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StG 44: Difference between revisions

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m (Thanks for starting on these :) I had intended to clean these up too, but I'm in the middle of a very busy work week and haven't had the time for dedicated editing (should really be sleeping right now))
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=StG 44=
=StG 44=
[[File:MP 43-1 Haenel sn5401C right.jpg|thumb|right|450px|MP 43/1 - 7.92x33mm Kurz. The MP43/1 was the first revision of the StG 44, with a few minor differences.]]
[[File:MP 43-1 Haenel sn5401C right.jpg|thumb|right|450px|MP 43/1 - 7.92x33mm Kurz. The MP 43/1 was the first revision of the StG 44, with a few minor differences.]]
[[File:Sturmgewehr_44.jpg|thumb|right|450px|StG 44 - 7.92x33mm Kurz]]
[[File:Sturmgewehr_44.jpg|thumb|right|450px|StG 44 - 7.92x33mm Kurz]]
[[File:StG44 ZF41.jpg|thumb|right|450px|MP 43/1 with ZF41 scope - 7.92x33mm Kurz]]
[[File:StG44 ZF41.jpg|thumb|right|450px|MP 43/1 with ZF 41 scope - 7.92x33mm Kurz]]
[[File:StG-44 + ZF4.jpg|thumb|right|450px|StG 44 with ZF4 scope - 7.92x33mm Kurz]]
[[File:StG-44 + ZF4.jpg|thumb|right|450px|StG 44 with ZF 4 scope - 7.92x33mm Kurz]]


The '''StG 44''' (German: '''Sturmgewehr 44''', '''"Assault Rifle 44"''') was a German automatic rifle developed during World War II, and generally considered the first mass produced assault rifle in the world. It was developed from the earlier Haenel MKb 42(H) "machine carbine" prototype. During development the project was hidden from Hitler, who had ordered it cancelled, by referring to it as a submachine gun (''Maschinenpistole''); during this time it was known as the MP 43 and MP 44. When the deception was discovered (supposedly due to an officer requesting "more of these new rifles") it was demonstrated to the German high command, and Hitler himself re-named it the "Sturmgewehr." This literally translates as "storm rifle;" this is storm as in "to storm a castle," hence the translation "assault rifle." The three versions were essentially minor updates for production purposes.
The '''StG 44''' (German: '''Sturmgewehr 44''', '''"Assault Rifle 44"''') was a German automatic rifle developed during World War II, and generally considered the first mass produced assault rifle in the world. It was developed from the earlier Haenel MKb 42 (H) "machine carbine" prototype. During development the project was hidden from Hitler, who had ordered it cancelled, by referring to it as a submachine gun (''Maschinenpistole''); during this time it was known as the MP 43 and MP 44. When the deception was discovered (supposedly due to an officer requesting "more of these new rifles") it was demonstrated to the German high command, and Hitler himself re-named it the "Sturmgewehr." This literally translates as "storm rifle;" this is storm as in "to storm a castle," hence the translation "assault rifle." The three versions were essentially minor updates for production purposes.


The claim that the St G44 was the first assault rifle is a contentious one; other weapons which could be termed early assault rifles have existed before (for example, the Russian [[Fedorov Avtomat]]). Rather, the StG 44 was the first to be mass produced, and the first to be referred to as an assault rifle. While the StG 44 was well received by troops and is often depicted as some kind of superweapon in modern videogames, it suffered from a number of issues throughout production. The materials used in the mass-production StG 44 were of poor quality due to war expediency, and British analysts (who praised the earlier MP 43) found the bolt could be totally immobilised by pinching the sides of the receiver with the fingers of one hand, while the rifle could be totally destroyed by the simple act of leaning it against a doorframe and then knocking it over. The stock was prone to breakages, and American analysts criticised the 11.5 pound weight of the loaded weapon as excessive considering the relatively small round used, comparing the StG-44 unfavourably to the [[M1 Carbine]].
The claim that the StG 44 was the first assault rifle is a contentious one; other weapons which could be termed early assault rifles have existed before (for example, the Russian [[Fedorov Avtomat]]). Rather, the StG 44 was the first to be mass produced, and the first to be referred to as an assault rifle. While the StG 44 was well received by troops and is often depicted as some kind of superweapon in modern videogames, it suffered from a number of issues throughout production. The materials used in the mass-production StG 44 were of poor quality due to war expediency, and British analysts (who praised the earlier MP 43) found the bolt could be totally immobilised by pinching the sides of the receiver with the fingers of one hand, while the rifle could be totally destroyed by the simple act of leaning it against a doorframe and then knocking it over. The stock was prone to breakages, and American analysts criticised the 11.5 pound weight of the loaded weapon as excessive considering the relatively small round used, comparing the StG 44 unfavourably to the [[M1 Carbine]].


Because of its manufacturing costs, which prevented speedy wartime production, the StG 44 was scheduled to be replaced with the [[StG 45]], but the war ended before the new rifle could be issued for field trials. Due to administrative errors and the chaos of the war, around one hundred thousand StG 44s were never delivered to the front lines and were seized by the Soviet army from depots and warehouses after the war ended, ultimately being provided to client states: this is why StG 44s are not an uncommon sight in conflict zones even today. These surplus StGs were sufficiently common that they were often visually modified to stand in for M16s in Soviet-era Russian movies. For still mysterious reasons, these mockups were actually not created in the likeness of the serial M16, but early AR-15 prototypes. So, the Mosfilm version was actually created in the likeness of variants with black furniture, a narrow forend, and the upper charging handle of the [[AR-10]] pattern. The Lenfilm version was created according to the appearance of the slightly later version with familiar outlook but with bright furniture.
Because of its manufacturing costs, which prevented speedy wartime production, the StG 44 was scheduled to be replaced with the [[StG 45]], but the war ended before the new rifle could be issued for field trials. Due to administrative errors and the chaos of the war, around one hundred thousand StG 44s were never delivered to the front lines and were seized by the Soviet army from depots and warehouses after the war ended, ultimately being provided to client states: this is why StG 44s are not an uncommon sight in conflict zones even today. These surplus StGs were sufficiently common that they were often visually modified to stand in for M16s in Soviet-era Russian movies. For still mysterious reasons, these mockups were actually not created in the likeness of the serial M16, but early AR-15 prototypes. So, the Mosfilm version was actually created in the likeness of variants with black furniture, a narrow forend, and the upper charging handle of the [[AR-10]] pattern. The Lenfilm version was created according to the appearance of the slightly later version with familiar outlook but with bright furniture.


In Russia, some surplus StG 44s have now been converted into civilian semi-auto rifles named the "MP44-O" ("O" stands for "охотничий"; ''okhotnichiy'', i.e. "hunting"). Also, new semi-automatic civilian reproductions of the MKb 42(H), MP 43/1, and StG 44 are being manufactured in Germany today by Sport Systeme Dittrich.
In Russia, some surplus StG 44s have now been converted into civilian semi-auto rifles named the "MP44-O" ("O" stands for "охотничий"; ''okhotnichiy'', i.e. "hunting"). Also, new semi-automatic civilian reproductions of the MKb 42 (H), MP 43/1, and StG 44 are being manufactured in Germany today by Sport Systeme Dittrich.


'''Rifle for intermediate ammunition - project.''' Germany.: 1930 - 1945
'''Rifle for intermediate ammunition - project.''' Germany.: 1930 - 1945
*Phase 1 - '''Maschinenkarabiner''' (MKb) Ammo: 7.7×40.5mm or 7.75×39.5mm GECO<br>Ammunition prototypes date back to 1930. The ammunition designer was Gustav Genschow and Co. (GECO). From 1934, they signed a contract with the Heereswaffenamt to create a carbine equipped with this ammunition. The current designer of the GECO company was Heinrich Vollmer, who based on his '''Vollmer SG29''' rifle. In 1935, the first prototype of a carbine equipped with this ammunition was created. It was called the [[Vollmer MKb 35]].
*Phase 1 - '''Maschinenkarabiner''' (MKb) Ammo: 7.7×40.5mm or 7.75×39.5mm GECO<br>Ammunition prototypes date back to 1930. The ammunition designer was Gustav Genschow and Co. (GECO). From 1934, they signed a contract with the Heereswaffenamt to create a carbine equipped with this ammunition. The current designer of the GECO company was Heinrich Vollmer, who based on his '''Vollmer SG 29''' rifle. In 1935, the first prototype of a carbine equipped with this ammunition was created. It was called the [[Vollmer MKb 35]].
**[[Vollmer MKb 35|'''Vollmer MKb 35''']] - Original prototype model from 1935. It had similar dimensions to the '''Vollmer SG29'''. Rate of fire - 1000 RPM.
**[[Vollmer MKb 35|'''Vollmer MKb 35''']] - Original prototype model from 1935. It had similar dimensions to the '''Vollmer SG 29'''. Rate of fire - 1000 RPM.
***[[Vollmer MKb 35|'''Vollmer MKb 35/I''']] - Updated prototype model from 1936. Reduced rate of fire to 400 RPM.
***[[Vollmer MKb 35|'''Vollmer MKb 35/I''']] - Updated prototype model from 1936. Reduced rate of fire to 400 RPM.
****[[Vollmer MKb 35|'''Vollmer MKb 35/II''']] - Updated prototype model from 1937. Reduced rate of fire to 400 RPM. Weapon dimensions have been reduced.
****[[Vollmer MKb 35|'''Vollmer MKb 35/II''']] - Updated prototype model from 1937. Reduced rate of fire to 400 RPM. Weapon dimensions have been reduced.
*****[[Vollmer MKb 35|'''Vollmer MKb 35/III''']] - Updated prototype model from 1938. Reduced rate of fire to 400 RPM. Weapon dimensions have been reduced. Most bugs of previous models have been fixed.
*****[[Vollmer MKb 35|'''Vollmer MKb 35/III''']] - Updated prototype model from 1938. Reduced rate of fire to 400 RPM. Weapon dimensions have been reduced. Most bugs of previous models have been fixed.
**[[Talk:Vollmer_MKb_35|'''Mauser Maschinenkarabiner''']] - It is known that the Mauser company participated in the same project. The only surviving copy is in a museum in France. It was only after the war that it was named '''MKb 42(M)''' which is incorrect due to the ammunition used.
**[[Talk:Vollmer_MKb_35|'''Mauser Maschinenkarabiner''']] - It is known that the Mauser company participated in the same project. The only surviving copy is in a museum in France. It was only after the war that it was named '''MKb 42 (M)''' which is incorrect due to the ammunition used.
**[[Talk:Vollmer_MKb_35|'''Walther Maschinenkarabiner''']] - The Walther company also took part in the competition. As far as we know, she joined the competition as the last one. And in the end, they did not produce a single model. Only mentions of their participation remain.
**[[Talk:Vollmer_MKb_35|'''Walther Maschinenkarabiner''']] - The Walther company also took part in the competition. As far as we know, she joined the competition as the last one. And in the end, they did not produce a single model. Only mentions of their participation remain.
*Phase 2 - '''Maschinenkarabiner''' (MKb) Ammo: 7.92×33mm Kurz<br>Ammunition prototypes date back to 1934. The ammunition designer was Polte Werke. The ammunition had better ballistic properties and was cheaper to produce. In 1941, the German army adopted this cartridge. For the needs of the army, a competition for a carbine firing this ammunition was launched.
*Phase 2 - '''Maschinenkarabiner''' (MKb) Ammo: 7.92×33mm Kurz<br>Ammunition prototypes date back to 1934. The ammunition designer was Polte Werke. The ammunition had better ballistic properties and was cheaper to produce. In 1941, the German army adopted this cartridge. For the needs of the army, a competition for a carbine firing this ammunition was launched.
**'''[[StG_44#MKb 42.28H.29|'''MKb 42(H)''']]''' - Haenel prototype. Until 1942, 50 copies were produced for testing. After the tests, the weapon was put into serial production. A total of 8,000 - 12,000 units were produced until September 1943. By order of the command, production and development ceased.
**'''[[StG_44#MKb 42.28H.29|'''MKb 42 (H)''']]''' - Haenel prototype. Until 1942, 50 copies were produced for testing. After the tests, the weapon was put into serial production. A total of 8,000 - 12,000 units were produced until September 1943. By order of the command, production and development ceased.
***'''[[StG_44#StG 44|'''MP 43/1''']]''' - Despite the ban, work on endurance continues. Changed from '''MKb''' ('''Maschinenkarabiner''') to '''MP''' ('''Maschinenpistole''')to avoid suspicion. In 1943, a model was created that was a modernization of the MKb 42(H). The MKb42(W) trigger-impact mechanism and the concept of firing from a closed bolt were adapted.
***'''[[StG_44#StG 44|'''MP 43/1''']]''' - Despite the ban, work on endurance continues. Changed from '''MKb''' ('''Maschinenkarabiner''') to '''MP''' ('''Maschinenpistole''') to avoid suspicion. In 1943, a model was created that was a modernization of the MKb 42 (H). The MKb 42 (W) trigger-impact mechanism and the concept of firing from a closed bolt were adapted.
****'''[[StG_44#StG 44|'''MP 44''']]''' - Improved version of the carbine. This version was officially presented to the German authorities. She got permission for serial production and the official military name '''StG 44'''.
****'''[[StG_44#StG 44|'''MP 44''']]''' - Improved version of the carbine. This version was officially presented to the German authorities. She got permission for serial production and the official military name '''StG 44'''.
*****'''[[StG_44#StG 44|'''StG 44''']]''' - The final production version of the carbine. It was practically no different from the previous version. Apart from a few mechanical changes to improve series production. Officially the first mass-produced assault rifle to be officially named after it.
*****'''[[StG_44#StG 44|'''StG 44''']]''' - The final production version of the carbine. It was practically no different from the previous version. Apart from a few mechanical changes to improve series production. Officially the first mass-produced assault rifle to be officially named after it.
**'''[[StG_44#MKb42.28W.29|'''MKb 42(W)''']]''' - The second participant in the project. In 1941, 50 examples were produced for testing. Later, 150 more weapons were delivered. The weapon lost the competition and production was discontinued.
**'''[[StG_44#MKb42.28W.29|'''MKb 42 (W)''']]''' - The second participant in the project. In 1941, 50 examples were produced for testing. Later, 150 more weapons were delivered. The weapon lost the competition and production was discontinued.
*Phase 3 - '''Sturmgewehr''' (StG) Ammo: 7.92×33mm Kurz<br>Already in 1944. After the introduction of the StG44, work began on simplifying the design. The weapon was to be officially named StG45.
*Phase 3 - '''Sturmgewehr''' (StG) Ammo: 7.92×33mm Kurz<br>Already in 1944. After the introduction of the StG 44, work began on simplifying the design. The weapon was to be officially named StG 45.
**[[StG_45#StG_45.28M.29_.22Mauser_Sturmgewehr.22|'''MKb Gerät 06''']] - The first prototype model. The weapon was cheaper to produce and had similar ballistic characteristics to the '''StG44'''.
**[[StG_45#StG_45.28M.29_.22Mauser_Sturmgewehr.22|'''MKb Gerät 06''']] - The first prototype model. The weapon was cheaper to produce and had similar ballistic characteristics to the '''StG 44'''.
***[[StG_45#StG_45.28M.29_.22Mauser_Sturmgewehr.22|'''MKb Gerät 06H''']] - Maschinenkarabiner Gerät 06 Halbverriegelt ("Machine Carbine Device 06 Half-locked"; abbreviation MKb Gerät 06H). Improved version of the previous prototype.
***[[StG_45#StG_45.28M.29_.22Mauser_Sturmgewehr.22|'''MKb Gerät 06H''']] - Maschinenkarabiner Gerät 06 Halbverriegelt ("Machine Carbine Device 06 Half-locked"; abbreviation MKb Gerät 06H). Improved version of the previous prototype.
*****[[StG_45#StG_45.28M.29_.22Mauser_Sturmgewehr.22|'''StG 45(M)''']] - Official military name. It is practically the same model as '''MKb Gerät 06H'''. The stock and the sight have been minimally changed.
*****[[StG_45#StG_45.28M.29_.22Mauser_Sturmgewehr.22|'''StG 45 (M)''']] - Official military name. It is practically the same model as '''MKb Gerät 06H'''. The stock and the sight have been minimally changed.
**[[StG45#StG45.28G.29_.22Grossfuss_Sturmgewehr.22|'''StG 45(G)''']] - "Grossfuss Sturmgewehr". Only a few pieces were produced. Each one was different from each other, which suggested the work on the weapon. It was never put into production.
**[[StG 45#StG 45.28G.29_.22Grossfuss_Sturmgewehr.22|'''StG 45 (G)''']] - "Grossfuss Sturmgewehr". Only a few pieces were produced. Each one was different from each other, which suggested the work on the weapon. It was never put into production.
**[[Talk:StG45|'''StG 45(H)''']] - "Haenel Sturmgewehr". The design would use the '''MP 43/1''' as a base and various structural elements from the earlier '''MKb 42(H)'''. Several test examples were produced.
**[[Talk:StG 45|'''StG 45 (H)''']] - "Haenel Sturmgewehr". The design would use the '''MP 43/1''' as a base and various structural elements from the earlier '''MKb 42 (H)'''. Several test examples were produced.
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}
-----
-----
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| ''[[A Time to Love and a Time to Die]]'' || || German soldiers || || 1958
| ''[[A Time to Love and a Time to Die]]'' || || German soldiers || || 1958
|-
|-
|''[[Bridge, The (1959)|The Bridge (Die Brücke)]]'' || [[Frank Glaubrecht]] || Jϋrgen Borchert|| Inexplicably switched with an [[MP40]] during shooting scenes || 1959
|''[[Bridge, The (1959)|The Bridge (Die Brücke)]]'' || [[Frank Glaubrecht]] || Jϋrgen Borchert|| Inexplicably switched with an [[MP40|MP 40]] during shooting scenes || 1959
|-
|-
| ''[[The Mad Executioners (Der Henker von London)|The Mad Executioners]]'' || || || Seen in the police museum || 1963
| ''[[The Mad Executioners (Der Henker von London)|The Mad Executioners]]'' || || || Seen in the police museum || 1963
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<br clear=all>
<br clear=all>


=MKb 42(H)=
=MKb 42 (H)=
[[File:German WW2 MP-44 copy Sport-Systeme Dittrich 'BD42(H)' designed from the MKB42(H).jpg|thumb|right|450px|Sport Systeme Dittrich reproduction of the Haenel MKb 42(H) - 7.92x33mm Kurz]]
[[File:German WW2 MP-44 copy Sport-Systeme Dittrich 'BD42(H)' designed from the MKB42(H).jpg|thumb|right|450px|Sport Systeme Dittrich reproduction of the Haenel MKb 42 (H) - 7.92x33mm Kurz]]
[[File:Mkb 42(h) zf41.jpg|thumb|right|450px|Haenel MKb 42(H) with ZF41 - 7.92x33mm Kurz]]
[[File:Mkb 42(h) zf41.jpg|thumb|right|450px|Haenel MKb 42 (H) with ZF 41 - 7.92x33mm Kurz]]
The '''MKb 42(H)''' (German: '''Maschinenkarabiner 42 Haenel''', '''"Carbine 42 Haenel"''') was a prototype developed by C.G. Haenel for the contract of the creation of automatic weapons for the 7.92x33mm Kurz cartridge. Another project for this assignment was the [[Walther]]-made MKb 42(W), but Haenel's design proved to be superior. By July 1942, 50 pre-production MKb 42(H) rifles had already been submitted for testing, and from November 1942 to April 1943, Haenel produced and supplied about 8,000 new assault rifles which were tested in combat against the Soviet army. Based on the results of these tests, it was decided that the MKb 42(H) deserves undoubted attention, but required revision; these revisions resulted in the MP43-StG 44 series of rifles.
The '''MKb 42 (H)''' (German: '''Maschinenkarabiner 42 (Haenel)''', '''"Machine Carbine 42 (Haenel)"''') was a prototype developed by C.G. Haenel for the contract of the creation of automatic weapons for the 7.92x33mm Kurz cartridge. Another project for this assignment was the [[Walther]]-made MKb 42 (W), but Haenel's design proved to be superior. By July 1942, 50 pre-production MKb 42 (H) rifles had already been submitted for testing, and from November 1942 to April 1943, Haenel produced and supplied about 8,000 new assault rifles which were tested in combat against the Soviet army. Based on the results of these tests, it was decided that the MKb 42 (H) deserves undoubted attention, but required revision; these revisions resulted in the MP 43 / StG 44 series of rifles.


==Specifications==
==Specifications==
Line 523: Line 523:
* '''Feed System:''' 30-round detachable box magazine
* '''Feed System:''' 30-round detachable box magazine
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}
{{Gun Title|MKb42(H)}}
{{Gun Title|MKb 42 (H)}}


===Film===
===Film===
Line 583: Line 583:
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}


=MKb 42(W)=
=MKb 42 (W)=
[[File:Mkb 42(W).jpg|thumb|right|451px|Walther MKb 42(W) - 7.92x33mm Kurz]]
[[File:Mkb 42(W).jpg|thumb|right|451px|Walther MKb 42 (W) - 7.92x33mm Kurz]]
[[File:Walther MKb 42(W) 2.jpg|thumb|right|450px|Walther MKb 42(W) - 7.92x33mm Kurz]]
[[File:Walther MKb 42(W) 2.jpg|thumb|right|450px|Walther MKb 42 (W) - 7.92x33mm Kurz]]
The '''MKb 42(W)''' (German: '''Maschinenkarabiner 42 Walther''', '''"Carbine 42 Walther"''') was a different prototype for the same contract as the MKb 42(H), made by Walther instead of Haenel. However, preference was given to a sample from Haenel, and MKb 42(W) developing was discontinued. In total, about 200 MKb 42(W)s were manufactured (before Walther was removed from the competition in early 1942) and most of them remained at Walther's factory until the end of the war.
The '''MKb 42 (W)''' (German: '''Maschinenkarabiner 42 (Walther)''', '''"Machine Carbine 42 (Walther)"''') was a different prototype for the same contract as the MKb 42 (H), made by Walther instead of Haenel. However, preference was given to a sample from Haenel, and MKb 42 (W) developing was discontinued. In total, about 200 MKb 42 (W)s were manufactured (before Walther was removed from the competition in early 1942) and most of them remained at Walther's factory until the end of the war.


==Specifications==
==Specifications==
Line 607: Line 607:
* '''Feed System:''' 30-round detachable box magazine
* '''Feed System:''' 30-round detachable box magazine
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}
{{Gun Title|MKb42(W)}}
{{Gun Title|MKb 42 (W)}}


===Video Games===
===Video Games===
Line 625: Line 625:


=See also=
=See also=
*[[StG45]]
*[[StG 45]]


[[Category:Gun]]
[[Category:Gun]]
[[Category:Rifle]]
[[Category:Rifle]]
[[Category:Assault Rifle]]
[[Category:Assault Rifle]]

Revision as of 05:34, 18 July 2023

StG 44

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MP 43/1 - 7.92x33mm Kurz. The MP 43/1 was the first revision of the StG 44, with a few minor differences.
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StG 44 - 7.92x33mm Kurz
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MP 43/1 with ZF 41 scope - 7.92x33mm Kurz
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StG 44 with ZF 4 scope - 7.92x33mm Kurz

The StG 44 (German: Sturmgewehr 44, "Assault Rifle 44") was a German automatic rifle developed during World War II, and generally considered the first mass produced assault rifle in the world. It was developed from the earlier Haenel MKb 42 (H) "machine carbine" prototype. During development the project was hidden from Hitler, who had ordered it cancelled, by referring to it as a submachine gun (Maschinenpistole); during this time it was known as the MP 43 and MP 44. When the deception was discovered (supposedly due to an officer requesting "more of these new rifles") it was demonstrated to the German high command, and Hitler himself re-named it the "Sturmgewehr." This literally translates as "storm rifle;" this is storm as in "to storm a castle," hence the translation "assault rifle." The three versions were essentially minor updates for production purposes.

The claim that the StG 44 was the first assault rifle is a contentious one; other weapons which could be termed early assault rifles have existed before (for example, the Russian Fedorov Avtomat). Rather, the StG 44 was the first to be mass produced, and the first to be referred to as an assault rifle. While the StG 44 was well received by troops and is often depicted as some kind of superweapon in modern videogames, it suffered from a number of issues throughout production. The materials used in the mass-production StG 44 were of poor quality due to war expediency, and British analysts (who praised the earlier MP 43) found the bolt could be totally immobilised by pinching the sides of the receiver with the fingers of one hand, while the rifle could be totally destroyed by the simple act of leaning it against a doorframe and then knocking it over. The stock was prone to breakages, and American analysts criticised the 11.5 pound weight of the loaded weapon as excessive considering the relatively small round used, comparing the StG 44 unfavourably to the M1 Carbine.

Because of its manufacturing costs, which prevented speedy wartime production, the StG 44 was scheduled to be replaced with the StG 45, but the war ended before the new rifle could be issued for field trials. Due to administrative errors and the chaos of the war, around one hundred thousand StG 44s were never delivered to the front lines and were seized by the Soviet army from depots and warehouses after the war ended, ultimately being provided to client states: this is why StG 44s are not an uncommon sight in conflict zones even today. These surplus StGs were sufficiently common that they were often visually modified to stand in for M16s in Soviet-era Russian movies. For still mysterious reasons, these mockups were actually not created in the likeness of the serial M16, but early AR-15 prototypes. So, the Mosfilm version was actually created in the likeness of variants with black furniture, a narrow forend, and the upper charging handle of the AR-10 pattern. The Lenfilm version was created according to the appearance of the slightly later version with familiar outlook but with bright furniture.

In Russia, some surplus StG 44s have now been converted into civilian semi-auto rifles named the "MP44-O" ("O" stands for "охотничий"; okhotnichiy, i.e. "hunting"). Also, new semi-automatic civilian reproductions of the MKb 42 (H), MP 43/1, and StG 44 are being manufactured in Germany today by Sport Systeme Dittrich.

Rifle for intermediate ammunition - project. Germany.: 1930 - 1945

  • Phase 1 - Maschinenkarabiner (MKb) Ammo: 7.7×40.5mm or 7.75×39.5mm GECO
    Ammunition prototypes date back to 1930. The ammunition designer was Gustav Genschow and Co. (GECO). From 1934, they signed a contract with the Heereswaffenamt to create a carbine equipped with this ammunition. The current designer of the GECO company was Heinrich Vollmer, who based on his Vollmer SG 29 rifle. In 1935, the first prototype of a carbine equipped with this ammunition was created. It was called the Vollmer MKb 35.
    • Vollmer MKb 35 - Original prototype model from 1935. It had similar dimensions to the Vollmer SG 29. Rate of fire - 1000 RPM.
      • Vollmer MKb 35/I - Updated prototype model from 1936. Reduced rate of fire to 400 RPM.
        • Vollmer MKb 35/II - Updated prototype model from 1937. Reduced rate of fire to 400 RPM. Weapon dimensions have been reduced.
          • Vollmer MKb 35/III - Updated prototype model from 1938. Reduced rate of fire to 400 RPM. Weapon dimensions have been reduced. Most bugs of previous models have been fixed.
    • Mauser Maschinenkarabiner - It is known that the Mauser company participated in the same project. The only surviving copy is in a museum in France. It was only after the war that it was named MKb 42 (M) which is incorrect due to the ammunition used.
    • Walther Maschinenkarabiner - The Walther company also took part in the competition. As far as we know, she joined the competition as the last one. And in the end, they did not produce a single model. Only mentions of their participation remain.
  • Phase 2 - Maschinenkarabiner (MKb) Ammo: 7.92×33mm Kurz
    Ammunition prototypes date back to 1934. The ammunition designer was Polte Werke. The ammunition had better ballistic properties and was cheaper to produce. In 1941, the German army adopted this cartridge. For the needs of the army, a competition for a carbine firing this ammunition was launched.
    • MKb 42 (H) - Haenel prototype. Until 1942, 50 copies were produced for testing. After the tests, the weapon was put into serial production. A total of 8,000 - 12,000 units were produced until September 1943. By order of the command, production and development ceased.
      • MP 43/1 - Despite the ban, work on endurance continues. Changed from MKb (Maschinenkarabiner) to MP (Maschinenpistole) to avoid suspicion. In 1943, a model was created that was a modernization of the MKb 42 (H). The MKb 42 (W) trigger-impact mechanism and the concept of firing from a closed bolt were adapted.
        • MP 44 - Improved version of the carbine. This version was officially presented to the German authorities. She got permission for serial production and the official military name StG 44.
          • StG 44 - The final production version of the carbine. It was practically no different from the previous version. Apart from a few mechanical changes to improve series production. Officially the first mass-produced assault rifle to be officially named after it.
    • MKb 42 (W) - The second participant in the project. In 1941, 50 examples were produced for testing. Later, 150 more weapons were delivered. The weapon lost the competition and production was discontinued.
  • Phase 3 - Sturmgewehr (StG) Ammo: 7.92×33mm Kurz
    Already in 1944. After the introduction of the StG 44, work began on simplifying the design. The weapon was to be officially named StG 45.
    • MKb Gerät 06 - The first prototype model. The weapon was cheaper to produce and had similar ballistic characteristics to the StG 44.
      • MKb Gerät 06H - Maschinenkarabiner Gerät 06 Halbverriegelt ("Machine Carbine Device 06 Half-locked"; abbreviation MKb Gerät 06H). Improved version of the previous prototype.
          • StG 45 (M) - Official military name. It is practically the same model as MKb Gerät 06H. The stock and the sight have been minimally changed.
    • StG 45 (G) - "Grossfuss Sturmgewehr". Only a few pieces were produced. Each one was different from each other, which suggested the work on the weapon. It was never put into production.
    • StG 45 (H) - "Haenel Sturmgewehr". The design would use the MP 43/1 as a base and various structural elements from the earlier MKb 42 (H). Several test examples were produced.

Specifications

(1943 - 1945)

  • Type: Assault Rifle
  • Caliber: 7.92x33mm Kurz
  • Weight: 10.2 lbs (4.6 kg) unloaded
  • Length: 37 in (94 cm)
  • Barrel length: 16.5 in (41.9 cm)
  • Muzzle Velocity: 2,247 ft/s (685 m/s)
  • Feed System: 30-round detachable box magazine
  • Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The StG 44 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

Title Actor Character Note Date
The White Darkness (Bílá tma) German soldiers 1948
Wolves' Lairs (Vlcie diery) German soldiers 1948
Little Partisan (Malý partyzán) Oldrich Vykypel Commander of partisans 1950
German soldiers
Action B (Akce B) UPA fighters 1952
The Tank Brigade German soldiers 1955
Ernst Thälmann - Leader of his Class German soldiers 1955
Canal (Kanal) German soldiers 1957
At That Time, at Christmas... (Tenkrát o vánocích) German soldiers 1958
A Time to Love and a Time to Die German soldiers 1958
The Bridge (Die Brücke) Frank Glaubrecht Jϋrgen Borchert Inexplicably switched with an MP 40 during shooting scenes 1959
The Mad Executioners Seen in the police museum 1963
Battle of the Bulge Dana Andrews 1965
Where is the General? (Gdzie jest general?) German soldiers 1964
A Tale About Nipper-Pipper (Skazka o Malchishe-Kibalchishe) Enemy soldiers Magazines removed, some with Gewehr 98 bayonets 1965
The Adventures of Werner Holt (Die Abenteuer des Werner Holt) Klaus-Peter Thiele Werner Holt 1965
Manfred Karge Gilbert Wolzow
German soldiers
Strike First Freddy (Slå først Frede!) Kolick's henchmen 1965
The Hunchback of Soho Seen in Gen. Perkins' "war room"; without buttstock and magazine 1966
Carriage to Vienna (Kocár do Vídne) Ladislav Jandoš Young partisan 1966
Funeral in Berlin East German Police & Border guards 1966
What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? Sergio Fantoni Capt. Oppo 1966
US Army soldiers
Zhenya, Zhenechka and "katyusha" German soldiers 1967
Billion Dollar Brain Midwinter's troops and Soviet soldier 1967
The Shield and the Sword (Shchit i mech) German and Soviet soldiers 1968
I Was Nineteen (Ich war neunzehn) Aleksey Eybozhenko Sr. Lt. Sascha Ziganjuk 1968
Jaecki Schwarz Lt. Gregor Hecker
Dieter Mann Unteroffizier Willi Lommer
German soldiers
Che! Cuban rebel 1969
The Eighth (Osmiyat) Georgi Georgiev-Getz "Osmiyat" 1969
Nikola Anastasov "Chaplin"
Treasures of the Flaming Cliffs (Sokrovishcha pylayushchikh skal) A mercenary 1969
Black Sun (Chyornoye solntse) Ambroise Mbia Robert Moussombe Heavily visually modified in two different versions 1970
Rein Aren Freddy "Africa"
Government troops, guerilla fighters, mercenaries
My Zero Hour (Meine Stunde Null) Manfred Krug Gefreiter Kurt Hartung 1970
Alfred Müller Gefreiter Blumhagen
The Stolen Train (Otkradnatiyat vlak) Dimitar Buynozov Damyan 1971
She No Longer Talks She Shoots Annie Girardot Rosemonde 1972
André Pousse Max
Chronicle of the Night (Khronika nochi) African soldiers Standard and visually modified with FN FAL style handguard 1973
I Serve at the Border (Ya sluzhu na granitse) Border guards of unnamed state Visually modified to resemble M16 1974
They Fought for Their Country German soldiers 1975
Long Miles of War (Dolgie vyorsty voyny) German soldiers 1975
Poem of Kovpak: Carpathians, Carpathians... (Duma o Kovpake: Karpaty, Karpaty...) Soviet partisans 1976
Port German soldiers 1976
Mama, I'm Alive (Mama, ich lebe) Eberhard Kirchberg Karl Koralewski 1977
Uwe Zerbe Walter Pankonin
Mikhail Vaskov Sgt. Kolja
Night Over Chile (Noch nad Chili) Chilean soldiers 1977
Escape to Athena Telly Savalas Zeno 1979
Pirates of the XXth Century (Piraty XX veka) Nikolai Yeryomenko, Jr. Sergey Sergeevich Visually modified to resemble M16 1979
Pavel Remezov Doctor
Viktor Gordeev Yura Mikosha
Viktor Zhiganov Stetsenko
Pirates
The Hijacking of Savoy (Pokhishchenie Savoi) Aleksandr Mikhajlov Gido Torstensen 1979
Leonid Bronevoy Jean Challot Standard and Visually modified to resemble M16
Scharf's henchmen
Personal Safety Not Guaranteed (Lichnoy bezopasnosti ne garantiruyu) A bandit 1980
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Rebel Alliance soldiers As the "BlasTech A295" 1980
From the Bug to the Vistula (Ot Buga do Visly) German soldiers 1980
Santa Esperansa Vladimir Lomizov Carlos Visually modified to resemble AR-10/AR-15 1980
Laimonas Noreika Felisindo
Vladimir Tikhonov Pablo Kanepi
Chilean soldiers
The Professional African soldiers 1981
Incident at Map Grid 36-80 (Sluchay v kvadrate 36-80) US Navy sailor Visually modified to resemble M16 1982
The Fall of the Condor (Padeniye kondora) Evgeniy Leonov-Gladyshev Manuel Visually modified to resemble AR-10/AR-15 1982
Chilean soldiers
Copper Angel (Medny angel) Policemen and gangsters Visually modified to resemble M16 1984
Until the End (Až do konce) Daniel Netušil Sigi 1984
The Dirty Dozen: Next Mission German soldiers 1985
Come and See (Idi i smotri) SS soldier 1985
The Detached Mission (Odinochnoye plavanye) Nikolay Lavrov SSG Eddie Griffith Visually modified to resemble M16 1985
Rogue American soldiers
The Battalions Request Fire (Batalyony prosyat ognya) German soldiers 1985
R Document (Dokument R), The Security guards Visually modified to resemble IMI Romat variant 1985
Secrets of Madame Wong (Tayny madam Vong) Hong Kong police Visually modified to resemble M16 1986
Interception (Perekhvat) US soldiers Visually modified to resemble M16 1986
The Jaguar (Yaguar) Sergey Veksler Jaguar Visually modified to resemble AR-10/AR-15 1987
Artyom Kaminsky Fernandes
Adel Al-Khadad Arana
Chilean military school cadets
Curse of Snakes Valley (Klatwa doliny wezy) Security guards 1987
Island of Lost Ships (Ostrov pogibshikh korabley) Islanders Original and visually modified to resemble M16A1 1987
The Russians Are Coming Gert Krause-Melzer Günter Walcher Movie was filmed in 1968 1987
German soldiers
Cargo 300 (Gruz 300) Afghan mujaheddins Visually modified to resemble M16 1989
Gangsters of the Ocean (Gangstery v okeane) Lev Durov Russian boatswain Visually modified to resemble M16 1991
Pirates
Road Hawks (Stervyatniki na dorogakh) Mafia member Custom "StG-44k" 1990
Sniper Criminal 1992
Casino Police officers Visually modified to resemble M16 1992
Deserter (Dezertir) A brigand 1997
Downfall German soldiers 2004
Joy Division Ricci Harnett Sgt. Harry Stone 2006
The Island (Ostrov) German soldiers 2006
The Bridge François Goeske Albert Mutz 2008
German soldiers
Brother's War Tino Struckmann Capt. Klaus Mueller 2009
What Men Talk About (O chyom govoryat muzhchiny) A German soldier 2010
Memorial Day German soldiers 2011
Iron Sky Moon Nazis With sci-fi embellishments 2012
Fury Brad Pitt Staff Sergeant Don "Wardaddy" Collier 2014
The Guy from Our Cemetery (Paren s nashego kladbishcha) at the gun shop 2015
1944 Estonian SS soldiers 2015
Battery Number One (Edinichka) A German soldier 2015
Overlord Mathilde Ollivier Chole 2018
Dominic Applewhite Private Rosenfeld
German soldiers
Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan Vietcong soldier 2019
The Axe. 1943 (Topor. 1943) A German soldier With a mockup of Zielgerät 1229 Vampir night vision device 2021

Television

Show Title Actor Character Note / Episode Air Date
Mission: Impossible guards "The Exchange" (S03E12) 1968
Born by Revolution: On the Night of the 20th (Rozhdyonnaya revolyutsiey: V noch na 20-e) A Soviet soldier Seen in documentary footage 1976
Mirage Regimantas Adomaitis Frank Morgan Visually modified to resemble M16 1983
Ints Burans Ed Black
TASS Is Authorized to Declare... (TASS upolnomochen zayavit...) Nagonian soldiers Visually modified to resemble M16 1984
Confrontation (Protivostoyanie) A Soviet soldier Seen in documentary footage 1985
Dead Man's Tale (Chto skazal pokoynik) Evgeniy Voskresenskiy "Lame" Visually modified to resemble M16 2000
Aleksey Buldakov "Ponytail"
Gangsters
Band of Brothers German soldiers Seen on wall in "Curahee" (Ep.1), used in "The Breaking Point" (Ep.7) 2001
Ash (Pepel) Farkhad Makhmudov "Pepel"'s henchman 2013
A German soldier
Front A German soldier 2014

Video Games

Game Title Appears as Mods Notation Release Date
Medal of Honor: Underground MP44 2000
Medal of Honor: Allied Assault StG-44 2002
Battlefield: 1942 StG-44 2002
BloodRayne ZZG33 2002
Rise of Nations Used by the Volksgrenadiers unit 2003
Commandos 3: Destination Berlin StG-44 2003
Call of Duty MP44 2003
Forgotten Hope With and without scope 2003
Hidden & Dangerous 2 2003
Call of Duty: United Offensive MP44 2004
Medal of Honor: Frontline StG-44 2004
Vietcong 2 StG-44 2005
Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 StG-44 2005
Day of Defeat: Source StG-44 2005
Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood StG-44 2005
Call of Duty 2 MP44 2005
Call of Duty 2: Big Red One "MP44" 2005
Medal of Honor: European Assault "StG 44" 2005
Darkest Hour: Europe '44-'45 2006
Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45 Stg44 2006
UberSoldier StG-44 2006
Company of Heroes "MP44 Sturmgewehr" 2006
Call of Duty 3 MP44 2006
Medal of Honor: Vanguard StG-44 2007
Medal of Honor: Airborne StG-44 Muzzle brake, tactical scope, and dual magazines 2007
Alliance of Valiant Arms As the "STG44" 2007
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare MP44 2007
Forgotten Hope 2 With or without ZF4 scope 2007
Cross Fire 2007
Hour of Victory 2007
Call of Duty: World at War StG-44 Flash hider, aperture sight, telescopic sight 2008
Call of Duty: World at War - Final Fronts "MP44" 2008
Counter-Strike Online StG-44 2008
Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway StG-44 2008
Operation Thunderstorm 2008
Velvet Assassin StG44 Assault Rifle 2009
Wolfenstein MP/StG-43 Recoil compensator, drum mag and tactical scope 2009
The Saboteur MP44 MG 2009
Death to Spies: Moment of Truth 2009
Call of Duty: Black Ops StG-44 2010
Singularity 2010
Karma Online 2011
Sniper Elite V2 MP44 2012
Counter-Strike Online StG44 2012
Warface Sturmgewehr 44 optional ZF-4 scope 2013
Company of Heroes 2 2013
Enemy Front STG 44 2014
Sniper Elite III 2014
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare STG44 update on 21 July 2015 2014
World of Guns: Gun Disassembly Stg.44/MP44 Krummlauf barrel attachment 2014
Call of Duty: Black Ops III STG44 Added with Zombies Chronicles DLC (2017) 2015
Alekhine's Gun 2016
Heroes & Generals with and without ZF-4 scope 2016
Hot Dogs, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades 2016
Day of Infamy STG 44 w/ rifle sling 2017
RAID: World War II StG 44 2017
Call of Duty: WWII STG44 2017
Post Scriptum 2018
Battlefield V StG 44 2018
Battlefield 2042 ""STG44"" 2021
Call of Duty: Vanguard "STG44" 2021
Enlisted Maschinenpistole 43/1 2021
Sturmgewehr 44
Sturmgewehr 44 with ZF4
Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront 2021
Sniper Elite 5 2022

Anime

Title Character Note Date
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade Fuse 1999
Kerberos members
Hellsing Ultimate Vampire Nazis 2006 - 2012
Strike Witches: Operation Victory Arrow Erica Hartmann With Krummlauf 2014-2015
Brave Witches Waltrud Krupinski Sometimes with fictional grenade launcher based on the Leuchtpistole 34 2016-2017
Gundula Rall
Nikka Katajainen
Edytha Rossmann
Karlsland soldiers


MKb 42 (H)

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Sport Systeme Dittrich reproduction of the Haenel MKb 42 (H) - 7.92x33mm Kurz
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Haenel MKb 42 (H) with ZF 41 - 7.92x33mm Kurz

The MKb 42 (H) (German: Maschinenkarabiner 42 (Haenel), "Machine Carbine 42 (Haenel)") was a prototype developed by C.G. Haenel for the contract of the creation of automatic weapons for the 7.92x33mm Kurz cartridge. Another project for this assignment was the Walther-made MKb 42 (W), but Haenel's design proved to be superior. By July 1942, 50 pre-production MKb 42 (H) rifles had already been submitted for testing, and from November 1942 to April 1943, Haenel produced and supplied about 8,000 new assault rifles which were tested in combat against the Soviet army. Based on the results of these tests, it was decided that the MKb 42 (H) deserves undoubted attention, but required revision; these revisions resulted in the MP 43 / StG 44 series of rifles.

Specifications

(1942 - 1943)

  • Type: Assault Rifle
  • Caliber: 7.92x33mm Kurz
  • Weight: 4.9 kg
  • Length: 940 mm
  • Barrel length: 364 mm
  • Muzzle Velocity: 640 m/s
  • Rate of fire: 500 rpm
  • Feed System: 30-round detachable box magazine

The MKb 42 (H) and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

Title Actor Character Note Date
Ernst Thälmann - Leader of his Class KZ prison guards 1955
Higher Principle (Vyssí princip) Jan Skopecek SS man 1960
German soldiers
Death Is Called Engelchen German soldiers, Partisans 1963
On the way to Berlin (Na puti v Berlin) German soldiers and officers Converted to 7.62x39mm 1969

Video Games

Game Title Appears as Mods Notation Release Date
Killing Floor "MKb42" Added in a patch in 2012 2009
Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad "MKb 42(H)" 2011
Killing Floor 2 "MKb42" stocks removed and are fitted with bayonets 2016
Sniper Elite 4 "MKb 42" 2017
Enlisted MKb 42(H) 2021
MKb 42(H) with ZF41
Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront 221

Anime

Title Character Note Date
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade Kerberos members 1998


MKb 42 (W)

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Walther MKb 42 (W) - 7.92x33mm Kurz
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Walther MKb 42 (W) - 7.92x33mm Kurz

The MKb 42 (W) (German: Maschinenkarabiner 42 (Walther), "Machine Carbine 42 (Walther)") was a different prototype for the same contract as the MKb 42 (H), made by Walther instead of Haenel. However, preference was given to a sample from Haenel, and MKb 42 (W) developing was discontinued. In total, about 200 MKb 42 (W)s were manufactured (before Walther was removed from the competition in early 1942) and most of them remained at Walther's factory until the end of the war.

Specifications

(1942)

  • Type: Assault Rifle
  • Caliber: 7.92x33mm Kurz
  • Weight: 4.4 kg
  • Length: 933 mm
  • Barrel length: 409 mm
  • Muzzle Velocity: 650 m/s
  • Rate of fire: 600 rpm
  • Feed System: 30-round detachable box magazine

The MKb 42 (W) and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Video Games

Game Title Appears as Mods Notation Release Date
Enlisted Walther MKb 42(W) 2021


See also

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