 Designed in 1938 by Heinrich Vollmer with inspiration from its predecessor the MP 38 , it was heavily used by infantrymen , paratroopers , platoon and squad leaders on the Eastern and Western Front . Its advanced and modern features made it a favorite among soldiers and popular in countries from various parts of the world after the war . It was often erroneously called " Schmeisser " by the Allies , despite Hugo Schmeisser 's non @-@ involvement in the weapon 's design and production . From 1940 to 1945 , an estimated 1 @.@ 1 million were produced by Erma Werke . 
