Changes suggested by the Oberkommando des Heeres (Army high command) in 1944 to reduce the number of different infantry weapons.1
Current items Future items
Number Name Number Name
1 Seitengewehr 84/98 1 Seitengewehr 421The Seitengewehr 42 bayonet was still undergoing field trials. Hitler had ordered that development of bayonets for automatic and semi-automatic weapons, should cease. The current Seitengewehr 84/98 bayonet was not favoured by the troops, but production of the Seitengewehr 84/98 was nonetheless to continue for the time being.
2 Pistol, 9 mm 2 Pistol, 9 mm
3 Pistol, 7.65 mm - -
4 Pistol, 7.63 mm - -
5 M P 38 3a M P 432Hitler had ordered that the M P 38 and M P 40 were to be replaced by the M P 43 following favourable reports from the front. Hitler further suggested that the M P 43 should largely replace the K 98 k[/lang] during 1944, and that it should be considered whether it could partially replace light machine guns, pending further field trials.
6 M P 40 - -
7 Gewehr 33/40 - -
8 Karabiner 98k - -
9 Gewehr 41 - -
10 Gewehr 43 3b Gewehr 433Was intended to eventually be replaced by the MP 43.
11 Karabiner 98k with scope and rifle grenade cup - -
12 M G 34 - -
13 M G 42 4 M G 424Phasing out the M G 34 in favor of the M G 42 was pending reports on whether the M G 42 could easily be modified to be fitted in tanks and armored vehicles. If this was not possible, a small production of M G 34 would be maintained.
14 Miscellaneous machine guns - -

Notes

  1. The Seitengewehr 42 bayonet was still undergoing field trials. Hitler had ordered that development of bayonets for automatic and semi-automatic weapons, should cease. The current Seitengewehr 84/98 bayonet was not favoured by the troops, but production of the Seitengewehr 84/98 was nonetheless to continue for the time being. Back
  2. Hitler had ordered that the M P 38 and M P 40 were to be replaced by the M P 43 following favourable reports from the front. Hitler further suggested that the M P 43 should largely replace the K 98 k[/lang] during 1944, and that it should be considered whether it could partially replace light machine guns, pending further field trials. Back
  3. Was intended to eventually be replaced by the MP 43. Back
  4. Phasing out the M G 34 in favor of the M G 42 was pending reports on whether the M G 42 could easily be modified to be fitted in tanks and armored vehicles. If this was not possible, a small production of M G 34 would be maintained. Back

References

  1. Studie über Rüstung 1944. Oberkommando des Heeres, 1944. Back

Sources

  1. Studie über Rüstung 1944. Berlin : Oberkommando des Heeres, 1944. 132 p. OKH Abt. III/Gruppe Planung Nr. I/013 472/44 g.Kdos. NARA T78 R624 H 17/203b.