Stg-44

[jmaccyd]

A superb weapon that was widely respected. Intresting to note the advanced small arms that the German's produced during the war. Not only this design that is generally considered to be the fore-runner of the modern assult rifle, but the MG42 machine gun that is still used in an updated form by the Bundeswehr and the Walther type of pistol (this is from memory so please correct if wrong!)

[Martin Bull]

Originally Posted by Gotthard Heinrici

. How reliable was it I wonder?

The basic design was reliable, though some commentators still feel that it was 'over-engineered' for its purpose. In-the-field unreliability occurred due the manufacturing situation in Germany ; the gun was pre-fabricated by many manufacturers with the parts being assembled later which led to numerous problems with non-interchangeability of supposedly interchangeable parts. Reliable manufacture and assembly was apparently disrupted by Allied air-raids. In addition, molten lacquer from the steel-cased ammo tended to jam the weapon unless it was cleaned frequently. Finally, as the weapon was stamped, riveted and welded together, if it ran into trouble on the battlefield it was almost impossible to fully strip ; you had to throw it away and get another one.

But the gun is deservedly a famous design.....

[Gotthard Heinrici]

Its amazing what they were able to introduce under such conditions as was the case in Germany in 1944 but I suppose necessity is the mother of invention.

[Gotthard Heinrici]

Originally Posted by jmaccyd

A superb weapon that was widely respected. Intresting to note the advanced small arms that the German's produced during the war. Not only this design that is generally considered to be the fore-runner of the modern assult rifle, but the MG42 machine gun that is still used in an updated form by the Bundeswehr and the Walther type of pistol (this is from memory so please correct if wrong!)

Jmac, the design you are referring to (in regard to the HMG) is the MG3, produced by Rheinmetall. Its still in use today, and equips German Armor. Its in use all over the world from Australia to Turkey. Beautiful piece of equipment too.