Mauser MP-57
| Maschinpistole MP-57 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Submachine gun |
| Place of origin | West Germany |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Louis Camillus |
| Designed | 1955-1957 |
| Manufacturer | Mauser |
| Produced | 1957 |
| Number built | 25 |
| Variants |
Erma MP-56 Mauser MP-57 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 3.10kg |
| Length | 610mm, 430mm (stock folded) |
| Barrel length | 260mm |
|
| |
| Cartridge | 9×19mm Parabellum |
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Action | Blowback, open bolt |
| Rate of fire | 800rpm |
| Feed system | 32-round box magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights |
The MP-57 is a submachine gun which was manufactured by Mauser after the Second World War for the then newly established Bundeswehr. It was chambered in the 9×19mm round and fed from a magazine inserted in the pistol grip.
History
The Mauser MP-57 submachine gun was originally designed by a Frenchman called Louis Camillus around 1955 to 1957, this weapon was submitted to Bundeswehr trials as the Erma MP-56. However, in 1957 rights to this design were transferred from Erma to Mauser Werke, where it was modified and submitted to next round of trials as Mauser MP-57, but lost out to the Uzi (adopted by the Bundeswehr in 1959 as the MP-2). Only about 25 of MP-57 submachine guns were made at Mauser. It was tested by countries outside Germany, but no orders followed, and design was promptly shelved.
Overview
The Mauser MP-57 submachine gun is a 9×19mm caliber blowback-operated, selective fired weapon which fires from open bolt and fed from a grip-inserted 32-round magazine. Fire mode selection is made through the safety / selector lever on the left side of the gun, above the trigger as well a grip safety. The weapon also comes with a top folding shoulder stock and an underfolding pistol foregrip beneath the barrel (A la HK MP7).