Maschinenkarabiner MKb 42(H)
C.G. Haenel Waffen und Fahrradfabrik · Assault Rifle · Limited Production · 1942
Also known as: MKb 42(H), MKb.42(H), Maschinenkarabiner 42 Haenel
Overview
The Maschinenkarabiner MKb 42(H) was the C.G. Haenel-designed select-fire carbine that pioneered the assault-rifle concept for the German Wehrmacht. Chambered for the intermediate 7.92x33mm Kurz cartridge and feeding from a 30-round detachable box magazine, it combined the controllability of a submachine gun with rifle-class range. The gas-operated, tilting-bolt action fired from an open bolt, and the receiver made extensive use of stamped and welded sheet metal to lower manufacturing cost. After combat trials on the Eastern Front it was reworked into the MP 43/MP 44 and ultimately the StG 44.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4900 g (172.8 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5490 g (193.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 940 mm (37.01") |
| Barrel Length | 364 mm (14.33") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 640 m/s (2100 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1660 J (1224 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 500 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.92x33mm Kurz · primary — also known as 7.9 PP Kurz, 8mm Kurz, 7.92mm Kurz
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Slot Safety
- Features: Selective Fire, Tilting Bolt, Open Bolt Automatic Fire, Stamped Sheet Metal Receiver, Bayonet Lug, Left Side Charging Handle
Variants
- Maschinenkarabiner MKb 42(W) — Competing Design
Service history
Operators
- Wehrmacht · adopted 1942 · as MKb 42(H)
Conflicts
- World War II (1942-1945)
- Eastern Front (World War II) (1942-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 10,000 · Production years: 1942-1943
Approximately 8,000-10,000 produced before production shifted to the closed-bolt MP 43 / StG 44
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Hugo Schmeisser
Discontinued: 1943
Notes
The (H) suffix denotes Haenel, distinguishing it from the competing Walther MKb 42(W). Roughly 8,000-10,000 MKb 42(H) carbines were built before the design was superseded by the closed-bolt MP 43.
Background
Hitler initially banned the new-caliber carbine program, so the Wehrmacht continued development under the deliberately misleading label Maschinenkarabiner ('machine carbine'); only after frontline troops praised its combat performance did Hitler relent and christen the perfected design the Sturmgewehr, or 'assault rifle'.