MKb-42(W) - The Sturmgewehr That Never Was

The MKb-42(W) represents Walther's early attempt at the German Sturmgewehr concept, leveraging their expertise in sheet metal stamping. Key features include a distinct magazine hold-open, a riveted stamped handguard, and a gas piston system operating the bolt. It offered both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire modes, controlled by separate selectors.

The Haenel MKb42(H) was the original prototype for the German Sturmgewehr, pioneering the intermediate cartridge and selective-fire concept. Despite initial rejection by Hitler, its stamped construction and open-bolt design addressed wartime material shortages and provided increased firepower. Lessons learned from its troop trials directly influenced the development of the iconic MP43/StG 44 series.

This review examines Haenel's simplified StG45(H) prototype, designed to reduce manufacturing costs through extensive use of stampings. Key modifications include relocating the recoil spring to the top of the receiver and a simplified bolt carrier design. While intended for mass production, the actual functional performance of this specific prototype remains undocumented.

This review delves into the Walther MPK submachine gun, a competitor to the Uzi and MP5. Key features include an open bolt design, a non-reciprocating charging handle with a manual forward assist, and a secondary safety sear catch to prevent accidental discharges. The MPK offered selector options for full-auto and, in some variants, semi-automatic fire.

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 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 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.