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MP40 Bolt Handle Safety Strap


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I'm looking for an MP40 bolt handle safety strap, like seen on pages 64-65 of Frank Iannamico's book, Blitzkrieg, The MP40 Maschinenpistole of World War II. Frank said I could use pictures from his book (for those that may not have the book--let me suggest you buy the book and other books by Frank as they are extraordinarily informative).

 

Please PM me if you have one or know about one.

 

Also interested in a nice original sling.

 

Thanks,

 

Robert

IMG_20160821_203345056.jpg

Edited by Robert Henley
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There was a seller on eBay who was hand making these. Apparently he no longer does and I don't know of another source.

 

The design is very simple, though. There were several different original patterns and I suspect the Germans produced them locally. None were marked, so there's not much chance of making a mistake if you want to try your hand at either making one or having one made.

Edited by TSMGguy
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This strap was kind of a crude solution, but it was a workable fix until the sliding bolt safety was developed. It does get in the way somewhat, but it can easily be completely removed . I never use mine except for display.

 

Let me know if you need dimensions or photos to work from.

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This strap was kind of a crude solution, but it was a workable fix until the sliding bolt safety was developed. It does get in the way somewhat, but it can easily be completely removed . I never use mine except for display.

 

Let me know if you need dimensions or photos to work from.

 

OK, will do. Thanks for the help. I haven't gotten a reply yet to the email I sent that I mention above; however, it may take a little while given the location in Germany. Hopefully, they can make one for me.

 

Robert

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Robert

 

they have them for sale, i bought one 2 years ago, exactly the model you are looking for.

 

But it only works on early MP38/40 bolts that do not have the safety device yet

 

If you have problems ordering from Austria i can do that for you. I know the owner, a very serious man.

 

Pierre

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Robert

 

they have them for sale, i bought one 2 years ago, exactly the model you are looking for.

 

But it only works on early MP38/40 bolts that do not have the safety device yet

 

If you have problems ordering from Austria i can do that for you. I know the owner, a very serious man.

 

Pierre

 

That would be great. I haven't gotten a reply to my email yet. I can let you know if I don't hear anything within the next week or so, and maybe you can assist me with getting one if you don't mind.

 

Yes, it's for an unmodified hook style bolt handle.

 

Robert

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  • 1 month later...

Robert

 

they have them for sale, i bought one 2 years ago, exactly the model you are looking for.

 

But it only works on early MP38/40 bolts that do not have the safety device yet

 

If you have problems ordering from Austria i can do that for you. I know the owner, a very serious man.

 

Pierre

 

I sent the payment tonight via PayPal as requested in the email I received back. It wasn't cheap, especially with the conversion of the dollar to euros but I look forward to receiving for my MP40 (which has the original hook style bolt cocking handle and no modifications to the receiver). I'll advise when I receive it.

 

Thanks,

 

Robert

Edited by Robert Henley
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Pictured is a repro sicherstrap, in my collection. It works fine.

 

The closed circular portion slides onto the barrel over the front sight. It fits snugly, just in front of the barrel nut.

 

The hole in the strap portion is slightly elongated. It fits the shank of the cocking handle in such a way that it's not likely to slide off. To fire the gun, it's an easy matter to grasp the tapered end of the strap and pull it free. The strap does not foul the bolt or your hand while the gun is in use.

 

Apparently there were several different sicherstrap styles, in both brown and black leather. None were marked. All were likely made locally in response to a directive requiring their use, probably by unit cobblers or harness repair shops, which the Germans certainly had.

MP-40-Sicherstrap.jpg

Edited by TSMGguy
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Pictured is a repro sicherstrap, in my collection. It works fine.

 

The closed circular portion slides onto the barrel over the front sight. It fits snugly, just in front of the barrel nut.

 

The hole in the strap portion is slightly elongated. It fits the shank of the cocking handle in such a way that it's not likely to slide off. To fire the gun, it's an easy matter to grasp the tapered end of the strap and pull it free. The strap does not foul the bolt or your hand while the gun is in use.

 

Apparently there were several different sicherstrap styles, in both brown and black leather. None were marked. All were likely made locally in response to a directive requiring their use, probably by unit cobblers or harness repair shops, which the Germans certainly had.

 

Nice.

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 11 months later...

I assumed regular slings. As the leather for the bolt is commonly referred to as a safety. There is still original regular slings out there to be had.

 

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know what a original safety strap is worth?

 

Andrew

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  • 1 year later...

Another company makes very good MP 40 slings and other accessories. At The Front. Most of the time he uses markings that are not WWII so you can spot the difference. Not sure on the German stuff. His stuff is a little higher but well worth it. His main audience is the WWII Reinactors.

 

http://atthefront.com/ They have the Best US produced MP-40 Slings I have seen. I got a pair of the Mp-40 Mag pouches and am very pleased with them.

 

They are in the process of updating their website. If the link doesn't work give it a day or two.

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