05-29-2018, 11:43 PM
VASCAR2 Wrote:The reason the Germans called the (STG 44 Sturmgewehr) MP 44 was because Hitler was against semi auto rifles for the regular infantry. The Germans were trying not to draw attention to their new intermediate powered rifle so they chose the MP 44 designation. Once the soilders said get us more of the MP 44’s did Hitler learn of the rifle and coined the term Sturmgewehr 44 which translates to assault rifle 44. Hitler siezed on the propaganda value of the STG 44 and saw the benifit to his troops.
Actually Hitler wanted something more align with the FG-42 using a full power rifle cartridge. Considering the tens of millions of rounds in inventory and the strain a new cartridge would create in the already stretched supply system was not unreasonable for Hitler's objections. It is a long story and can be confusing to follow. Hitler rejected the MKbH42 3 times but the members involved used trickery and bureaucratic confusion to hide what the higher command pleaded for,"more firer power for the individual soldier. Even Albert Speer got involved hiding it's development from Hitler. In the end Hitler was correct since the lack of ammunition was the STG's Achilles heel. I can highly recommend the book,""Sturmgeweher From Firepower To Striking Power" if a person is interested in the STG's development. Like the M-16, they had problems with the quality of the 7.92X33 ammo at the beginning of testing which was wrongly directed at the rifles design when a high number of malfunctions occurred. When first tested it was tested next to the K98 and MP40 for firepower and accuracy. The open bolt MKb42A inacuracy was not at first liked until the tactical advantage was recognized. When it was proven cook offs would not be a problem they switched to the improve MKb42A "closed bolt" which was the STG43.