Krummlauf Curved Barrel on an StG-44

This review of the STG44 Krummlauf attachment reveals surprising ballistic performance, with the curved barrel showing minimal velocity loss and intact bullet integrity in gel tests, contrary to historical myths. While effective at very close ranges (around 25 yards), accuracy degrades significantly beyond that. The device is extremely rare, difficult to handle due to its front-heavy nature, and features a unique periscope sight.

This video from The Gun Collective features Jon Patton at SHOT Show 2016 getting a close look at the HMG STG-44 replica from Hill & Mac Gunworks. The STG-44 is highlighted as one of the coolest replicas he's seen in a long time, showcasing the historical significance and modern manufacturing of this iconic firearm. The description includes multiple links to TGC's Patreon, Amazon shop, merchandise, and sponsors, along with social media links and business inquiries.

Firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries details the Krummlauf, an experimental curved barrel attachment for the StG44. Developed by Rheinmetall-Borsig, it aimed to enable shooting around obstacles or from vehicles via periscope. Despite technical challenges like limited barrel life and sighting system durability, it represented a unique German wartime innovation.

This video provides a demonstration of an original, re-welded StG-44 (MP-44) in 8mm Kurz. The presenter, identified as an expert enthusiast, showcases both semi-automatic and full-automatic firing capabilities at an outdoor range. The demonstration highlights the historical significance and functional aspects of the world's first assault rifle.

This video features firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson exploring a unique American prototype firearm based on the M3 Grease Gun, designed to shoot around corners. It's compared to the German Krummlauf and is referred to as the M3 'Deflector'. The video delves into its 90-degree firing capability, potential use in tanks or armored vehicles, its "Infinity Sight," and its unusual yellow coloring. Ferguson also discusses the removal of the curved unit, reports on its accuracy and lethality, and touches upon the legacy of curved barrels, drawing a parallel to the modern CornerShot system. The content is presented by the Royal Armouries.

The Sturmgewehr MP-44, later designated StG 44, revolutionized infantry combat by introducing the intermediate cartridge. This design sacrificed long-range power for controllable full-auto fire, proving ideal for engagements under 300 meters common on the Eastern Front. Despite initial resistance from Hitler, its tactical necessity led to its adoption as the standard German infantry weapon, setting the blueprint for modern assault rifles.

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.