When it comes to small arms of the Third Reich, the image of the MP-40 instantly pops up in the minds of most people, even those far from military history. This submachine gun has become a symbol of the Wehrmacht and is recognized by its characteristic folding handle and perforated casing. However, if you ask yourself what exactly the German machine gun was called, you may encounter confusion caused by differences in the classification of weapons then and now.
From the point of view of modern terminology, full-fledged automatically (automatic rifle with intermediate cartridge) was Sturmgewehr 44, which appeared towards the end of the war. It was he who laid the design foundations for post-war models such as the Soviet AK-47. At the same time, the mass infantry weapon remained for many years MP-40, which was technically a submachine gun, but in common parlance is often referred to as an assault rifle.
In this article we will analyze the main examples of automatic weapons in Germany during the Second World War, find out their technical features and determine what impact they had on the development of the world weapons school. Understanding these differences is necessary not only for historians, but also for anyone interested in the evolution of military technology.
MP-40: Symbol of the German Infantry
When answering the question of what the German machine gun was called, most people mean exactly Maschinenpistole 40. This weapon was the result of the desire of German industry to reduce the cost and speed up production. Unlike its predecessor MP-38, which had a milled receiver, the MP-40 was manufactured using extensive stamping and welding, which was revolutionary for its time.
Construction MP-40 was designed to use the 9x19 mm Parabellum cartridge. The weapon did not have wooden parts, which made it lighter and more technologically advanced. The folding metal stock made it possible to compactly place the machine gun in landing vehicles and tanks, and also made it easier to carry in winter clothes. The fire was conducted only in bursts, which, if handled ineptly, led to rapid consumption of ammunition.
⚠️ Attention: Despite its legendary status, the MP-40 had low penetration ability at distances over 100 meters. Using it against an enemy wearing heavy winter ammunition or behind cover made of thick logs often proved ineffective.
Mass production of this weapon made it possible to equip not only regular infantry, but also tank crews, who valued it for its compactness. The reliability of the automatic action, operating on the basis of blowback, ensured operation even in very dusty conditions, although dirt and snow could cause delays.
StG-44: The first real machine gun in history
If you are looking for an answer to the question of what the world’s first machine gun was called in the modern sense of the word, then it is certainly Sturmgewehr 44 (StG-44). Before its appearance, the armies of the world used either rifles chambered for a powerful rifle cartridge, or submachine guns chambered for weak pistol ammunition. German engineers developed an intermediate cartridge 7.92x33 mm Kurz, which made it possible to create a weapon that combines the accuracy of a rifle and the rate of fire of a submachine gun.
Sturmgewehr 44 had a gas-operated automatic system with a long piston stroke, which radically distinguished it from the blowback design used in the MP-40. This made it possible to significantly increase shooting accuracy and bullet penetration. Soldiers on the Eastern Front appreciated the ability to fire effectively at distances of up to 400 meters, which was not possible with the MP-40.
The introduction of the new weapon among the troops was difficult due to the resistance of the high command, which for a long time could not decide on the concept of the new weapon. However, combat experience convinced the command of the need for a massive transition to automatic rifles. It was this concept that formed the basis for the post-war rearmament of the armies of the world.
Why didn't the StG-44 save Germany?
Despite the excellent performance characteristics, the StG-44 appeared too late, when the Reich industry could no longer ensure mass production. In addition, a shortage of raw materials led to the use of surrogates and poor manufacturing quality, which affected reliability.
Specifications and comparison of models
For a deeper understanding of the differences between the main types of German automatic weapons, it is advisable to consider their technical parameters in comparison. This will allow you to see the evolution of engineering from a simple submachine gun to a complex assault rifle.
| Characteristics | MP-40 | StG-44 | FG-42 (for comparison) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9×19 mm | 7.92×33 mm | 7.92×57 mm |
| Weight without cartridges | 4.03 kg | 4.6 kg | 4.95 kg |
| Length with stock folded | 630 mm | Didn't work out | 905 mm |
| Rate of fire (rounds/min) | 500 | 550-600 | 750-900 |
| Magazine capacity | 32 rounds | 30 rounds | 20 rounds |
As can be seen from the table, FG-42, developed for paratroopers, differed significantly from the mass infantry line. This weapon used a full rifle cartridge and had a high rate of fire, but was difficult to manufacture and expensive. The MP-40 and StG-44 represented two different approaches to solving short- and medium-range combat missions.
It's important to note that StG-44 became the founder of the assault rifle class. Its design, including the magazine, sights and overall layout, had a tremendous influence on Soviet designers. Kalashnikov, who studied captured samples, took into account many of the decisions of German engineers when creating his machine gun.
The StG-44 was the first weapon to combine the advantages of a rifle and a submachine gun, setting the standard for all modern assault rifles in the world.
Rare and experimental samples
In addition to the well-known models, the German arsenal also included less common models that also deserve mention. For example, MP-41 was a hybrid where the MP-40 automatic was combined with a wooden stock and trigger mechanism of a Mauser 98k rifle. These weapons were produced in smaller quantities and were often supplied to Reish's allies.
There were also attempts to create machine guns with reduced recoil and an increased rate of fire. Engineers experimented with bore locking schemes and cooling systems. Some samples like Volkssturmgewehr (Vg 1-5), were created at the end of the war in conditions of a total shortage of resources and were made from low-quality materials.
- 🔫 MP-41 — modification of the MP-40 with a wooden rifle stock.
- 🔫 Erma EMP - predecessor of the MP-40, which had a telescopic reciprocating spring.
- 🔫 Volkssturmgewehr - “automatic machine of the people’s militia”, extremely primitive and cheap to produce.
These examples demonstrate how the priorities of German industry changed: from quality and reliability to quantity and speed of production. In conditions of the collapse of the front, the ability to quickly arm thousands of people with any firing device came to the fore.
When studying rare samples, pay attention to the year of manufacture markings. Weapons from 1944-1945 often have simplified designs and lower quality surface finishes.
Influence on post-war weapons of the USSR and NATO
The legacy of German designers has gone far beyond Germany. After the end of the war, documentation, equipment and the engineers themselves became trophies of the victors. Soviet experts carefully studied StG-44, and many of its elements can be traced in the design of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. This is not a copy, but a certain conceptual reworking of ideas.
Western countries also did not stand aside. The Americans and British studied German designs, which influenced the development of their own systems, such as AR-10 and FN FAL. The use of intermediate cartridges and gas-operated automatics has become standard for NATO armies. German experience has shown that the future belongs to universal infantry weapons.
Modern systems used today are direct descendants of those developments. Compactness, modularity and the ability to fire in bursts - all this was tested and implemented in German weapons. Without the experience gained during World War II, the development of small arms would have taken a different path.
☑️ Key features of German influence
Conclusion and historical assessment
To summarize, the term "German machine gun" covers a wide range of weapons, from submachine guns to assault rifles. MP-40 remained in history as a symbol of mechanized warfare and blitzkrieg, and StG-44 laid the foundation for all modern armies in the world.
The engineering solutions used in these samples have proven their effectiveness and viability. Despite Germany's defeat in the war, its weapons school demonstrated the highest level of development. The study of these samples is necessary to understand how military technology developed in the 20th century.
⚠️ Attention: When inspecting or reconstructing historical weapons, strictly comply with the laws of your country. Many designs may have ownership restrictions or require special permission.
The history of the German assault rifle is the history of the search for the ideal balance between firepower, mobility and manufacturability. This search continues today, but the basic principles were formulated precisely then, during the years of global conflict.
The MP-40 and StG-44 represent two different eras in weapon development: the end of the submachine gun era and the beginning of the assault rifle era.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it true that the AK-47 is a copy of the StG-44?
No, this is a common myth. Although Mikhail Kalashnikov studied the captured StG-44 and took into account some general conceptual solutions (for example, layout), the Kalashnikov assault rifle has a fundamentally different design of the locking units and firing mechanism. The AK-47 is not a direct copy.
What was the MP-40's maximum effective fire range?
The effective firing range of the MP-40 was about 200 meters, although the effective range allowed firing further. At distances over 100-150 meters, the penetration ability of the 9 mm bullet dropped sharply, and it often could not penetrate winter clothing or light shelters.
Why wasn't the StG-44 produced in large quantities before?
The main reason was the resistance of Hitler, who for a long time insisted on the priority of rifles chambered for powerful cartridges and submachine guns. Only after reports from the front about the need for a universal weapon was the go-ahead given for mass production under the name “assault rifle.”
Was the MP-40 used by Soviet troops?
Yes, captured MP-40s were actively used by the Red Army, especially at the beginning of the war, when there was a shortage of their own weapons. They were also used by partisan detachments. The weapon was valued for its reliability and compactness.