Who invented the first machine gun: historical truth and myths

German Luftwaffe designers introduced in 1943 Sturmgewehr 43 (StG 43), which became the world's first mass-produced machine gun that combined the capabilities of a rifle and a submachine gun. This model, developed under the leadership of Hugo Schmeisser, marked the beginning of the era of intermediate cartridges and changed the tactics of firing at distances up to 400 meters. It is this moment that is considered to be the birth of the class of weapons known today as machine guns, although disputes about priority are still ongoing.

Before the advent of full-fledged machine guns, armies had to use either long-barreled rifles, effective at long ranges but clumsy in combat, or submachine guns with a short firing range. Automatic carbine was supposed to fill this niche, providing a high rate of fire with acceptable accuracy. German engineering during the Second World War was able to realize a concept that was previously considered impossible for mass production.

Creation intermediate cartridge 7.92×33 mm Kurz became a key factor that made it possible to reduce the recoil and dimensions of the weapon without a critical loss of destructive power. Without this ammunition, the appearance of a compact and powerful machine gun would be technically impractical. It was the balance between the power of the shot and the controllability of the weapon during automatic firing that determined the appearance of all post-war small arms equipment.

Prerequisites for the appearance of automatic weapons

The history of firearms knows many attempts to create a mechanism capable of continuous fire. However, for a long time, the main obstacle remained the excessive power of rifle cartridges, which made automatic shooting from the hands uncontrollable. Designers were looking for ways to reduce recoil energy so that the shooter could keep the barrel on the aiming line when the automation was operating.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the first samples of self-loading rifles appeared, but they could not provide a high density of fire. Submachine guns such as MP-18 or Soviet PPSh, solved the problem of rate of fire, but their effective range rarely exceeded 100–150 meters. The armies needed a universal solution for medium-range combat.

Germany, preparing for large-scale hostilities, initiated a program to create a new type of weapon. Requirements included the ability to hit targets at a distance of up to 600 meters, the presence of an automatic fire mode and the use of a less powerful cartridge than a rifle. This led to the development of the concept assault rifle.

• 🔫 The need to increase the density of infantry fire at distances of 200–400 meters.
• ⚖️ Requirement to reduce the weight of ammunition and the weapon itself to increase mobility.
• 🎯 The need for a universal model that replaces a rifle and a submachine gun.

⚠️ Attention: The term “automatic” in the Soviet and Russian tradition was assigned to assault rifles (like AK), while in the West the name “assault rifle” (assault rifle) was used for a long time. Do not confuse these concepts with submachine guns.

Hugo Schmeisser and the birth of the Sturmgewehr

The central figure in the history of the creation of the first machine gun is the German engineer Hugo Schmeisser. It was his ideas that formed the basis of the design that received the index Mkb 42(H)and then StG 44. Schmeisser managed to create reliable automation that operated on the basis of the removal of powder gases, which was an innovative solution for weapons of this class.

The development was carried out in conditions of fierce competition between companies Haenel and Walther. Initially, Hitler was skeptical about the project, considering the existing stocks of rifles sufficient, but the realities of the Eastern Front required new weapons. Mass production began in 1943, and soldiers quickly realized the advantages of the new model in urban battles and wooded areas.

The design included a rotating bolt, a gas piston located above the barrel, and a magazine with a capacity of 30 rounds. The mechanism was simple enough to produce, but required high-quality steel and precise processing. This ensured high reliability even in dirty conditions.

Schmeisser's influence on the world arms industry can hardly be overestimated. His work became the foundation on which further developments were built both in Germany and in other countries. Sturmgewehr 44 became the prototype for many post-war systems.

Soviet response: Mikhail Kalashnikov and AK

In the Soviet Union, the response to the appearance of German machine guns was the development of their own model chambered for the 7.62x39 mm intermediate cartridge. Young sergeant Mikhail Kalashnikov, while in the hospital after being wounded, began work on a project that later became a legend. His machine gun AK-47 was put into service in 1949.

Kalashnikov managed to create a mechanism that had phenomenal reliability and survivability. Unlike its German counterpart, the Soviet assault rifle was simpler to manufacture and easier to maintain. A gas exhaust system with a long piston stroke ensured stable operation of the automation even when sand and dirt got in.

Mass production of the AK allowed millions of soldiers around the world to be equipped with this weapon. Ease of disassembly and no need for complex cleaning tools made it ideal for armies in developing countries. Kalashnikov assault rifle became a symbol of the era and the most common type of small arms in history.

• 🛠️ High technology and the possibility of production in non-specialized factories.
• 💧 Resistant to moisture, dust and low temperatures.
• 🎯 Optimal combination of combat accuracy and cartridge power.

Comparison table of the first samples

To understand the evolution of automatic weapons, it is useful to compare the key characteristics of the first models. Differences in the design and ammunition used determined the tactics of their use and effectiveness in various combat conditions.

German StG 44 and Soviet AK-47 had a similar concept, but different engineering solutions. The Americans went their own way, creating M16 already in the next generation, abandoning the intermediate cartridge in favor of a low-impulse cartridge, but this happened much later.

As can be seen from the table, the Soviet model gained weight, which was critically important for the infantryman. The German machine gun was heavier, but had a more advanced aiming line for its time. Belgian FAL, although it came later, was a powerful alternative, but used a full-fledged rifle cartridge.

Evolution of design: from mechanics to electronics

After the war, the development of machine guns followed the path of improving ergonomics and materials. Wood and steel gradually gave way to plastics and light alloys. The advent of modular systems made it possible to change the length of the barrel and the type of stock depending on the task.

Modern machines such as AK-12 or HK416, are equipped with Picatinny rails for installing optics, silencers and laser designators. The mechanics remain the same at their core, but the quality of workmanship has increased by orders of magnitude. Electronic sights and smart targeting systems are becoming standard for special forces.

⚠️ Attention: Upgrading weapons should only be carried out by certified specialists. Independent installation of incompatible parts can lead to destruction of the mechanism when fired.

An important stage was the introduction of gas exhaust systems with a short piston stroke, which reduced the mass of moving parts and improved the accuracy of burst fire. This made it possible to increase the effectiveness of fire at long distances.

The influence of the first machine gun on military tactics

The advent of machine guns radically changed the nature of infantry combat. The effective fire distance has increased, and the fire density has increased many times over. Manually reloaded rifles are finally a thing of the past, becoming the lot of snipers or ceremonial units.

Small group tactics began to be built around machine gun fire support. The ability to fire on the move or from awkward positions gave the infantry new mobility. Assault actions in urban areas became possible precisely thanks to this class of weapons.

Third world countries gained access to powerful weapons, which changed the balance of power in local conflicts. Ease of maintenance allowed soldiers to use machine guns without extensive technical training. This made the machine gun the main instrument of war in the second half of the 20th century.

• 🌍 Global distribution and copying of designs by leading powers.
• 🏙️ Changes in tactics of street fighting and clearing premises.
• 📉 Reducing the role of long-range rifle shooting in mass armies.

Current status and development prospects

Today, classic slot machines continue to evolve. The main directions are weight reduction, increased modularity and integration of electronic components. The advent of cartridges with reduced ricocheting ability and programmable bullets opens up new possibilities.

Russian AK-19 and American M4A1 represent the pinnacle of development of traditional automation. However, samples with an electronic trigger and intelligent aiming systems are already being tested. The future belongs to weapons that themselves correct the trajectory of the bullet.

Despite technological progress, the operating principle laid down by Schmeisser and improved by Kalashnikov remains relevant. Reliable mechanics do not yet have a full-fledged replacement in real combat conditions, where fault tolerance is important.