1944 Arms Review: Infantry Weapons
By Christian Ankerstjerne
Current items | Future items | ||
---|---|---|---|
Number | Name | Number | Name |
1 | Seitengewehr 84/98 | 1 | Seitengewehr 421 |
2 | Pistol, 9 mm | 2 | Pistol, 9 mm |
3 | Pistol, 7.65 mm | - | - |
4 | Pistol, 7.63 mm | - | - |
5 | MP 38 | 3a | MP 432 |
6 | MP 40 | - | - |
7 | Gewehr 33/40 | - | - |
8 | Karabiner 98k | - | - |
9 | Gewehr 41 | - | - |
10 | Gewehr 43 | 3b | Gewehr 433 |
11 | Karabiner 98k with scope and rifle grenade cup | - | - |
12 | M G 34 | - | - |
13 | M G 42 | 4 | M G 424 |
14 | Miscellaneous machine guns | - | - |
Notes
- 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
- Hitler had ordered that the MP 38 and MP 40 were to be replaced by the MP 43, following favourable reports from the front. Hitler further suggested that the MP 43 should largely replace the K 98 k during 1944, and that it should be considered whether it could partially replace light machine guns, pending further field trials. Back
- Was intended to eventually be replaced by the MP 43. Back
- Phasing out the MG 34 in favor of the MG 42 was pending reports on whether the MG 42 could easily be modified to be fitted in tanks and armored vehicles. If this was not possible, a small production of MG 34s would be maintained. Back
Sources
- 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.