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MP 3008 submachine gun, version with skeletonized butt
MP 3008 submachine gun, version with tubular butt
| Caliber | 9x19mm Luger / Parabellum |
| Weight | 2.95 kg empty |
| Length (stock closed/open) | 794 mm |
| Barrel length | 200 mm |
| Rate of fire | 500 rounds per minute |
| Magazine capacity | 32 rounds |
MP 3008 submachine gun was developed and manufactured in Germany during final stages of the World War 2. It is also known as "Volks Machinenpistole" (People's submachine gun), as it was produced as a last-ditch weapon to arm German Volkssturm units. Several German factories produced about 10 000 of MP 3008 submachine guns in several minor variations, with different stocks. All modifications were internally similar, being based on the British Sten Mk.II submachine gun.
The MP 3008 submachine gun is a simple blowback operated weapon that fires from open bolt. It was capable of semi-automatic and full-automatic fire, thanks to the Sten-type cross-bolt button type fire mode selector. The safety was made in the form of the L-shaped cut at the rear of the cocking handle slot, which was used to lock the bolt in rearward position. Unlike the prototype (Sten Mk.II) the magazine housing on the MP 3008 was welded below the tubular receiver. Ammunition was fed from 32-round box magazines, compatible with German MP40 submachine guns. The sights consisted of the front post and rear aperture, with fixed setting for 100 meters range. The MP 3008 submachine guns were manufactured withs several types of buttstocks, including metallic skeletonized or tubular butts, or simple wooden butts.
