StG 44 – Sturmgewehr 44

Stg 44 – Sturmgewehr history

The Sturmgewehr Stg 44 is the first assault rifle in the world. Development studies began in 1942 and continued until 1944. Several models were produced at different times, such as the MP 43, the initial outcome of the design work on the assault rifle, West and especially during the Battle of Normandy. The effectiveness reports of the weapon are very encouraging for the Germans who decide to continue the improvements.

The Stg 44, which gradually replaced the range of MP-40 type submachine guns, became part of the German Army in 1944 and has a semi-automatic and automatic shooting selector.

Despite its heavy weight (5.22 kilos), its somewhat bulky design and low impact resistance, the Sturmgewehr allows the German infantry to have increased firepower at the end of the Second World War. This increase in firepower leads to an increase in the consumption of ammunition which makes its use problematic at the end of the war, when the Germans encounter major difficulties of supply.

After the Battle of Normandy, this weapon is also used by the German forces during the Battle of the Ardennes. The design of the AK-47 assault rifle developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov is very much inspired by the STG 44.

Stg 44 – Sturmgewehr specification

Creator/User: Germany
Denomination: Stg 44 – MP 43 – MP 44
Produced: 500,000 (of which 200,000 never distributed)

Firing mode: semi-automatic and automatic
Caliber: 7,92 mm (7,92 x 33 mm)
Feed system: 30 round-magazine
Effective firing range (automatic): 300 m
Effective firing range (semi-automatic): 600 m
Maximum range: 800 m
Rate of fire : 500 rounds/min

Weight: 5,22 kg
Length: 940 mm