Book Review: Sturmgewehr! From Firepower to Striking Power (New Expanded Edition)

This review of the Sturmgewehr (MP43, MP44, STG44) highlights its historical significance and technical features. The video demonstrates its full-auto capability and discusses its development under the 'Machine Pistols' designation. Key technical aspects like the dust cover, magazine release, separate fire selector, and left-side charging handle are detailed. Shooting performance is assessed in both semi-auto and full-auto, with notes on trigger quality, sight adequacy, and a comfortable cyclic rate of 450-480 RPM. Long-range testing reveals ammunition-dependent points of impact.

This video delves into the 'Gerat 06', exploring Germany's developmental journey towards roller-delayed blowback firearms. It connects this experimental weapon to the lineage of iconic German rifles like the STG series, including the MP44, MP43, STG44, and STG45, highlighting the incremental steps taken in firearm design during and after WWII. The analysis likely focuses on the technical evolution and historical context of these firearms.

This review covers the new US-made StG44/MP44 clone by DK Productions, chambered in the original 7.92x33mm Kurz. The rifle is a near-identical semi-automatic reproduction, featuring sheet metal stampings and wood furniture. Ballistics testing shows the Kurz round performs comparably to 7.62x39mm, and the rifle itself is noted for its smooth operation. While expensive at $6,200 MSRP, it offers a historically accurate experience.

A US-made StG44 reproduction by DK Productions is now available, chambered in the historical 7.92x33mm Kurz caliber. The review includes a live-fire demonstration at an outdoor range, showcasing the rifle's functionality. This release marks a significant availability of the iconic WWII firearm for the US market.

This video debunks the myth of optics being standard on Sturmgewehrs, revealing they were a rare, problematic addition. Early attempts with the ZF41 on the MKB 42(H) were superseded by the ZF4, intended for universal use. However, historical tests showed the scoped Sturmgewehr performed poorly, with unstable mounts losing zero quickly, leading to the project's cancellation.

This video details the evolution of the German Sturmgewehr, from the MKB42 to the MP43/1, MP44, and the final StG44. It highlights the design's purpose as a selective-fire, intermediate-cartridge rifle, addressing political opposition, logistical challenges with the 7.92x33mm Kurz ammunition, and design changes like the stepped barrel and shortened buttstock. Expert analysis from Ian McCollum provides deep insight into the bureaucratic and technical shifts during WWII.

This video details the unique 'French Finger Trap' issue with the MAS-36 rifle's bayonet, where two rifles can become unintentionally locked together. A 1951 French arsenal memorandum identified this problem, proposing a simple modification to the bayonet handle. Drilling a small hole allows a tool, like a firing pin, to depress the internal spring, enabling the separation of locked rifles.

The M134 Minigun is a scaled-down 7.62 NATO rotary cannon, requiring 24V DC power and consuming 1.5 kW. Its high rate of fire (3,000+ RPM) is essential for aircraft engagement windows. The complex delinker mechanism is critical for feeding ammunition, and practical hand-held use is impossible due to weight and recoil. Live fire demonstrates rapid ammunition consumption and the need for indirect aiming.

The H&K G11 is a revolutionary prototype assault rifle designed in the late 20th century, notable for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt mechanism. Despite advanced features like a 2000 RPM burst fire rate and integrated optics, its development was ultimately halted by geopolitical shifts and cost concerns.

This video demonstrates the assembly and live-fire of the German 1936 pattern light mortar (L.Gr.W.36). It highlights the mortar's leveling mechanism for accuracy and the difficulty in visually tracking its 50mm projectiles after firing. The content showcases historical military hardware and its operational use.