Einrich MP 2.44

While the MP 1.21 was dependable and much liked by it's users it was also expensive, complex to manufacture and on the heavy side and so the MP 1.21's designer, Gustav Einrich then designed the MP 2.44.

 

Following the trend set by other designs such as the German MP-40, the British Sten and the American M3 the MP 2.44 is made mostly out of stamped steel.

 

To simplify production the MP 2.44 shares as many parts and manufacturing processes with it's predecessor, the MP 1.21.

 

The receiver, bolt and barrel are modified versions of that of the MP 1.21 and things like screws, springs and sears are the exact the same and are interchangeable.

 

The 9x19 mm cartridges are fed from either a straight 20 or 32 round magazine shared with the Mp 1.21 or from a curved 45 round magazine. The ability to use MP-40 magazines was not carried over since this caused too many misfeeds during testing.

 

The safety is a simple push through rod that locks the bolt and firing in either forward or back positions and also acts as the charging handle.

 

For all it's good point's the MP.244 also had it's share of problems. The grips were made out of plastic and had a tendency to crack easily in adverse conditions before a new plastic was made and the 45 round magazines spring could weaken and cause feed issues. The front grip only had a metal insert that was spot welded in to the relatively thin barrel shroud which was known to break off if handled too roughly.

 

Despite the early troubles the MP 2.44 was used extensively during Second World War and after it, all the way to the 1970s.

 

Credit: Shockwave - sling mount

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