Insert to the Merkblatt für die Ausbildung mit der Maschinenpistole 38 und 40 (M.P. 38 u. 40.) Merkblatt für die behandlung der Machinepistolen zum verhindern von Hemmungen.
Insert to the Merkblatt für die Ausbildung mit der Maschinenpistole 38 und 40 (M.P. 38 u. 40.) Merkblatt für die behandlung der Machinepistolen zum verhindern von Hemmungen.
Supplement to h.b.Bl.1941 part C Nr. 985
Instruction sheet for handling the machine pistol to prevent jamming

General instructions
A) Measures before use
1) Check the function of the bolt assembly, by moving the bolt back and forth in the bolt channel without the magazine in place.
2) Prevent dirt from entering the barrel by placing the muzzle cap on the muzzle.
3) Do not fill the magazine with bent or dirty cartridges.
4) Before filling the magazine, check if the magazine’s interior is clean, as follows:
a) Clean the follower and follower spring.
b) Clean the inner sides of the magazine housing with cloth and grease it afterwards.
c) Do not fill bent or dented magazines.
d) Check the strength of the magazine spring. If the length of the magazine spring is two windings longer than the magazine housing, then it’s acceptable.
5) It's recommended that after filling the magazine the top cartridge is pushed 5 to 10 times with the magazine loader until it "rolls" smoothly.
6) Clean the magazine pouches inside and out from sand and dust.
7) Always place the magazines with their “opening” downward into the cells of the magazine pouch.

B) Measures during use
8) When inserting the magazine into the magazine housing, listen for the click of the magazine catch.
9) To prevent sand and dust from entering the weapon and magazine, as well as to make sure the weapon is still ready for instant use, make sure the bolt is in forward position. Also make sure that the magazine is put in the weapon when the bolt in forward position.
To prevent the bolt from moving rearward due to a heavy bump, a provisional solution in the form of a leather strap has to be utilized, as seen in the drawing. As seen on the drawing. In order to start firing, the only thing that needs to be done is to pull the leather strap off the retracting handle and then pull the bolt rearwards. Pulling back the bolt onto the safety slot is only needed when immediate shooting is not necessary.
10) When the weapon is laid down make sure the magazine is not bumped at the bottom.
11) When holding the weapon, especially when firing, always hold the weapon under the magazine housing with the left hand. Grabbing a hold of the magazine when firing leads to damage of the magazine housing, and jamming of the weapon is the result.

12) During break in combat fighting, dis-assemble and examine the MP, magazines and magazine pouches.

13) Always close the clasp of the magazine pouch after taking out or putting in a new magazine.

C) General

14) The magazines should only be loaded when anticipating going into combat. The magazines require special care, especially when steel cartridges are used to fire the weapon.