The best submachine guns of the Second World War. Wehrmacht small arms

The further into the depths of time the years of battles with the Nazi occupiers go, the more myths, idle speculations, often accidental, sometimes malicious, those events become overgrown. One of them is that the German troops were completely armed with the notorious Schmeissers, which are an unsurpassed example of an assault rifle of all times and peoples before the advent of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. What the Wehrmacht small arms of the Second World War actually were like, whether they were as great as they are “painted”, it is worth looking into in more detail to understand the real situation.

The blitzkrieg strategy, which consisted of a lightning-fast defeat of enemy troops with an overwhelming advantage of tank formations covered, assigned motorized ground forces almost an auxiliary role - to complete the final defeat of a demoralized enemy, and not to conduct bloody battles with the massive use of rapid-fire small arms.

Perhaps this is why, at the beginning of the war with the USSR, the overwhelming majority of German soldiers were armed with rifles rather than machine guns, which is confirmed by archival documents. So, the Wehrmacht infantry division in 1940 should have had:

• Rifles and carbines - 12,609 pcs.
• Submachine guns, which would later be called machine guns - 312 pcs.
• Light machine guns – 425 pcs., heavy machine guns – 110 pcs.
• Pistols – 3,600 pcs.
• Anti-tank rifles – 90 pcs.

As can be seen from the above document, small arms, their ratio in terms of the number of types, had a significant advantage in favor of traditional weapons ground forces- rifles. Therefore, by the beginning of the war, the infantry formations of the Red Army, mostly armed with excellent Mosin rifles, were in no way inferior to the enemy in this matter, and the standard number of submachine guns of the Red Army rifle division was even much greater - 1,024 units.

Later, in connection with the experience of battles, when the presence of rapid-fire, quickly reloaded small arms made it possible to gain an advantage due to the density of fire, the Soviet and German high commands decided to massively equip the troops with automatic hand-held weapons, but this did not happen immediately.

The most popular small arms of the German army by 1939 was the Mauser rifle - Mauser 98K. It was a modernized version of a weapon developed by German designers at the end of the previous century, repeating the fate of the famous “Mosinka” model of 1891, after which it underwent numerous “upgrades”, being in service with the Red Army, and then Soviet Army until the end of the 50s. The technical characteristics of the Mauser 98K rifle are also very similar:

An experienced soldier was able to aim and fire 15 shots from it in one minute. Equipping the German army with these simple, unpretentious weapons began in 1935. In total, more than 15 million units were manufactured, which undoubtedly indicates its reliability and demand among the troops.

The G41 self-loading rifle, on instructions from the Wehrmacht, was developed by German designers from the Mauser and Walther arms concerns. After state tests, the Walter system was recognized as the most successful.

The rifle had a number of serious shortcomings that were revealed during operation, which dispels another myth about the superiority of German weapons. As a result, the G41 underwent significant modernization in 1943, primarily related to the replacement of the gas exhaust system borrowed from the Soviet SVT-40 rifle, and became known as the G43. In 1944, it was renamed the K43 carbine, without introducing any constructive changes. This rifle, in terms of technical data and reliability, was significantly inferior to self-loading rifles produced in the Soviet Union, which is recognized by gunsmiths.

Submachine guns (PP) - machine guns

By the beginning of the war, the Wehrmacht had several types of automatic weapons, many of which had been developed back in the 1920s, often produced in limited series for police use, as well as for export sale:

Basic technical data of the MP 38, produced in 1941:

• Caliber – 9 mm.
• Cartridge – 9 x 19 mm.
• Length with folded stock – 630 mm.
• Magazine capacity of 32 rounds.
• Target firing range – 200 m.
• Weight with loaded magazine – 4.85 kg.
• Rate of fire – 400 rounds/min.

By the way, by September 1, 1939, the Wehrmacht had only 8.7 thousand MP 38 units in service. However, after taking into account and eliminating the shortcomings of the new weapon identified in the battles during the occupation of Poland, the designers made changes, mainly related to reliability, and the weapon became mass produced. In total, during the war years, the German army received more than 1.2 million units of the MP 38 and its subsequent modifications - MP 38/40, MP 40.

It was MP 38 that was called Schmeisser by the Red Army soldiers. Most probable cause This was due to the stamp on the magazines chambered for them with the name of the German designer, co-owner of the weapons manufacturing company, Hugo Schmeisser. His surname is also associated with a very widespread myth that the Stg-44 assault rifle or Schmeisser assault rifle, which he developed in 1944, which is similar in appearance to the famous Kalashnikov invention, is its prototype.

Pistols and machine guns

Rifles and machine guns were the main weapons of Wehrmacht soldiers, but we should not forget about officer or additional weapons - pistols, as well as machine guns - hand and easel, which were a significant force during the fighting. They will be discussed in more detail in the following articles.

Speaking about the confrontation with Hitler’s Germany, it should be remembered that in fact the Soviet Union fought with the entire “united” Nazis, therefore the Romanian, Italian and many other countries’ troops had not only World War II Wehrmacht small arms produced directly in Germany, Czechoslovakia, former real weapons forge, but also of its own production. As a rule, it was of poorer quality and less reliable, even if it was produced according to the patents of German gunsmiths.

Weapons have always been one of the most sensitive topics of discussion. Some argue that it was created for killing, others - for protection. No matter how heated the dispute may be, both sides are right in their own way. This article will talk about American weapons. After all, both world wars could not have happened without it. In addition to them, there is also the Vietnam conflict, and, of course, the war in Syria.

A little history

Due to the relatively distant location of the United States from the main theater of war during World War II, American industry made a significant leap (compared to the European countries involved in the conflict) from the fall of 1939 to the fall of 1943 due to the large number of orders for the development, production and supply of weapons.

Based on the report of Jerzy Potocki, who was the Polish ambassador to the United States in 1939, American propaganda reached such heights that the people fully accepted the need to concentrate efforts on the military industry, relegating even their own need for national defense to second place.

M1911

First of all, we should mention the creation of John Browning, which was in service with the US Army from 1911 to 1985. The Colt 1911, better known as the "Colt", gained worldwide fame thanks to popular Western films and television series about the police.

It is worth noting that the transition from revolver-type pistols to self-loading ones was not made so quickly. This is all due to the conservative views of the American Department of Defense at that time. Drum weapons worked well, so they abandoned them with great reluctance. Moreover, this policy applied to both the weapons of American police and military personnel. The changes did not take place immediately.

However, by 1911, Smith and Wesson revolvers were replaced by self-loading weapons. The new product had a mass of 1.12 kg, a length of 216 mm, and the barrel was 127 mm. The width was 30 mm, and the height was as much as 135.

The magazine contained 7 charges, and a bullet fired from such a pistol reached a speed of up to 252 m/s. Sighting range - 50 meters.

An improved version labeled MEU (SOC) pistol is also being produced for US Marine units, which has an aiming range of 70 meters. And also the already mentioned company Smith & Wesson has its own modification called SW1911. It differs from the original in that it is produced in two calibers: 9 mm for the Luger and .45 ACP for the original M1911.

This American pistol is in use to this day; many companies around the world produce both improved models and outright “clones” under a different label. Weapons were used in all armed conflicts after 1911.

Springfield M1903 rifle

American weapons were not always removed from service at the appointed time. This happened with the Springfield M1903 repeating rifle. The model was put into service in 1903, and in 1936 it was decided to completely rearm the troops, replacing the rifle with the M1 Garand. Due to the outbreak of World War II, not all members of the personnel had time to change weapons, so some US Army soldiers went through the entire war with the Springfield M1903.

The kit included a bayonet developed in 1905, which was replaced in 1942 by a model designated M1. An interesting feature is the fact that in the same year this American firearms received another attachment - a rifle grenade launcher, which made it possible to throw grenades over a long distance.

The weight of the rifle was almost 4 kg (3.95 to be precise), the total length was 1098 mm, with a barrel length of 610 mm. The capabilities made it possible to fire 15 shots per minute, the bullet reached a speed of up to 760 m/s, and the target range was 550 meters. The maximum possible firing range is 2743 meters.

This American weapon was equipped with a mechanical sight, the magazine held five rounds. The caliber was marked as .30-06, which in the domestic classification is 7.62 × 63 mm.

Rifle grenade launcher

This “body kit” became widespread during the First World War. Moreover, not only American weapons in Europe were equipped with this. It was used by all participants in the conflict who had at least some rifles in service.

This is due to the fact that the battles were characterized by positionality. Often the distance between the trenches of the opposing sides was little more than the throw of a hand grenade. Therefore, in order not to leave their trenches, the soldiers had to resort to tricks.

A thin wire or an old ramrod was welded to the grenade, and then threaded onto the rifle barrel. A blank shot ignited the gunpowder, and the released energy pushed the grenade out. A homemade shank quickly rendered the weapon barrel unusable, so small hand-held mortars were developed for such purposes.

In 1941, the M1 Grenade Launcher, firing 22 mm rifle grenades, was developed and entered service with the US Army.

M1 Garand

As mentioned above, American small arms were subject to re-equipment, but due to the war it was not possible to completely rearm all soldiers. The new rifle almost completely replaced the Springfield only in 1943.

It has proven itself to be an easy-to-use and reliable weapon in combat operations. Unlike its predecessor, it was equipped with an optical sight, had more weight- 4.32 kg. The length differed from the Springfield by only 7 mm (1105 mm, when the old model had 1098 mm), while the barrel was not shortened or lengthened - it remained 610 mm.

If we compare the remaining characteristics of the two rifles, a clear step forward in terms of performance is noticeable:

• the initial bullet speed changed from 760 to 865 m/s;
• the sighting range remained unchanged - 550 m;
• the maximum decreased to 1800 meters.

On the last point, it is worth noting that the Springfield M1903 also lacks optical sight It would hardly allow shooting at the stated distance of 2743 meters, so the new variation is much closer and more down-to-earth to combat conditions.

The type of ammunition and the type of cartridges have changed. In addition to the already existing Springfield caliber, the English cartridge .276 Pedersen was added, and in the post-war period, until 1957, the US Navy used a cartridge labeled T65 (7.62 × 51 mm NATO).

Accordingly, standard ammunition came in clips of 8 pieces in a bundle, and .276 Pedersen - in clips of 10.

M1 Carbine

And this is no longer a rifle, but a light one self-loading carbine. Developed for the needs of US and allied soldiers during the war. It entered service in 1942 and served valiantly until the sixties.

Intended for military personnel who do not directly participate in hostilities: drivers of all kinds of equipment or crews of artillery pieces. According to US Army doctrine, it is easier to train a soldier to use a carbine than a Colt 1911 pistol. Therefore, this particular weapon served as a kind of “means of self-defense.” This was intended to be used in the event of close contact with the enemy and short-range combat. For example, breaking through the defense and moving the enemy towards the artillery crew locations.

In view of the above, the range of the product was only 300 meters, while the box magazine contained from 15 to 30 rounds. The carbine was similar in appearance to the M1 Garand, fired single shots, had an effective range of 600 meters, caliber 30 Carbine (7.62 × 33 mm), and weighed only 2.36 kg (of course, without cartridges). Reached a length of 904 mm from the beginning of the butt to the tip of the barrel. The barrel itself was 458 mm.

"Tommy Gun"

American machine guns originate from this gun. The Thompson submachine gun, known from Western gangster films, was widely used by reconnaissance and airborne units. armed forces The United States during World War II, the Korean conflict, confrontations in Yugoslavia, and the Vietnam War.

Used by the British in 1940 during the war in Italy and Africa, and copies supplied under Lend-Lease have been found wide application and in the ranks of USSR soldiers.

This American special forces weapon was quite bulky. Weight is almost five kilos (4.8 kg, to be more precise), length is 810 mm (of which the barrel was 267 mm). Caliber 11.43 mm. I fell in love with it due to the possibility of using both a box magazine with 20-30 rounds and a drum with 50-100 rounds.

However, the soldier still had to carry a large amount of ammunition with him, because with a rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute, the magazine had to be changed quite often.

The target range is only 100 meters, and the maximum is 750. The bullet reached a speed of up to 280 m/s.

Browning M2

This heavy machine gun can easily be called a modern American weapon. Developed back in 1932, this killing machine is still in use today. In addition to World War II, it was used in the Gulf War, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

It has a number of variations: anti-aircraft, infantry and aviation. Each option is designed according to the scope of application and type of military service.

Firing is carried out with large-caliber 12.7 × 99 mm cartridges, which are fed by a loose-type machine gun belt. Due to its impressive weight (38.22 kg), it is mainly mounted on the hulls of military equipment. Together with the machine it weighs 58.6 kg. The length of the product is 1653 mm, of which 1143 are allocated to the barrel.

The target range is 1830 meters, the bullet is capable of reaching speeds of up to 895 m/s. But the rate of fire differs from one model to another depending on the type:

• a conventional military machine gun marked M2HB is capable of firing from 485 to 635 rounds per minute;
• another version of the product, intended for aviation (AN/M2), has indicators from 750 to 850;
• its aviation counterpart, modernized under the designation AN/M3, already has 1,200 rounds per minute.

Browning M2 sniping

An interesting point when using this machine gun is the attempt to mass produce a model with a sniper scope. It all started with an incident during Vietnam War, when a soldier named Carlos Hatchcock successfully hit a target at a distance of 1700 meters (according to another version 1830 meters) the size of a man. The distance was twice the maximum firing range of conventional rifles. A specially formed evaluation commission checked the shooter’s results, they were confirmed, and a new world record was set.

With this news, American propaganda successfully raised the morale of the soldiers, and models with a mounted sight began to be produced. But this did not justify itself. There are not so many unique people in the US Army who are capable of using this machine gun for other purposes. And training sniper shooting It’s unlikely that anyone would use these weapons, so the initiative was quickly stopped. But the idea arose of creating a line of sniper rifles based on the Browning M2 machine gun. The idea was never realized, because in 1982, rifles from the Barrett company proved themselves very well, and the need to develop the above innovation quickly disappeared. By the way, the “Barrett” is used by the Americans to this day along with the Browning M2, although the latter is an American weapon of World War II.

Nevertheless, rumors about the “sniper-machine gunner” were overgrown with new fables. The world record set by Hatchcock lasted until 2002, when a hit was recorded at a target at a distance of 3000 meters.

Browning M1918

It’s hard to call this gun anything other than a “mutant”. Something between a machine gun and a rifle. But for the latter it has too much weight, and for a machine gun it has too little ammunition in the magazine. Was originally thought of as infantry machine gun, which could be used by soldiers going on the attack. In combat conditions in the trenches, bipods were attached to the product. It served in service until the fifties, after which it began to be withdrawn from service and replaced with the M60.

Grenade launcher

If we compare Russian and American weapons Since the Second World War, domestic weapons immediately come to mind, without which this war would hardly have been won: the Shpagin submachine gun (PPSh), the Degtyarev machine gun. This weapon became something of a calling card of the USSR. However, it should be mentioned that the United States also has a weapon model that has become a household name. And this is not an American Colt pistol.

This is "Bazooka" - the name of an anti-tank grenade launcher, which was, in fact, a portable rocket launcher. The projectile had its own jet engine.

It was used for combat both in open areas and in urban conditions. Used by the Americans to combat German heavy armored vehicles. It was put into service in 1942 and is still in use today, which is why it is considered modern.

It has a mass of 6.8 kg, a length of 1370 mm, and a caliber of 60 mm. The projectile fired from this cannon has initial speed 82 m/s. The maximum possible firing range is 365 meters, but the most effective distance is considered to be 135 meters.

The projectile itself had a cumulative part that weighed less than a kilogram (700 grams), the length of the entire ammunition was 55 cm, and the total weight did not exceed two kilos (1.59 kg, to be exact).

The word "Bazooka" itself was borrowed from the musical wind instrument, which was invented by the American comedian Bob Burns in the twentieth century.

M-20

Technical progress did not stand still; American weapons often underwent changes during the war due to the enemy’s use of more powerful and high-quality analogues. Thus, faced with the facts of the Germans using “Panzerschrecks” (a German analogue of a grenade launcher that exceeded the American one), the US Army command upgraded the standard grenade launcher to the “Super Bazooka” towards the end of the war.

The new sample was marked M-20, the caliber was 88.9 mm, the weight of the projectile was 9 kg, and the mass of the product itself was 6.5 kg.

This grenade launcher successfully remained in service with the US Army until the end of the sixties. It was also successfully used in Vietnam. However, due to the complete lack of heavy equipment from the enemy, it was used to destroy enemy fortifications, fortifications and communications centers. It was gradually withdrawn from service due to the transition to the use of the M72 LAW, a disposable anti-tank grenade launcher.

The M20 itself took pride of place in warehouses storing decommissioned weapons, and on the shelves of various historical museums around the world next to the Smith and Wesson revolver.

Conclusion

Over time, not only American assault rifles have undergone changes. Interest in machine guns with replaceable power supply has sharply increased on the global arms market.

The transition from using a belt to a magazine was due to the fact that to use American weapons (and not only American ones) with belt feeding, a crew of two people was required. Machine gun boxes were invented later, which led to a reduction in the crew to one infantryman. But the tapes often got stuck and the weapon had to be disassembled. Also, fragments of the machine gun belt, although light, are susceptible to rust, which leads to rapid failure of both the belt itself and the mechanism for feeding the cartridge into the chamber. Using a magazine limits the number of rounds used and increases the amount of ammunition the average soldier can carry.

The Belgian FN Minimi machine gun has won worldwide recognition. In 1980, it was adopted by the US Army under the designation M249 SAW. The sample is very for a long time occupied a leading position in the global market, satisfying the needs of customers who focused on weapons with replaceable power supply.

Meanwhile, in September 2016, at the international Russian arms exhibition Army-2016, a development by domestic designers was presented that could supplant the aforementioned machine gun. We are talking about an innovative model - RPK-16. The new domestic Kalashnikov light machine gun is capable of “feeding” both with the help of a machine gun belt and a regular horn from an AK-74 with 5.45 caliber cartridges.

The tactical and technical characteristics of the new product are classified, but there is every chance to assume that the machine gun-rifle (this is the nickname already assigned by the designers) will open a new branch in the development of the arms market and displace the established “Belgian” FN Minimi from its place.

Time will tell what will happen in the end. All you have to do is wait and follow the news.

MP 38, MP 38/40, MP 40 (abbreviated from German Maschinenpistole) - various modifications of the submachine gun of the German company Erfurter Maschinenfabrik (ERMA), developed by Heinrich Vollmer based on the earlier MP 36. Were in service with the Wehrmacht during World War II.

The MP 40 was a modification of the MP 38 submachine gun, which, in turn, was a modification of the MP 36 submachine gun, which passed combat tests in Spain. The MP 40, like the MP 38, was intended primarily for tankers, motorized infantry, paratroopers and infantry platoon commanders. Later, towards the end of the war, it began to be used by German infantry on a relatively large scale, although it was not widespread.//
Initially, the infantry was against the folding stock, as it reduced the accuracy of fire; as a result, gunsmith Hugo Schmeisser, who worked for C.G. Haenel, a competitor to the Erma, created a modification of the MP 41, combining the main mechanisms of the MP 40 with a wooden stock and trigger mechanism, made in the image of the MP28 previously developed by Hugo Schmeisser himself. However, this version was not widely used and was not produced for long (about 26 thousand units were produced)
The Germans themselves very pedantically name their weapons according to the indices assigned to them. In special Soviet literature during the Great Patriotic War, they were also quite correctly identified as MP 38, MP 40 and MP 41, and MP28/II was designated by the name of its creator, Hugo Schmeisser. In Western literature on small arms, published in 1940-1945, all then German submachine guns immediately received common name"Schmeisser system". The term stuck.
With the onset of 1940, when the Army General Staff ordered the development of a new weapon, the MP 40 large quantities riflemen, cavalrymen, drivers, tank units and staff officers began to receive. The needs of the troops were now to a greater extent satisfied, although not completely.

Contrary to the popular belief imposed by feature films, where German soldiers “water” continuous fire “from the hip” from the MP 40, the fire was usually carried out in short bursts of 3-4 shots with the butt resting on the shoulder (except for cases when it was necessary to create a high density of unaimed fire in combat at the shortest distances).
Specifications:
Weight, kg: 5 (with 32 rounds)
Length, mm: 833/630 with stock unfolded/folded
Barrel length, mm: 248
Cartridge: 9Х19 mm Parabellum
Caliber, mm: 9
Rate of fire
shots/min: 450-500
Initial bullet speed, m/s: 380
Sighting range, m: 150
Maximum
range, m: 180 (effective)
Type of ammunition: box magazine for 32 rounds
Sight: non-adjustable open at 100 m, with a folding stand at 200 m

Due to Hitler's reluctance to begin production of a new class of weapons, development was carried out under the designation MP-43. The first samples of the MP-43 were successfully tested on the Eastern Front against Soviet troops, and in 1944 more or less began mass release a new type of weapon, but under the name MP-44. After the results of successful frontal tests were presented to Hitler and approved by him, the nomenclature of the weapon was again changed, and the model received the final designation StG.44 ("sturm gewehr" - assault rifle).
The disadvantages of the MP-44 include the excessively large mass of the weapon and sights located too high, which is why the shooter had to raise his head too high when shooting while lying down. Shortened magazines for 15 and 20 rounds were even developed for the MP-44. In addition, the butt mount was not strong enough and could be destroyed in hand-to-hand combat. In general, the MP-44 was a fairly successful model, providing effective fire with single shots at a range of up to 600 meters and automatic fire at a range of up to 300 meters. In total, taking into account all modifications, about 450,000 copies of the MP - 43, MP - 44 and StG 44 were produced in 1942 - 1943 and, with the end of the 2nd World War, its production ended, but until the mid-50s of the twentieth 19th century was in service with the police of the GDR and the airborne troops of Yugoslavia...
Specifications:
Caliber, mm 7.92
The cartridge used is 7.92x33
Initial bullet speed, m/s 650
Weight, kg 5.22
Length, mm 940
Barrel length, mm 419
Magazine capacity, 30 rounds
Rate of fire, v/m 500
Sighting range, m 600

MG 42 (German: Maschinengewehr 42) - German single machine gun from World War II. Developed by Metall und Lackierwarenfabrik Johannes Grossfuss AG in 1942...
By the beginning of World War II, the Wehrmacht had the MG-34, created in the early 1930s, as its only machine gun. For all its advantages, it had two serious drawbacks: firstly, it turned out to be quite sensitive to contamination of mechanisms; secondly, it was too labor-intensive and expensive to produce, which did not make it possible to satisfy the ever-increasing needs of the troops for machine guns.
Adopted by the Wehrmacht in 1942. Production of the MG-42 continued in Germany until the end of the war, and the total production was at least 400,000 machine guns...
Characteristics
Weight, kg: 11.57
Length, mm: 1220
Cartridge: 7.92×57 mm
Caliber, mm: 7.92
Operating principles: Short barrel stroke
Rate of fire
shots/min: 900–1500 (depending on the bolt used)
Initial bullet speed, m/s: 790-800
Sighting range, m: 1000
Type of ammunition: machine gun belt for 50 or 250 rounds
Years of operation: 1942–1959

Walther P38 (Walter P38) - German self-loading pistol caliber 9 mm. Developed by Karl Walter Waffenfabrik. It was adopted by the Wehrmacht in 1938. Over time, it replaced the Luger-Parabellum pistol (although not completely) and became the most popular pistol in the German army. It was produced not only on the territory of the Third Reich, but also on the territory of Belgium and occupied Czechoslovakia. The P38 was also popular with the Red Army and allies as a good trophy and a weapon for close combat. After the war, arms production in Germany was stopped for a long time. Only in 1957 did the production of this pistol resume in Germany. It was supplied to the Bundeswehr under the P-1 brand (P-1, P - short for German “pistole” - “pistol”).
Characteristics
Weight, kg: 0.8
Length, mm: 216
Barrel length, mm: 125
Cartridge: 9Х19 mm Parabellum
Caliber, mm: 9 mm
Operating principles: short barrel stroke
Initial bullet speed, m/s: 355
Sighting range, m: ~50
Type of ammunition: magazine for 8 rounds

The Luger pistol (“Luger”, “Parabellum”, German Pistole 08, Parabellumpistole) is a pistol developed in 1900 by Georg Luger based on the ideas of his teacher Hugo Borchardt. Therefore, the Parabellum is often called the Luger-Borchardt pistol.

Complex and expensive to manufacture, the Parabellum was nevertheless distinguished by fairly high reliability, and for its time was an advanced weapon system. The main advantage of the Parabellum was its very high shooting accuracy, achieved due to the comfortable “anatomical” handle and easy (almost sporty) trigger...
Hitler's rise to power led to the rearmament of the German army; All restrictions imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles were ignored. This allowed Mauser to resume active production of Luger pistols with a barrel length of 98 mm and grooves on the handle for attaching an attached holster-butt. Already in the early 1930s, designers of the Mauser weapons company began working on the creation of several versions of the Parabellum, including a special model for the needs of the secret police of the Weimar Republic. But the new model R-08 with an expansion muffler was no longer received by the German Ministry of Internal Affairs, but by its successor, created on the basis of the SS organization of the Nazi party - RSHA. In the thirties and forties, these weapons were in service with the German intelligence services: Gestapo, SD and military intelligence- Abwehr. Along with the creation of special pistols based on the R-08, the Third Reich at that time also carried out structural modifications of the Parabellum. Thus, by order of the police, a version of the P-08 was created with a bolt delay, which did not allow the bolt to move forward when the magazine was removed.
During preparations for a new war, with the aim of concealing the real manufacturer, Mauser-Werke A.G. began to apply special marks to her weapons. Previously, in 1934-1941, Luger pistols were marked “S/42”, which was replaced by the “byf” code in 1942. It existed until the production of these weapons by the Oberndorf company was completed in December 1942. In total, during the Second World War, the Wehrmacht received 1.355 million pistols of this brand.
Characteristics
Weight, kg: 0.876 (weight with loaded magazine)
Length, mm: 220
Barrel length, mm: 98-203
Cartridge: 9Х19 mm Parabellum,
7.65mm Luger, 7.65x17mm and others
Caliber, mm: 9
Operating principles: recoil of the barrel during its short stroke
Rate of fire
rounds/min: 32-40 (combat)
Initial bullet speed, m/s: 350-400
Sighting range, m: 50
Type of ammunition: box magazine with a capacity of 8 rounds (or drum magazine with 32 rounds)
Sight: Open sight

Flammenwerfer 35 (FmW.35) is a German portable backpack flamethrower of the 1934 model, adopted for service in 1935 (in Soviet sources - “Flammenwerfer 34”).

Unlike the bulky backpack flamethrowers previously in service with the Reichswehr, which were serviced by a crew of two or three specially trained soldiers, the Flammenwerfer 35 flamethrower, whose loaded weight did not exceed 36 kg, could be carried and used by just one person.
To use the weapon, the flamethrower, pointing the fire hose towards the target, turned on the igniter located at the end of the barrel, opened the nitrogen supply valve, and then the supply of the combustible mixture.

Having passed through the fire hose, the flammable mixture, pushed out by the force of compressed gas, ignited and reached a target located at a distance of up to 45 m.

Electric ignition, first used in the design of a flamethrower, made it possible to arbitrarily regulate the duration of shots and made it possible to fire about 35 shots. The duration of operation with continuous supply of a combustible mixture was 45 seconds.
Despite the possibility of using a flamethrower by one person, in battle he was always accompanied by one or two infantrymen who covered the actions of the flamethrower with small arms, giving him the opportunity to quietly approach the target at a distance of 25-30 m.

The initial stage of World War II revealed a number of shortcomings that significantly reduced the possibility of using this effective weapon. The main one (besides the fact that a flamethrower that appeared on the battlefield became the primary target of enemy snipers and shooters) was the rather significant mass of the flamethrower, which reduced maneuverability and increased the vulnerability of the infantry units armed with it...
Flamethrowers were in service with sapper units: each company had three backpack flamethrower Flammenwerfer 35, which could be combined into small flamethrower squads used as part of assault groups.
Characteristics
Weight, kg: 36
Crew (crew): 1
Sighting range, m: 30
Maximum
range, m: 40
Type of ammunition: 1 fuel cylinder
1 gas cylinder (nitrogen)
Sight: no

Gerat Potsdam (V.7081) and Gerat Neum?nster (Volks-MP 3008) are more or less exact copies of the English Stan submachine gun.

Initially, the leadership of the Wehrmacht and the SS troops rejected the proposal to use captured English Stan submachine guns, which had accumulated in significant quantities in Wehrmacht warehouses. The reasons for this attitude were the primitive design and short sighting range of this weapon. However, a shortage of automatic weapons forced the Germans to use Stans in 1943–1944. for arming SS troops fighting partisans in German-occupied territories. In 1944, in connection with the creation of the Volks-Storm, it was decided to establish production of Stans in Germany. At the same time, the primitive design of these submachine guns was already considered a positive factor.

Like their English counterpart, the Neumünster and Potsdam submachine guns produced in Germany were intended to engage manpower at ranges of up to 90–100 m. They consist of a small number of main parts and mechanisms that can be manufactured in small enterprises and handicraft workshops.
9mm Parabellum cartridges are used to fire submachine guns. The same cartridges are also used in English Stans. This coincidence is not accidental: when creating “Stan” in 1940, the German MP-40 was taken as the basis. Ironically, 4 years later the production of Stans began at German factories. A total of 52 thousand Volkssturmgever rifles and Potsdam and Neumünster submachine guns were produced.
Performance characteristics:
Caliber, mm 9
Initial bullet speed, m/sec 365–381
Weight, kg 2.95–3.00
Length, mm 787
Barrel length, mm 180, 196 or 200
Magazine capacity, 32 rounds
Rate of fire, rds/min 540
Practical rate of fire, rds/min 80–90
Sighting range, m 200

Steyr-Solothurn S1-100, also known as MP30, MP34, MP34(ts), BMK 32, m/938 and m/942, is a submachine gun developed on the basis of the experimental German Rheinmetall MP19 submachine gun of the Louis Stange system. It was produced in Austria and Switzerland and was widely offered for export. The S1-100 is often considered one of the best submachine guns of the interwar period...
After World War I, the production of submachine guns like the MP-18 was banned in Germany. However, in violation of the Treaties of Versailles, a number of experimental submachine guns were secretly developed, among which was the MP19 created by Rheinmetall-Borsig. Its production and sale under the name Steyr-Solothurn S1-100 were organized through the Zurich company Steyr-Solothurn Waffen AG, controlled by Rheinmetall-Borzig, the production itself was located in Switzerland and, mainly, Austria.
It had an exceptionally high-quality design - all the main parts were made by milling from steel forgings, which gave it great strength, high weight and a fantastic cost, thanks to which this sample received the fame of “Rolls-Royce among PP”. The receiver had a lid that hinged upwards and forwards, making disassembling the weapon for cleaning and maintenance very simple and convenient.
In 1934, this model was adopted by the Austrian army for limited service under the designation Steyr MP34, and in a version chambered for the very powerful 9×25 mm Mauser Export cartridge; In addition, there were export options for all the main military pistol cartridges of that time - 9×19 mm Luger, 7.63×25 mm Mauser, 7.65×21 mm, .45 ACP. The Austrian police were armed with the Steyr MP30, a variant of the same weapon chambered for the 9×23 mm Steyr cartridge. In Portugal it was in service as the m/938 (in 7.65 mm caliber) and m/942 (9 mm), and in Denmark as the BMK 32.

The S1-100 fought in Chaco and Spain. After the Anschluss in 1938, this model was purchased for the needs of the Third Reich and was in service under the name MP34(ts) (Machinenpistole 34 Tssterreich). It was used by the Waffen SS, logistics units and police. This submachine gun even managed to take part in the Portuguese colonial wars of the 1960s - 1970s in Africa.
Characteristics
Weight, kg: 3.5 (without magazine)
Length, mm: 850
Barrel length, mm: 200
Cartridge: 9Х19 mm Parabellum
Caliber, mm: 9
Operating principles: blowback
Rate of fire
shots/min: 400
Initial bullet speed, m/s: 370
Sighting range, m: 200
Type of ammunition: box magazine for 20 or 32 rounds

WunderWaffe 1 – Vampire Vision
The Sturmgewehr 44 was the first assault rifle, similar to the modern M-16 and Kalashnikov AK-47. Snipers could use the ZG 1229, also known as the "Vampire Code", also in night conditions, due to its infrared night vision device. It was used during the last months of the war.

German assault rifle Schmeisser MP 40

One of the first modern type submachine guns, a stereotypical weapon of the Wehrmacht, excellent German machine gun The Schmeiser MP40 was a terror for the then Allies and sowed death among the enemies of the Reich. The advanced technological base, high accuracy and ergonomics of the weapon made the MP40 the most important transitional link in the development of submachine guns in general.

Creation of Schmeiser

Schmeiser MP40 - the best weapon of the Third Reich?
Being intended primarily for landing and tank troops The Schmeisser assault rifle differed from its competitors in the absence of a wooden stock and the presence of the first, at that time, folding butt. This design provided ergonomics that were relevant for auxiliary and mobile troops, and therefore was highly popular among them. The MP40 shutter lever was located on the left side, which did not allow a right-handed shooter to justifiably carry the machine gun on his chest, hanging it by a belt around his neck.
The Schmeisser MP40 automatic system was based on the recoil of a free shutter, the braking of which was carried out thanks to a telescopic spring located behind it. It was through the introduction of this technology that the rate of fire of the German machine gun was reduced to 400 rounds per minute, thereby significantly increasing its accuracy. Using such a weapon, an experienced shooter could effectively hit targets at a distance of up to 150 meters, which is a fairly high indicator for a SMG.

The safety lever and fire mode switch are missing. To safely carry a weapon, the bolt lever can be installed in a safety groove that completely blocks its movement. To fire single shots, only a partial pull of the trigger is required.
The original model was fed with ammunition using box magazines with a capacity of 32 rounds, the design of the receiver for which was far ahead of its time. For ammunition, the Schmeisser MP40 used 9x19 Parabellum cartridges, which, given the low level personal protection of that time, were incredibly effective at certain distances.

As for sighting devices, in the MP40 they are represented by a sight that can be adjusted to 100 and 200 meters, respectively, and a ring front sight. Holding the machine gun while aiming is carried out by resting the butt in right shoulder and a guiding grip with the left hand of the magazine receiver.
MP40 most famous predecessors and successors
Close up
The first German machine gun similar to the familiar Schmeiser was the 1938 model with the appropriate name MP38. Unlike its competitors, it already had the famous folding stock, a capacious magazine located in the lower part of the receiver, as well as a locking protrusion that allowed the weapon to rest against the sides of the vehicle, thereby increasing shooting accuracy.

A further development of the model was the MP38 sample, which differs from its predecessor in slightly better ergonomics and a more reliable method of manufacturing parts - milling. Despite the high cost, this approach was much more profitable than stamping due to the lack of an appropriate scientific and technological base for the latter.
After the spread of the MP40 model at the front, the Germans were inspired by the success of the Soviet competitor PPSh, which is why the rare MP41 model was born. It was at this stage of production that he joined the pistol-machine-gun franchise. famous designer Hugo Schmeiser. Having a real rifle stock in its arsenal, the new German machine gun could not boast of having a pistol grip, while providing high accuracy of fire. At the same time, it was possible to fire single shots even in more early models, and the 41st could not boast of any innovative innovations, which was the reason for its failure in the military market.

Analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of Shmeiser

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Having a number of strengths and weaknesses, Schmeiser is not much different from its competitors. So, among its most significant shortcomings are:
1. Insufficiently capacious magazine;
2. Low resistance to contamination, due to the abundance of deep grooves and small space between parts;
3. Extremely inconvenient to maintain, requiring time and tools;
4. Unusual placement of the shutter lever complicates carrying and quick “raising” of the machine gun;
5. Crude technology for attaching a folding stock, leading to loosening and subsequent deterioration in shooting accuracy.
6. The use of long and straight magazines, which greatly increase the shooter’s profile when shooting prone.
At the same time, the absolute advantages of weapons include:
1. High accuracy when firing in bursts at a distance of up to 100 m;
2. Excellent ergonomics guaranteeing comfort when shooting in confined spaces;
3. Low rate of fire for PP guarantees savings on ammunition;
4. Availability of revolutionary solutions in design.

German Schmeisser assault rifle - development history and heritage.

Being developed by the German company ERMA as an effective and best weapon for airborne troops and tank troops, the Schmeisser assault rifle had nothing to do with the designer of the same name. Only after the popularization of the 36th model in infantry circles, and the appearance of the popular MP40 model, Hugo Schmeisser noted in the development of a concept called MP41. On the other hand, the patent for the design of the magazines and magazine receivers of the machine gun belonged to him, which may be responsible for the emergence of the false name Schmeiser, to designate the ERMAMP36-40 software.

Also, contrary to general misconception and the great regret of the Reich itself, the Schmeisser assault rifle was by no means the main weapon of the Wehrmacht. Before the end of the war, less than 100,000 units were produced, taking into account all models in the line, which in no way could cover the needs of the German military machine. Just as in the Soviet Union the main weapon of the infantryman was the good old three-line rifle, the Mauser 98K carbine was listed as the basic weapon of the Reich. As a result, the image of a brave Aryan soldier with Schmeiser turned out to be no less a false archetype than the image of a Red Army soldier with a PPSh.
After the end of World War II, the German Schmeisser MP40 assault rifle was used several times in a number of partisan wars, but over time it was replaced by more progressive analogues. Fortunately, he himself gave the latter a wide berth.

By the end of the 30s, almost all participants in the coming world war had formed common directions in development small arms. The range and accuracy of the attack was reduced, which was compensated by the greater density of fire. As a consequence of this, the beginning of mass rearmament of units with automatic small arms - submachine guns, machine guns, assault rifles.

Accuracy of fire began to fade into the background, while the soldiers advancing in a chain began to be taught shooting on the move. With the advent of airborne troops, the need arose to create special lightweight weapons.

Maneuver warfare also affected machine guns: they became much lighter and more mobile. New types of small arms appeared (which was dictated, first of all, by the need to fight tanks) - rifle grenades, anti-tank rifles and RPGs with cumulative grenades.

Small arms of the USSR World War II

On the eve of the Great Patriotic War, the rifle division of the Red Army was a very formidable force - about 14.5 thousand people. The main type of small arms were rifles and carbines - 10,420 pieces. The share of submachine guns was insignificant - 1204. There were 166, 392 and 33 units of heavy, light and anti-aircraft machine guns, respectively.

The division had its own artillery of 144 guns and 66 mortars. The firepower was supplemented by 16 tanks, 13 armored vehicles and a solid fleet of auxiliary vehicles.

Rifles and carbines

Three-line Mosin
The main small arms of the USSR infantry units of the first period of the war was certainly the famous three-line rifle - the 7.62 mm S.I. Mosin rifle of the 1891 model, modernized in 1930. Its advantages are well known - strength, reliability, ease of maintenance, combined with good ballistics qualities, in particular, with an aiming range of 2 km.

Three-line Mosin

The three-line rifle is an ideal weapon for newly recruited soldiers, and the simplicity of the design created enormous opportunities for its mass production. But like any weapon, the three-line gun had drawbacks. The permanently attached bayonet in combination with a long barrel (1670 mm) created inconvenience when moving, especially in wooded areas. The bolt handle caused serious complaints when reloading.

After the fight

On its basis it was created sniper rifle and a series of carbines of the 1938 and 1944 model. Fate gave the three-line a long life (the last three-line was released in 1965), participation in many wars and an astronomical “circulation” of 37 million copies.

Sniper with a Mosin rifle

SVT-40
At the end of the 30s, the outstanding Soviet weapons designer F.V. Tokarev developed a 10-round self-loading rifle cal. 7.62 mm SVT-38, which after modernization received the name SVT-40. It “lost weight” by 600 g and became shorter due to the introduction of thinner wooden parts, additional holes in the casing and a decrease in the length of the bayonet. A little later, a sniper rifle appeared at its base. Automatic firing was ensured by the removal of powder gases. The ammunition was placed in a box-shaped, detachable magazine.

The target range of the SVT-40 is up to 1 km. The SVT-40 served with honor on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War. Our opponents also appreciated it. Historical fact: Having captured rich trophies at the beginning of the war, among which there were many SVT-40s, the German army... adopted it for service, and the Finns created their own rifle on the basis of the SVT-40 - TaRaKo.

Soviet sniper with SVT-40

The creative development of the ideas implemented in the SVT-40 became the AVT-40 automatic rifle. It differed from its predecessor in its ability to fire automatically at a rate of up to 25 rounds per minute. The disadvantage of the AVT-40 is its low accuracy of fire, strong unmasking flame and loud sound at the moment of firing. Subsequently, as automatic weapons entered the military en masse, they were removed from service.

Submachine guns

PPD-40
The Great Patriotic War was the time of the final transition from rifles to automatic weapons. The Red Army began to fight, armed with a small number of PPD-40 - a submachine gun designed by the outstanding Soviet designer Vasily Alekseevich Degtyarev. At that time, PPD-40 was in no way inferior to its domestic and foreign analogues.

Designed for a pistol cartridge cal. 7.62 x 25 mm, the PPD-40 had an impressive ammunition load of 71 rounds, housed in a drum-type magazine. Weighing about 4 kg, it fired at a rate of 800 rounds per minute with an effective range of up to 200 meters. However, just a few months after the start of the war it was replaced by the legendary PPSh-40 cal. 7.62 x 25 mm.

PPSh-40
The creator of the PPSh-40, designer Georgy Semenovich Shpagin, was faced with the task of developing an extremely easy-to-use, reliable, technologically advanced, cheap to produce mass weapon.

PPSh-40

Fighter with PPSh-40

From its predecessor, the PPD-40, the PPSh inherited a drum magazine with 71 rounds. A little later, a simpler and more reliable sector horn magazine with 35 rounds was developed for it. The weight of the equipped machine guns (both versions) was 5.3 and 4.15 kg, respectively. The rate of fire of the PPSh-40 reached 900 rounds per minute with an aiming range of up to 300 meters and the ability to fire single shots.

PPSh-40 assembly shop

To master the PPSh-40, a few lessons were enough. It was easily disassembled into 5 parts made using stamping-welded technology, thanks to which during the war years the Soviet defense industry produced about 5.5 million machine guns.

PPS-42
In the summer of 1942, the young designer Alexey Sudaev presented his brainchild - a 7.62 mm submachine gun. It was strikingly different from its “bigger brothers” PPD and PPSh-40 in its rational layout, higher manufacturability and ease of manufacturing parts using arc welding.

PPS-42

Son of the regiment with a Sudaev machine gun

PPS-42 was 3.5 kg lighter and required three times less manufacturing time. However, despite the obvious advantages, mass weapons he never did, leaving the PPSh-40 to take the lead.

DP-27 light machine gun

By the beginning of the war, the DP-27 light machine gun (Degtyarev infantry, caliber 7.62mm) had been in service with the Red Army for almost 15 years, having the status of the main light machine gun infantry units. Its automation was powered by the energy of powder gases. The gas regulator reliably protected the mechanism from contamination and high temperatures.

The DP-27 could only fire automatically, but even a beginner needed a few days to master shooting in short bursts of 3-5 shots. Ammunition of 47 rounds was placed in a disk magazine with a bullet towards the center in one row. The magazine itself was mounted on top of the receiver. The weight of the unloaded machine gun was 8.5 kg. An equipped magazine increased it by almost another 3 kg.

Machine gun crew DP-27 in battle

It was powerful weapon with an aiming range of 1.5 km and a combat rate of fire of up to 150 rounds per minute. In the firing position, the machine gun rested on a bipod. A flame arrester was screwed onto the end of the barrel, significantly reducing its unmasking effect. The DP-27 was serviced by a gunner and his assistant. In total, about 800 thousand machine guns were produced.

Small arms of the Wehrmacht of World War II

The main strategy of the German army is offensive or blitzkrieg (blitzkrieg - lightning war). The decisive role in it was assigned to large tank formations, carrying out deep breakthroughs of the enemy’s defenses in cooperation with artillery and aviation.

Tank units bypassed powerful fortified areas, destroying control centers and rear communications, without which the enemy quickly lost their combat effectiveness. The defeat was completed by motorized units of the ground forces.

Small arms infantry division Wehrmacht
The staff of the German infantry division of the 1940 model assumed the presence of 12,609 rifles and carbines, 312 submachine guns (machine guns), manual and heavy machine guns- 425 and 110 pieces, respectively, 90 anti-tank rifles and 3,600 pistols.

Small arms The Wehrmacht generally met the high demands of wartime. It was reliable, trouble-free, simple, easy to manufacture and maintain, which contributed to its serial production.

Rifles, carbines, machine guns

Mauser 98K
Mauser 98K is an improved version of the Mauser 98 rifle, developed in late XIX century by the brothers Paul and Wilhelm Mauser, founders of the world famous arms company. Equipping the German army with it began in 1935.

Mauser 98K

The weapon was loaded with a clip of five 7.92 mm cartridges. A trained soldier could shoot 15 times within a minute at a range of up to 1.5 km. The Mauser 98K was very compact. Its main characteristics: weight, length, barrel length - 4.1 kg x 1250 x 740 mm. The indisputable advantages of the rifle are evidenced by numerous conflicts involving it, longevity and a truly sky-high “circulation” - more than 15 million units.

At the shooting range. Mauser 98K rifle

G-41 rifle
The self-loading ten-shot rifle G-41 became the German response to the massive equipping of the Red Army with rifles - SVT-38, 40 and ABC-36. Its sighting range reached 1200 meters. Only single shooting was allowed. Its significant disadvantages - significant weight, low reliability and increased vulnerability to contamination - were subsequently eliminated. The combat “circulation” amounted to several hundred thousand rifle samples.

G-41 rifle

MP-40 "Schmeisser" assault rifle
Perhaps the most famous Wehrmacht small arms of the Second World War was the famous MP-40 submachine gun, a modification of its predecessor, the MP-36, created by Heinrich Vollmer. However, as fate would have it, he is better known under the name “Schmeisser”, obtained thanks to the stamp on the store - “PATENT SCHMEISSER”. The mark simply meant that, in addition to G. Vollmer, Hugo Schmeisser also participated in the creation of the MP-40, but only as the creator of the store.

MP-40 "Schmeisser" assault rifle

Initially, the MP-40 was intended to arm the command staff of infantry units, but later it was transferred to the disposal of tank crews, armored vehicle drivers, paratroopers and special forces soldiers.

A German soldier fires from an MP-40

However, the MP-40 was absolutely unsuitable for infantry units, since it was exclusively a melee weapon. In a fierce battle in open terrain, having a weapon with a firing range of 70 to 150 meters meant for a German soldier to be practically unarmed in front of his enemy, armed with Mosin and Tokarev rifles with a firing range of 400 to 800 meters.

StG-44 assault rifle
Assault rifle StG-44 (sturmgewehr) cal. 7.92mm is another legend of the Third Reich. This is certainly an outstanding creation by Hugo Schmeisser - the prototype of many post-war assault rifles and machine guns, including the famous AK-47.

The StG-44 could conduct single and automatic fire. Its weight with a full magazine was 5.22 kg. IN sighting range- 800 meters - the Sturmgewehr was in no way inferior to its main competitors. There were three versions of the magazine - for 15, 20 and 30 shots with a rate of up to 500 rounds per second. The option of using a rifle with an under-barrel grenade launcher and an infrared sight was considered.

Creator of Sturmgever 44 Hugo Schmeisser

Not without its shortcomings. The assault rifle was heavier than the Mauser-98K by a whole kilogram. Her wooden butt couldn't stand it sometimes hand-to-hand combat and just broke down. The flame escaping from the barrel revealed the location of the shooter, and the long magazine and sighting devices forced him to raise his head high while lying down.

Sturmgever 44 with IR sight

In total, before the end of the war, German industry produced about 450 thousand StG-44s, which were used mainly by elite SS units.

Machine guns
By the beginning of the 30s, the military leadership of the Wehrmacht came to the need to create a universal machine gun, which, if necessary, could be transformed, for example, from a manual one to an easel one and vice versa. This is how a series of machine guns was born - MG - 34, 42, 45.

German machine gunner with MG-42

The 7.92 mm MG-42 is rightly called one of the best machine guns of World War II. It was developed at Grossfus by engineers Werner Gruner and Kurt Horn. Those who have experienced it firepower, were very frank. Our soldiers called it a “lawn mower,” and the allies called it “Hitler’s circular saw.”

Depending on the type of bolt, the machine gun fired accurately at a speed of up to 1500 rpm at a range of up to 1 km. Ammunition was supplied using a machine gun belt with 50 - 250 rounds of ammunition. The uniqueness of the MG-42 was complemented by relatively a small amount parts – 200 and high technology of their production by stamping and spot welding.

The barrel, hot from shooting, was replaced with a spare one in a few seconds using a special clamp. In total, about 450 thousand machine guns were produced. The unique technical developments embodied in the MG-42 were borrowed by gunsmiths from many countries around the world when creating their machine guns.

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Based on materials from techcult