StG 44This is a featured page

Stg 44Model: Stg 44
The Sturmgewehr 44 is quite simply the first successful assault rifle in the history of the world. The rifle's history is almost as interesting as the weapon itself; while research found that the Mauser 98k rifle was overpowered, bulky, and slow for the majority of the fighting infantry faced, Hitler himself was against the adoption of a new rifle, especially with the massive stock of 98k ammunition available. The rifle was disguised as the MP-43, making it appear to be a new submachine gun, and was sent out for field tests in 1942. The generals in the field were pleased, and Hitler eventually found out. After a demonstration he agreed that the rifle was quite useful and named it the Sturmgewehr 44 (Storm Rifle 44). This translation led to the new term "assault rifle."

While the rifle saw relatively little use in World War II, it continues to be used post-war: militia forces in the Middle East continue to use the rifle and semi-automatic reproductions have been made, including the new PTR 44, which cost less than an original rifle.



Specifications:
Weight:
5.22kg (11.5lb)
Length:
940mm (37in)
Barrel Length:
419mm (16.5in)
Cartridge:
7.92x33m Kurz
Action:
Gas-operated, tilting bolt.
Muzzle Velocity:
685m/s (2,247ft/s)
Effective Range:
330 yd (300 m).
Feed System:
Detachable box magazine. 30
Sights:
Front hooded post, rear V-notch.



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Where to find

The Stg 44 costs a pretty penny: at $7000 to $10,000 it's more expensive than virtually any gun on the market, and the fully automatic versions are illegal in a number of areas. The PTR 44 is cheaper at $4000 but still mostly only good for fans of the rifle.


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Complexity

The Stg 44 often falls flat in ease of use compared to modern assault rifles: it's rather heavy and awkward to fire in the prone position and some British reports indicate that the receiver could be bent by dropping it. The biggest difficulty is finding ammunition and magazines, which aren't produced in large numbers.

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Controls

  • Safety: Located on the left side of the receiver above the pistol grip. Push up for SAFE, down for FIRE.
  • Fire selector: Cross-bolt located above the safety. Push from right to left for SEMI, left to right for AUTO.
  • Magazine release: Located above the magazine on the left side of the receiver.
  • Cocking handle: Located on the left side of the upper receiver.

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Loading

Condition One, or "Locked and Cocked." Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer cocked and safety applied.

  1. Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
  2. Push the safety up to activate it
  3. Take a loaded magazine and push it up into the magazine well until it clicks. Tug on it slightly to ensure that it is seated.
  4. Pull the cocking handle all the way back and let it snap forward.
Condition Two. Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.

    Cannot be done.

Condition Three. Chamber empty, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.

  1. Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
  2. Take a loaded magazine and push it up into the magazine well until it clicks. Tug on it slightly to ensure that it is seated.

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Unloading

How to unload the firearm and make safe. Presented in a numbered list.

  1. Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
  2. Push the safety up to activate it.
  3. Push the magazine release and pull the magazine out of the weapon.
  4. Pull the cocking handle back and examine the chamber for any ammunition. Let it snap forward.
  5. Deactivate the safety
  6. Pull the trigger.

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Field Stripping

How to disassemble the firearm for cleaning. Presented in a numbered list.

  1. Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
  2. Unload the weapon as described above.
  3. Push the retainer spring on the butt locking pin (located on the left-bottom side of the butt where it connects to the receiver) down and remove the pin while pushing the butt forward.
  4. Allow the return spring to extend and remove the butt.
  5. Remove the return spring from the butt.
  6. Swing the grip and trigger group downward.
  7. Pull the cocking handle back and remove the piston and breech block.
  8. Press a punch of appropriate size into the hole in the gas block screw and unscrew the gas block.
  9. Insert a screwdriver under the lip in the rear of the handguard and remove it.
Reverse to reassemble.



chitoryu12
chitoryu12
Latest page update: made by chitoryu12 , Apr 10 2011, 10:04 PM EDT (about this update About This Update chitoryu12 Edited by chitoryu12

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