Kulsprutegevar m/40

Go Back to Light Machine Gun

	Weapon: Kulsprutegevar m/40 Type: Light Machine Gun Country of Origin: Sweden Year Adopted: 1940 Overall Length (mm): 1090.0 Overall Length (in): 42.91 Weight (kg): 10.00 Weight (pounds): 22.05

The Kulsprutegevar m/40 (Kg m/40) was a Swedish light machine gun adopted in 1940 as an upgrade to the earlier m/21. Based on the Danish Madsen light machine gun, it featured a top-fed magazine and a distinctive tubular stock. Chambered in 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser, the m/40 was designed for flexibility, providing infantry units with suppressive fire capabilities. The weapon was manually operated and air-cooled, with a quick-change barrel to mitigate overheating during sustained fire. Its robust construction made it suitable for Sweden's harsh environmental conditions.

Production of the Kulsprutegevar m/40 was handled domestically, with approximately 3,000 units manufactured by Carl Gustafs Stads Gevarsfaktori. Although the m/40 was a reliable and well-made weapon, its relatively slow production pace reflected Sweden's limited industrial capacity and its policy of neutrality during World War II. The weapon was primarily issued to Swedish infantry and reserve units, where it served as a key component of their defensive strategy. While it was effective in its role, the m/40 was eventually overshadowed by more modern designs like the Kg m/42.

The Kulsprutegevar m/40 holds a notable place in Swedish military history as a testament to the country's self-reliance in arms production during a time of heightened global conflict. While it never saw combat on the scale of other World War II-era firearms, it remains respected for its durability and reliability. Today, the m/40 is considered a collector's item, valued for its engineering and its role in preserving Sweden's defensive capabilities during a tumultuous period.