 expedition. This later was changed along with the introduction of the MG 42.
The MG 40 with its bipod attached
The first being the squad leader who also serves as a spotter, the second is the gunner, then the ammo and barrel carrier who also plays the role as a feeder and loader. Last but not least, the fourth who is rather optional that carries entrenching tools to create a deployable area.