MP43, MP 44 StGw.44 development and dates

For all those who never heard or read the data´s of the famous Sturmgewehr 44.

Development was set up in May 1938 at the Haenel plant at Suhl with following options:

Lighter than the K98
Shorter than the K98
Same accuracy like the K98 up to 600m
Accurate single shot up to 400m and easy to switch to full auto modus
Use of the developed grenade launcher for the K98
Protection against dust and dirt
Maximum rate of fire at 360 to 450 rpm
Easy construction
Functional at all circumstances like desert and cold

After years of development and testing the rifle decided Adolf Hitler at the 15th of April 1942, that the rifle had to many disadvantages like a to long magazine( bad for the shooter to find cover) the maximum range was to short, 1200m at minimum not to use the 8mmx33 round instead of the 8mmx57IS round. He wanted to have a Maschinenkarabiner and gave Haenel and Walther the order to develop such rifles Term was Maschinenkarabiner 42(G), the "G" was for Gewehrmunition = Rifle ammo.

After some turn arounds like changing the magazine capacity from 30 rounds up to 72 rounds and some changes in weight and other parts Hitler decided to stop the development of the MKB42 which had meanwhile seen a change in name into MP43.

In February 1943 Hitler agreed to the introduction of the G43 with the 8mmx57IS round.
Reasons to hold on to the 8mmx57IS round had been his demand to develop a Explosive round for snipers and a Blinding effect round. Here we have some of his reasons not to develop the 8mmx33 or 8mm Kurz.
In June 1943 Gen. Lindemann from A.O.K. 18 sent Hitler his assessment to the trials of the MP43A
He ( Lindemann) said that this MP43 had some small problems but would give a great rifle for the infantery. Hitler decided, under slight pressure of the Waffenamt, to produce the MP43 with the 8mmx33 ammo for especially testing procedure.

In September 1943 the 93rd ID got 300 MP43 for testing and the Führer Begleit Kommando got 16 MP43 for the same reason. After successful testing Hitler ordered to produce the MP43, now named as MP44 aka StGw.44, in April 1944. The differences between the MP44 and the StGw.44 are so marginal that both fused together into the StGw.44.

And here are the technical dates to it:
Manufacturer: Main Contractor was Haenel/Suhl
Caliber: 7.92 mm(8mmx 33, 8mm Kurz)
Magazine: 30 Rounds
Rate Of Fire: 460 rounds per minute
Weights: 5,54 kg complete with sling and full magazine
Length: 940 mm


Hope this helps a bit to answer some questions.

Sources by: Waffenamt Prüfungstab; Albert Speer; Gen. Lindemann.

 

Thanks Ulrich!

 

Always a pleasure, belasar!