This book explores the origins, development, combat use and lasting
influence of Nazi Germany's automatic rifles, focusing on the Gew 41(W),
Gew 43/Kar 43, FG 42 and MP 43/StG 44. The Blitzkrieg campaigns of
1939-40 convinced many observers that most infantry combat took place at
closer ranges than the 750-1,000m for which most contemporary rifles
were designed. In addition, current bolt-action rifles could not provide
the rate of fire required for such engagements. From 1941 Germany's arms
designers took note and produced a new series of infantry firearms that
not only transformed squad firepower, but also laid the foundations for
postwar assault rifle design.
The Gew 43/Kar 43, fitted with a telescopic-sight rail as standard, was
one of history's first semi-auto sniper rifles. The FG 42, designed
specifically for airborne soldiers, had a landmark straight-in-line
design and other features frequently seen in subsequent small arms,
notably the US M60 machine gun. Most influential was the MP 43/StG 44,
arguably the world's first true assault rifle, which delivered
formidable full-auto fire from a shortened 7.92mm round. This weapon
also went on to influence the design of the greatest assault rifle of
all time - the AK-47.
This study not only provides a detailed technical description of each
weapon, but also explores how the firearms performed on the battlefields
of World War II. The combat takes us from the FG 42 in the hands of
Fallschirmjäger at Monte Cassino through to StG 44s being used by
Waffen-SS soldiers on both the Eastern and Western Fronts. Postwar
service is also studied, such as the Gew 43's adoption by the Czech Army
and the StG 44's use by the Viet Cong in the Vietnam War. Setting each
firearm in its tactical and historical context, and employing striking
photographs and full-colour artwork, firearms expert Chris McNab sets
out the absorbing story of this distinctive and influential series of
weapons.
