World War 2 German Scharfuhrer

I suppose this would be fairly accurate for the pre or early 'Battle of the Bulge' time period. The outfit is comfortable and practical, though as seen here not real warm, (need the sweater). Insignia is kept to a minimum. The reversible Waffen SS camo pattern is known by collectors as "Planetree 1-2 overprint, spring-side", (ww2 German camouflage is a topic in itself and I'm no expert!) The 4-pocket tunic would be more of a private purchase item, and is somewhat water repellent. Trousers are late war, heavy wool Keilhosen.

not visible;

-bread bag w/contents

-water bottle w/cup

Individual is equipped light for patrol duty.

 

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The Sturmgewehr StG-44 (like its earlier versions MP.43 and MP.44) is a gas operated, select-fire weapon. The receiver and trigger housing with pistol grip are made from steel stampings, with machined steel inserts. The trigger housing with pistol grip is hinged to the receiver and folds down for disassembly. The gas drive utilizes a long-stroke piston, and the bolt is tipped down to lock into the receiver. The gun is fired from a closed bolt. The MP-43 and subsequent versions were all hammer-fired, while the MKb.42(H) was striker-fired. The safety lever is located at the left side of the pistol grip unit and a separate cross-bolt type of fire mode selector allows for single-shot and full auto fire. The charging handle is attached to the gas piston rod, and the ejection port has a dust cover. The recoil spring is located inside the wooden butt. At the top of the butt there is a container for a cleaning kit, closed by a spring-loaded steel cover. The Stg-44 was provided with open, leaf-type sights, and could be fitted with telescopic sights or a specially developed active infrared sighting unit, code-named “Vampyr” (Vampire).

 

The muzzle of the Stg-44 was threaded to accept a cup-like grenade launcher; a special muzzle nut usually covered the threads. The Stg-44 could also be fitted with a special curved barrel attachment known as a (“Krummlauf”), which allowed the gun to be fired “around the corner” or from inside a tank, without exposing the shooter to enemy fire. Several types of these attachments were developed, but only one type, the 30-degree “Krummlauf Vorsatz J”, was manufactured in any significant numbers. This device had a special mirror (or periscope) sighting adapter and reduced the bullet velocity down to a mere 300 meters per second due to the high friction in the curved barrel extension. This also accounted for the short life-span of the device – only 300 shots. This apparently did not bother the German Army, since these curved barrel adapters were intended for short-range encounters only.

 

 

Full text name- Stg.44 Sturmgewehr / MP-43 / MP-44 Schmeisser

Caliber cartridge- 7.92x33mm Kurz (7.9 PP Kurz, 8mm PP Kurz)

Action type- select-fire

Overall length, mm- 940

Barrel length, mm- 419

Weight empty, kg- 5.22

Magazine capacity, rounds- 30

Cyclic rate of fire, rounds/min- 500

 

*note- A GSG-Stg44 was used for this photo. It has the same external dimensions and weight as the real MP-44. I wish they made them in 7.62x39.

Done