Gustloff VG 1-5
Gustloff-Werke · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1945
Also known as: Volkssturmgewehr VG 1-5, VG.1-5, VG1-5, Gustloff Volkssturmgewehr
Overview
The Gustloff VG 1-5 is a German semi-automatic rifle designed late in World War II as one of the Volkssturmgewehr (people's storm rifle) emergency weapons. Chambered in 7.92x33mm Kurz and fed from StG 44 magazines, it used an unusual gas-delayed blowback action in which powder gases tapped from the bore into an annular cylinder around the barrel retarded the opening of the unlocked bolt. Built almost entirely from steel stampings, welds and pins to conserve time and machining, roughly 10,000 were produced by the Gustloff-Werke before Germany's surrender in May 1945.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4600 g (162.3 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5100 g (179.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 885 mm (34.84") |
| Barrel Length | 378 mm (14.88") |
| Action Type | Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 650 m/s (2133 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1710 J (1261 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Stamped Steel |
| Slide Material | Stamped Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.92x33mm Kurz · primary — also known as 7.9 PP Kurz, 8mm Kurz, 7.92mm Kurz
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: 30-Round Detachable Box Magazine (MP 43 / StG 44 Pattern)
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Gas-Delayed Blowback Operation, Stamped And Welded Sheet-Steel Construction, Fixed Open Sights, StG 44 Pattern Magazine Compatibility, Annular Gas Cylinder Around Barrel
Production
Estimated total produced: 10,000 · Production years: 1945
Production began early 1945; approximately 10,000 built before the German capitulation on 8 May 1945.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Karl Barnitzke
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Designed by engineer Karl Barnitzke. Cheap stamped construction made it prone to jamming and it was sensitive to cleaning and lubrication. Surviving examples are extremely rare collector items.
Background
Fielded in the final months of the Third Reich, the VG 1-5 was meant to arm the hastily raised Volkssturm militia of boys and older men with something approaching the firepower of the StG 44 assault rifle at a fraction of the cost. Its crude sheet-metal body and reliability problems made it a weapon of desperation, and few saw meaningful combat before the war ended.