Vintage Replica Item. Only One Available. This is a well made Japanese replica of the German WWII Maschinenpistole 40, produced by the Model Gun Corporation of Japan and accompanied by its original 1960s box and packing material for the magazine. Commonly identified as the MGC68 MP40, this vintage model gun was designed to reproduce the appearance, handling, disassembly, and mechanical operation of the original wartime submachine gun while functioning only with reusable cap type plug fire cartridges.

Plug Fire Only. This replica cannot fire live ammunition and cannot be converted into a functional weapon. Not available for export or shipment to certain U.S. locations. Please read the legal information and safety guidelines before purchasing.

All purchases are sent by UPS and require an adult signature. Priority Mail is not available for this item. The purchaser must be at least 18 years old, and the recipient signing for the package must be at least 21 years old.

This is a very good example of an MGC MP40, retaining much of its original finish and presenting closely to the appearance of the German wartime weapon. Unlike many current replica MP40s, the MGC model incorporates extensive metal construction, including a steel receiver, frame, and folding stock. The barrel, trunnion, and certain pressure bearing components are constructed from cast metal, reportedly in accordance with Japanese replica firearm regulations in effect at the time.

The MGC model was designed to disassemble in a manner closely resembling the original MP40. The bolt can be drawn rearward with the charging handle, and pulling the trigger releases it forward. This example currently has a mechanical condition issue that must be considered before operation. The locking pin that secures the lower stock assembly to the body is out of adjustment, allowing the lower assembly to move out of position when the replica is handled. The lower section may also separate when the bolt is released.

The replica will therefore require adjustment or restoration before it can be considered operational. It remains suitable for display in its present condition, but the mechanism should not be cycled until the locking pin and lower assembly have been properly inspected and corrected.

The rear of the receiver is marked:

MP40

MGC 68

We believe the 68 designation may represent 1968, which would be consistent with the period during which this MGC model was introduced. However, we were unable to confirm that this marking was used exclusively as a year of manufacture, and it should not be interpreted as a confirmed individual production date without further research.

This example does not have a serial number on the barrel. This is believed to be an indication of earlier importation, although no import documentation accompanies the replica to confirm when it entered the United States.

The plug fire system used reusable replica cartridges fitted with small caps inserted into the front. When cycled, the replica bolt detonated the cap and ejected the cartridge in a manner intended to simulate the operation of the original weapon. The cartridges could then be cleaned and reloaded with additional caps. No cartridges are included with this example.

The replica is accompanied by an additional reproduction magazine and its original 1960s cardboard box, including packing material intended for the original magazine. The box measures 9 x 26 x 3½”.

The box remains in great overall condition for its age, although it has some damage as shown. The survival of the original box is a significant feature, as packaging for these vintage Japanese model guns was often discarded or heavily deteriorated through storage.

The original MP40 was developed from the preceding MP38 and chambered for the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge. Its stamped steel construction, folding metal stock, and compact form reflected the German military’s growing emphasis on simplified production and weapons suited to mechanized warfare. The MP40 was issued particularly to squad and platoon leaders, paratroopers, and armored vehicle crews, although it was used across a broad range of German and Axis formations.

Allied troops commonly referred to the MP40 as a “Schmeisser,” despite Hugo Schmeisser having no direct role in the design or manufacture of the standard MP40. The weapon was principally associated with the work of Heinrich Vollmer and production by firms including Erma Werke, Steyr, and Haenel. Approximately 1.1 million MP40 series submachine guns were produced between 1940 and 1945.

This example combines the detailed construction and mechanical features associated with early Japanese model guns with the added collector value of its original period box. The retained finish, functional controls, metal folding stock, MP40 / MGC 68 marking, and surviving packaging make it suitable for a collection of vintage replica firearms, Japanese model guns, German WWII display arms, or military film and reenactment equipment. The loose lower assembly is fully disclosed and provides an identifiable restoration project while leaving the replica suitable for static display.