Bergmann MP35

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	Weapon: Bergmann MP35 Type: Submachine Gun Country of Origin: Germany Year Adopted: 1935 Caliber: 9mm Luger Action: Blow Back Fully Automatic Overall Length (mm): 840.0 Weight (kg): 4.00 Effective Range (m): 150

The Bergmann MP35 was a German submachine gun designed in the early 1930s by Theodor Bergmann and manufactured by Waffenfabrik Carl Walther and later by Junker & Ruh AG. The MP35 was a refined version of the earlier MP32 and MP34 designs, incorporating a delayed blowback system and chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. One of its most notable features was the side-mounted magazine, which could hold 20 or 32 rounds, a design that allowed for better control during firing. The weapon operated with an open-bolt mechanism and featured high-quality machining and construction, reflecting German precision engineering of the period.

Production of the MP35 began in the mid-1930s and continued into World War II. The gun was initially intended for export markets but found its way into the hands of German forces, particularly specialized units such as the Waffen-SS, due to its high cost and limited availability. The exact number of units produced is unclear but is estimated to be in the tens of thousands. The MP35's complex manufacturing process and reliance on high-grade materials made it more expensive and time-consuming to produce compared to simpler submachine guns like the MP40.

The MP35 gained a reputation for its reliability, accuracy, and robust design but was overshadowed by the more widely used MP40, which was cheaper and easier to mass-produce. Despite this, the MP35 served effectively in various roles, including close-quarters combat and rear-guard actions. Its association with elite and specialized units gave it a degree of prestige, although its influence on submachine gun development was limited due to its relatively small production numbers. Today, the MP35 is considered a collector's item and a symbol of early submachine gun innovation.