Volkssturmgewehr VG 1-5
Gustloff-Werke · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1945
Also known as: VG 1-5, MP 507, Versuchs-Gerät 1-5, Gustloff Volkssturmgewehr, People's Storm Rifle
Overview
The Volkssturmgewehr VG 1-5 (also designated MP 507) was a last-ditch semi-automatic rifle developed by Karl Barnitzke at Gustloff-Werke in Suhl as part of Nazi Germany's 'Primitiv-Waffen-Programm' in late 1944. Chambered in 7.92x33mm Kurz and feeding from standard StG 44 magazines, it used an unusual gas-delayed blowback action (the Barnitzke system) where gas bled near the chamber resisted the rearward bolt impulse until the bullet left the muzzle. Construction was deliberately crude, using stampings, welding and pinning, with only 39 metallic parts.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4600 g (162.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 885 mm (34.84") |
| Barrel Length | 378 mm (14.88") |
| Action Type | Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 655 m/s (2149 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1735 J (1280 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.92x33mm Kurz · primary — also known as 7.92mm Kurz, 8mm Kurz, 7.92x33
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Lever
- Features: Stamped Steel Construction, Barnitzke Gas Delayed System, Fixed Iron Sights, Uses Stg44 Magazines, Primitive Waffen Program
Service history
Operators
- Volkssturm · adopted 1945 · as VG 1-5
- Wehrmacht · adopted 1945 · as MP 507
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
- Battle of Berlin (1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 10,000 · Production years: 1945
Approximately 10,000 produced between January and May 1945 before German capitulation; surviving examples are extremely rare collector items
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Karl Barnitzke
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The VG 1-5 designation is sometimes confused with the bolt-action VG 1, VG 2, VG 3 and VG 5 'people's rifles' built by other factories. The VG 1-5 was the only Volkssturm weapon that was self-loading. The rifle was extremely sensitive to fouling and would jam if not kept thoroughly oiled.
Background
The Volkssturmgewehr's gas-delayed blowback design was so radically simple that decades later Heckler & Koch revived the concept for their P7 pistol. Forgotten Weapons' Ian McCollum has called the VG 1-5 'the most interesting bad gun ever made' for its mechanically clever solution dressed in the crudest possible packaging.