Book Review: Training Rifles of Third Reich Germany

Published on September 10, 2017
Duration: 9:57

This comprehensive book review by Ian McCollum delves into 'Training Rifles of Third Reich Germany' by Robert Simpson. It covers the historical context of German military training programs ('Wehrsport'), detailing the evolution from the DSM to the KKW, both .22 caliber rifles designed to mimic the Kar98k. The book also explores air rifles, police trainers, and foreign models, offering significant value to collectors and historians of German firearms.

Quick Summary

'Training Rifles of Third Reich Germany' by Robert Simpson is a comprehensive 690+ page book detailing German .22 caliber training rifles like the DSM and KKW, which mimicked the Kar98k for 'Wehrsport' military training. It also covers air rifles and police trainers, offering deep insights for collectors.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Book
  2. 01:06Historical Context: Wehrsport
  3. 02:12The DSM (Deutsches Sportmodell)
  4. 03:02The KKW (Klein Kaliber Wehrsportgewehr)
  5. 04:16Post-War Prevalence in the US
  6. 07:35Book Specifications and Scope

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the KKW training rifle?

The KKW (Klein Kaliber Wehrsportgewehr) was a German .22 caliber training rifle designed to closely replicate the weight, length, handling, and trigger pull of the standard-issue Kar98k rifle, serving as a key component of military-oriented training programs.

Why are so many German training rifles found in the US?

Many German .22 caliber training rifles are in the US today because American occupation troops at the end of World War II collected them as souvenirs from civilian surrender piles, valuing them as high-quality tools.

What types of firearms are covered in 'Training Rifles of Third Reich Germany'?

The book covers a wide range of firearms, including the DSM and KKW training rifles, various air rifles from manufacturers like Diana and Haenel, police trainers, and foreign models that were utilized by Germany during the Third Reich era.

What was the purpose of 'Wehrsport' in Third Reich Germany?

'Wehrsport' was a standardized German shooting sports program that was heavily oriented towards military training. It required participants to use .22 caliber rifles that mimicked the handling characteristics of the standard-issue Kar98k rifle, preparing them for potential military service.

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