Volkssturmgewehr 1-5
Gustloff-Werke · Rifle · Discontinued · 1945
Also known as: VG 1-5, VG.1-5, Gustloff Volkssturmgewehr, People's Storm Rifle
Overview
The Volkssturmgewehr 1-5 is a German semi-automatic rifle developed late in World War II under the Primitive-Weapons Program for the Volkssturm militia. Designed in 1944 by engineer Karl Barnitzke at the Gustloff-Werke factory, it chambered the 7.92x33mm Kurz intermediate cartridge and fed from standard StG 44 magazines. Built from stamped steel, welds and pins to minimize cost and machining, it used an unusual gas-delayed blowback action with ports near the muzzle that bled gas to retard the bolt. Only around 10,000 were produced before Germany's capitulation in May 1945.
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 Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 685 m/s (2247 fps) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | 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: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Stamped Steel Construction, Stg44 Magazine Compatible, Fixed Sights, Low Cost Manufacture
Service history
Operators
- Volkssturm · adopted 1945 · as VG 1-5
- Wehrmacht · adopted 1945
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 10,000 · Production years: 1945
Production began early 1945; roughly 10,000 made before the German surrender on 8 May 1945.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Karl Barnitzke
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The gas-delayed blowback system was sensitive to fouling and prone to jamming if not kept clean and oiled. Despite its crude construction, it offered considerable firepower in a compact package compared with other Volkssturm small arms.
Background
Conceived as a last-ditch weapon for the hastily raised Volkssturm home guard, the VG 1-5 traded refinement for manufacturability, using the same intermediate cartridge and magazines as the StG 44 assault rifle in a far simpler, cheaper package.