Sturmgewehr 44
C.G. Haenel Waffen und Fahrradfabrik · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1944
Also known as: MP 43, MP 44, Sturmgewehr, MKb 42(H), Maschinenpistole 43
Overview
The Sturmgewehr 44 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 7.92x33mm Kurz, produced by C.G. Haenel Waffen und Fahrradfabrik since 1944.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4620 g (163.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5220 g (184.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 940 mm (37.01") |
| Barrel Length | 419 mm (16.50") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 685 m/s (2247 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1901 J (1402 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 500 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.92x33mm Kurz · primary — also known as 8mm Kurz, 7.92mm Kurz, Pistolenpatrone 43, Kurzpatrone 43
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Fire Selector
- Features: Tilting Bolt, Gas Piston, Curved Magazine, Select Fire, Pistol Grip, Hooded Front Sight
Variants
- Maschinenkarabiner 42(H) — Prototype
- Maschinenpistole 43 — Redesignation
- Maschinenpistole 44 — Redesignation
- Maschinenpistole 45 — Simplified
Service history
Operators
- Wehrmacht · adopted 1943 · as MP 43 / MP 44 / StG 44
- Waffen-SS · adopted 1943 · as StG 44
- Nationale Volksarmee (East Germany) · adopted 1949 · as MPi.44
- French Foreign Legion · adopted 1945 · as StG 44
- Yugoslav People's Army · adopted 1945 · as StG 44
- Czechoslovak People's Army · adopted 1945 · as StG 44
- Syrian Arab Army · as StG 44
- Argentine Armed Forces · as StG 44
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 425,000 · Production years: 1943-1945
Approximately 425,000 produced across C.G. Haenel, Erma, and Mauser factories before the end of WWII
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Hugo Schmeisser
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The StG 44 was developed under secrecy using the 'Maschinenpistole' designation to disguise continued development. It was produced by C.G. Haenel, Erfurter Maschinenfabrik (Erma), and Mauser-Werke. While often cited as a direct influence on the AK-47, the degree of technical lineage remains debated; Hugo Schmeisser was brought to Izhevsk in 1946 where the AK-47 was later developed. The weapon remained in service with East German forces as the MPi.44 until replaced by AK variants. Yugoslav forces retained stocks until the 1980s, after which surplus weapons were transferred to Middle Eastern and African nations. The Krummlauf curved barrel attachment was a notable experimental variant designed for shooting around corners from armored vehicles.
Background
The StG 44 coined the term 'assault rifle' (Sturmgewehr) that defines the weapon category to this day. It was developed under cover designations to hide it from Hitler, who had initially banned its development. When he finally saw it in action on the Eastern Front and asked troops what they needed, they reportedly said 'more of these new rifles,' prompting his reversal and the dramatic renaming.