Larry Vickers Podcast Ep. 4: STURMGEWEHR Presented by Firearms Trainers Association

Published on August 20, 2021
Duration: 31:37

Larry Vickers provides an expert overview of the Sturmgewehr (MP44/StG 44), detailing its significance as the first true assault rifle. He discusses its intermediate 8x33mm Kurz cartridge, design flaws like the hot handguard and magazine 'nose dive,' and its operational mechanism. The guide includes a field stripping demonstration, highlighting the importance of the wooden buttstock and recoil spring.

Quick Summary

The Sturmgewehr (MP44/StG 44) is considered the first true assault rifle, firing an intermediate 8x33mm Kurz cartridge. Despite design flaws like a hot handguard and magazine feeding issues, its concept heavily influenced later firearms like the AK-47 and AR-15 platforms.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Sturmgewehr (MP44)
  2. 01:00The 8mm Kurz Intermediate Cartridge
  3. 02:00Development, Magazine Issues, and Wobble
  4. 04:04Construction, Weight, and Hot Handguard
  5. 05:03Gas-Operated Action and Bolt Closure
  6. 06:55Controls: Safety and Selector Switch
  7. 08:24Field Stripping: Buttstock and Recoil Spring
  8. 11:45Maintenance, Muzzle Thread, and Market Value
  9. 12:34Comparison: StG 44 vs. AK-47 vs. M4

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Sturmgewehr (MP44) considered the first true assault rifle?

The Sturmgewehr is recognized as the first true assault rifle because it fired an intermediate cartridge (8x33mm Kurz) from a detachable magazine, offering controllable automatic fire and effective range beyond submachine guns but less than full-power battle rifles.

What were the main design flaws of the Sturmgewehr?

Key flaws included a sheet metal handguard that became extremely hot, a 30-round magazine prone to 'nose dive' feeding issues when fully loaded, and a wooden buttstock that housed the recoil spring, making it a critical failure point if cracked.

How does the Sturmgewehr's operating mechanism compare to modern rifles?

The StG 44 is gas-operated but lacks a bolt hold-open, closing the bolt on an empty chamber like an AK. This was considered a simpler system for combat soldiers. Its design influenced features like the AR-15's spring-loaded ejection port cover.

What is the historical and market significance of the Sturmgewehr?

The Sturmgewehr (MP44/StG 44) is historically significant as the progenitor of the modern assault rifle concept. Original examples are highly collectible, with estimated values ranging from $25,000 to $30,000 USD.

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