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Magazines- Question on internal markings


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Hi,

Please forgive me if this has already been covered, but I have not found info on this topic yet.

 

Does anyone have an explanation of how MP40 mag internals should be marked? (Follower and Floorplate)

 

Should they match the markings on the mag body in some way?

 

For example, should a 98E 40 mag follower and floorplate be stamped with specific markings or were they assembled with parts of different markings.

 

Thanks.

Edited by Dtu2179
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Each manufacturer made complete mags. The only parts I've seen that are actually marked with the manufacturers code are mag bodies, and occasionally followers. About the only way to tell a mag that hasn't had parts switched out over the years is to find that all of the WaA inspector numbers match. For instance, a completely original Steyr-made mag (98E until early '42, and then kur until '44) will have all E/WaA815 stamps.

 

All mag parts were meant to be interchangeable. There was no reason to keep parts together, so troops didn't try. Some real mixmasters are early slab-sided mags that were later modified with ribs to improve feeding. You'll probably not find matching WaA numbers in these. You can spot modified mags because they bear additional E/WaA stamps above the maker codes and years. I've seen 37, 387, and 815, so it looks like three WaA inspection districts were involved in modification, so likely three firms.

 

Slab sided mags seen today escaped the modification program somehow. Ribbed mags with two inspection stamps were made in late '41 and after.

 

I have several NOS 98E mags with '41 & '42 dates. I got them years ago from a seller in Poland who said they came out of original unopened crates of new condition mags. I believe it, as all parts are E/WaA815 stamped.

 

I did an extensive MP40 mag study post with lots of photos, but it seems to be lost now.

Edited by TSMGguy
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Nice score!

 

IMHO, Steyr made the best quality mags. They have excellent workmanship and steel, and they invariably fit any original gun. I ended up with just one MP40, an all matching BNZ 41 example. I've sold off all but the 98E mags for it.

 

http://www.machinegunboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19255

MVC-096S.JPG

Edited by TSMGguy
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