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Sturmgewher 44 or Machine Pistolle 44?

Discussion in 'Small Arms and Edged Weapons' started by PanzerPiggy, Aug 30, 2009.

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  1. Triple C

    Triple C Ace

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    Hi Eric,

    One thing I don't understand. In the official US Army history, they reported that assault troops that clambered on the decks of the StuGs and came down to fight were liberally equipped with machine-pistols or StGs. They might be just Volksgrenadiers, but if memory serves, a StuG brigade has its own security detachment that theoretically should deploy to provide close security for the StuG.
     
    Triple C, Sep 16, 2009
    #41
  2. sf_cwo2

    sf_cwo2 Member

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    The StG45 uses a totally different locking system. That's why I didn't mention it.
     
    sf_cwo2, Sep 16, 2009
    #42
  3. sf_cwo2

    sf_cwo2 Member

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    In the article I mentioned the 5 FJ DIV was given a StuG brigade and other arty elements. The 3 FJ DIV wasn't as fortunate. Instead, they received 3x as many StG44s than the 5th did. The 3rd ended up with fewer casualties and even stymied American relief attempts of Bastogne.
     
    sf_cwo2, Sep 16, 2009
    #43
  4. Martin Bull

    Martin Bull Acting Wg. Cdr

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    This is purely anecdotal, but surprising quantities of unfired 7.92kurz ammo still come to light in the Bastogne area, and I have a rusty MP44 magazine which was found at a farm outside the town.
     
    Martin Bull, Sep 17, 2009
    #44
  5. sf_cwo2

    sf_cwo2 Member

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    Most likely that's from an FJ. The few SS units with StG44s only issued 1 per squad (replacing the MP40). That's why you only see an SS NCO carrying one in the famous Ardennes footage of burning American vehicles. Speaking of footage, anyone recall the SS King Tigers carrying FJs? I know at least one StG44 is visible.
     
    sf_cwo2, Sep 17, 2009
    #45
  6. Martin Bull

    Martin Bull Acting Wg. Cdr

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    Yes, that's Tiger '222' on its way to its fate at the Stavelot bridge.....
     
    Martin Bull, Sep 17, 2009
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  7. Triple C

    Triple C Ace

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    I thought Pz Gr squads have two machine pistols. Or is the weapon only issued to either squad leader or assistant squad leader?
     
    Triple C, Sep 18, 2009
    #47
  8. sf_cwo2

    sf_cwo2 Member

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    The HEER squads did have two MP40s and weren't initially considered for equipping StG44s. After Hitler gave his blessings, the types of units deemed necessary to be so armed expanded to include PzGr units.
    I don't know about SS PzGr squads. However they were originally armed, the few SS PzGr units that received StG44s only issued one per squad. That all changed in late '44-'45 and they issued them to whomever was there.
     
    sf_cwo2, Sep 18, 2009
    #48
  9. eddie

    eddie Member

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    So far as I know, Hitler ordered to stop any assault rifle R&D. To by-pas this barrier, the new rifle become MP
     
    eddie, Nov 22, 2009
    #49
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