Winter Trigger
In 1942, a Winter Trigger (Winterabzug) was developed for the K98 rifle to allow soldiers to fire while wearing gloves in extremely cold weather. This device became standard issue for German snipers. Shortly after the K98 winter trigger's development, a version for the MP38 and MP40 submachine guns was introduced.
The winter trigger for the MP40 featured a simple design: it consisted of an oval sheet-metal housing with one removable side. By pressing an external trigger connected to a lever, the mechanism pushed the internal trigger of the MP40, allowing the weapon to fire.
The MP40 winter trigger was manufactured by Allweiler A.G., Gotthard Pumpenfabrik, located in Radolfzell am Bodensee. The production code "ezd" identifies the manufacturer, and the device is also stamped with "MP," which stands for Maschinenpistole. As far as is known, no winter triggers for the MP40 were produced by other manufacturers with different codes.
The winter trigger, however, was not directly compatible with the MP38 without modification. This is due to the MP38's bakelite foregrip, which lacks the specific shaping found on the MP40 to accommodate the device.
A significant drawback of the winter trigger was its lack of protection against unintentional activation, which may have limited its widespread adoption and use. Photographic evidence of the winter trigger being deployed in the field is extremely rare, underscoring its limited appearance during the war.
Credit:Bas Martens
Credit:Bas Martens
Introduction
Below you find the announcement made in the Heeresmitteilungen of the winter trigger for the K98 and the MP40 (please note that the D1867 is an error. it should be D167)
749) Winter triggers for K98k and MP40.
For the K98k and MP40, winter triggers were introduced that allowed the trigger of the cocked action to be pulled with a fist or gloved hands.
a. For the K98k: the Winter Trigger 98
Designation: Winter Trigger 98
Material group no.: 1
Order number: 1 – 5018 J 610
Device class: J
Details:
The description and instructions are included in the D 1867, which is supplied for every 10 winter triggers.
Usage: For all firearms 98, G 98/40, G 33/40, G 29/40, G 29 (p), G 24 (t), and other weapons equipped with the same trigger guard as the K98k.
b. For the MP40: the Winter Trigger MP
Designation: Winter Trigger MP
Material group no.: 1
Order number: 1 – 3003 J 604
Device class: J
Details:
The description and instructions are included in the D 167/3, which is supplied for every 10 winter triggers.
Usage: For the MP38 and MP40.
O.K.H. (Chief Army Ordnance Department), 10.10.44
No. 8876/44 AHA/In.2 (IIb)
Winter trigger installed on MP40
Winter Trigger MP
Appendix 2
Usage
The Winter Trigger MP is used for the submachine guns 40 and 38.
Purpose
The Winter Trigger MP allows the trigger of the cocked bolt to be pulled while wearing mittens or gloves.
Details
(See Image)
Installing the Winter Trigger
Insert the frame into the trigger guard of the MP from right to left without using tools. Attach the cover plate from the left so that it is held by the retaining spring.
If it happens that the cover plate cannot be attached because the retaining spring is compressed too tightly by a trigger guard that has become too narrow, the recesses on the cover plate must be adjusted accordingly with a file.
Pulling the Trigger
Grasp the grip piece almost unchanged as before. Pull back the trigger lever on the Winter Trigger.
Removing the Winter Trigger
Remove the cover plate and push the frame out of the trigger guard to the right by compressing the ends of the retaining spring.
Repairs
In case of a broken retaining spring: remove the old one, split the new one in the middle, insert it into the groove of the frame, and secure it against falling out by punching it with a center punch.
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