When it comes to the armament of the ground forces of the Third Reich, Tiger tanks or Messerschmitt fighters most often come to mind. However, it is German machine gun became a symbol of infantry combat in the mid-20th century, changing the idea of the density of fire at short distances. These small arms were created under conditions of severe resource conservation and the need for mass production, which led to revolutionary engineering solutions.
Unlike rifles designed for long-range shooting, submachine guns and machine guns (assault guns) provided a high rate of fire in close combat. You need to understand that the evolution went from complex milled structures to stamping, which radically reduced the cost per unit of production. It was this technological leap that allowed Germany to equip its troops with modern weapons, despite the shortage of strategic materials.
The history of the creation of these systems is full of contradictions and haste. Engineers sought a balance between reliability, ease of maintenance and combat effectiveness. If you are studying the device German machine guns, you will notice that many of the solutions introduced then became the standard for the global arms industry for decades to come. Let's look at the key models and their features.
MP-18: Forefather of the Assault Weapon
Although formally MP-18 dates back to the period of the First World War, it was he who set the standards by which any German machine gun in the following decades. Developed by Hugo Schmeisser, this model became the first submachine gun adopted for service. Its design was so thoughtful that the basic principles were used until the end of World War II.
The main feature of the system was a blowback bolt and a snail-type magazine (Trommelmagazin 08), although later they switched to sector boxes. The weapon was highly reliable, but the complexity of producing magazines limited its widespread use in the early 1940s. However, in the SS and paratrooper units these machine guns were valued for their compactness and powerful 9x19 mm cartridge.
To understand evolution, it is important to note the differences in locking mechanisms. While later models used simple inertia, early models required precise fitting of parts.
When studying the design of the MP-18, pay attention to the barrel casing with holes - this is not just decoration, but a cooling system that prevents overheating during a long burst.
There is a common misconception that the MP-18 was the weapon of choice for the Wehrmacht in 1941. In fact, its production by that time was limited, and it was used mainly by auxiliary units or partisan formations.
MP-38 and MP-40: Symbols of the German infantry
The real breakthrough was the emergence MP-38 and its modernized version MP-40. It was the world's first submachine gun, the design of which was completely free of wood, and the main parts were made by cold stamping. Such German machine gun became an ideal weapon for mechanized troops and paratroopers thanks to its folding stock.
The design of the MP-40 allowed firing only single shots, which increased accuracy and saved ammunition at critical moments of the battle. The absence of wooden parts made the weapon lighter and more resistant to climatic influences, which was critical for the conditions of the Eastern Front. The mechanism was so perfect that it made it possible to shoot even when heavily soiled, although regular cleaning was still required.
It is important to note the role of the store. The standard 32-round box magazine was dual-feed, which sometimes caused delays when dirt entered. Soldiers were advised to not fully load magazines, leaving 2-3 rounds free to reduce spring tension.
The MP-40's specifications included a rate of fire of approximately 500 rounds per minute. This was considered the optimal value for controlling weapons when firing in bursts. A higher rate would lead to rapid overheating of the barrel and a decrease in the accuracy of the battle.
StG-44: Birth of the assault rifle class
Appearance StG-44 (Sturmgewehr 44) was a revolutionary moment in the history of small arms. This was the first mass German machine gun, using the 7.92×33 mm Kurz intermediate cartridge. The concept was to create a weapon that would combine the fire density of a submachine gun with the effective firing range of a rifle.
The design of the StG-44 was based on the gas exhaust principle with a short piston stroke. This provided softer recoil compared to pistol cartridges and made it possible to conduct targeted fire at distances of up to 400 meters. To control the fire, a mode translator was used, which allowed you to switch between single and automatic fire.
⚠️ Attention: StG-44 required high-quality care. The gas outlet unit quickly became overgrown with carbon deposits, and if the gas chamber was not cleaned regularly, the weapon’s automatic system could fail.
Mass introduction began too late to influence the outcome of the war, but ideologically these weapons won. After 1945, many countries copied the design or created their own analogues based on it. The Soviet AK-47 and the American M16 indirectly owe their appearance to the concept embodied in the StG-44.
Why was the cartridge called intermediate?
The 7.92x33 mm cartridge had a bullet energy less than that of the 7.92x57 mm rifle, but more than that of the 9x19 mm pistol. This allowed the soldier to carry more ammunition without losing effectiveness at medium ranges.
MP-3008: "People's machine gun" of the last days
In conditions of total shortages and destruction of industry in 1944-1945, Germany was forced to look for emergency solutions. The result was MP-3008, often called "Volkssturmgever". This one German machine gun was a simplified copy of the British Sten, adapted for German MP-40 magazines.
The production of MP-3008 was carried out in a handicraft manner in small enterprises. The quality of metal and assembly often left much to be desired. The weapon was extremely simple: a tubular receiver, a minimum number of parts and the absence of a safety lock in the classical sense (its role was played by a cutout in the bolt).
The use of this machine gun was fraught with risk for the shooter due to the poor quality of production control. However, for the militia (Volkssturm) this was the only automatic weapon option available. The shutter was often made of low-quality steel, which led to its rapid wear or destruction.
☑️ Signs of MP-3008
Unlike the MP-40, where the bolt covered the chamber in the forward position, the MP-3008 used a blowback bolt with an open position. This simplified the design, but increased the risk of an accidental discharge if dropped or subjected to a strong impact.
Comparison table of characteristics
To systematize data about what was German machine gun different years of production, it is convenient to use comparative analysis. Below are the key tactical and technical characteristics of the main models in service.
| Model | Caliber (mm) | Length (mm) | Weight (kg) | Rate of fire (rounds/min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP-18/I | 9×19 | 815 | 4,1 | 500 |
| MP-40 | 9×19 | 833 / 630 (folded) | 3,97 | 500 |
| StG-44 | 7,92×33 | 940 | 4,7 | 550-600 |
| MP-3008 | 9×19 | 760 | 3,2 | 550 |
As can be seen from the table, the trend towards reduction in weight and dimensions is clearly visible. If the MP-18 was still quite bulky, the MP-40 and MP-3008 became the standard for compactness. The StG-44 is knocked out of the range by a heavier cartridge, which necessitates structural reinforcement.
Application tactics and combat use
The tactics of using automatic weapons have undergone significant changes. If at the beginning of the war machine guns were issued mainly to squad commanders and tank crews, then by 1943 entire companies were equipped with them. German machine gun became the basis of the firepower of an infantry platoon in close combat.
The main principle was to create a high density of fire at distances of up to 200 meters. Assault groups equipped with MP-40 and StG-44 operated in conjunction with machine gunners. The task of the machine gunners was to suppress enemy personnel in the trenches and buildings, while the machine gunners held the distant lines.
The effectiveness of German machine guns increased sharply in urban areas and wooded areas, where the firing range is limited.
There were special instructions for firing. For example, it was recommended to shoot in short bursts of 3-5 shots. A long burst led to a rapid shift in the midpoint of impact and excessive consumption of ammunition, which was unacceptable under the conditions of the Wehrmacht.
⚠️ Attention: When using MP-40 magazines in the field, it was forbidden to hold the weapon with the magazine facing up - this could lead to jamming of the bolt due to changes in the position of the cartridges under the influence of gravity.
Maintenance and Reliability
The reliability of the weapon depended on regular maintenance. German engineers have provided the possibility of quick disassembly without the use of special tools. For cleaning MP-40 or StG-44 all that was required was to remove the bolt and wipe the bore.
Particular attention was paid to lubrication. In winter conditions, special frost-resistant oils were used to prevent the mechanism from freezing. The lack of lubrication in moving parts led to accelerated wear of metal surfaces and the appearance of scoring.
There were often problems with the firing pins. During intense shooting, the firing pin could break or lose its elasticity, which led to punctures or undercuts of the primer. The soldiers were given spare firing pins, which could be replaced right in the trench in a couple of minutes.
The secret of MP-40 reliability
One of the reasons for the high reliability of the MP-40 was the chrome plating of the barrel bore, which protected the steel from corrosion and made it easier to clean from carbon deposits.
Why is the MP-40 called "Schmeisser" if Vollmer created it?
This is a common historical mistake. Hugo Schmeisser did work on submachine gun designs, but the MP-40 was developed by Heinrich Vollmer at the ERMA factory. The name stuck because of the fame of the Schmeisser name in the arms world.
Did the Germans use captured machine guns?
Yes, the Wehrmacht actively used captured Soviet PPSh and PPS, as well as British Sten. They were assigned the indexes MP-717(r) and MP-720(b), respectively. They were often remade for the German 9mm cartridge if the caliber was different.
Did the StG-44 have optics?
There were experimental samples with the infrared targeting system "Zielgerät 1229" (Vampir), which were installed on the StG-44. This allowed effective fire at night, but the system was extremely expensive and rare.