StG 44
The Sturmgewehr 44, "storm rifle 44", is the first modern assault rifle, combining short and mid range higher capabilities, operating both as a rifle and a submachine gun with a carbine maniability. It offered highly increased volume of fire and greater range accurate single shot compared to standard rifles and submachine guns StG 44 has first been named MP43 then MP 44 during the developpement phase. Like the MP 40, the Sturmgewehr 44 was built with embossed sheet metal parts to maintain low cost level. Its chamber was designed to receive a new shorter ammunition in order to increase rate of fire and ensure reliability to the gas-operated action. Apart from the 5000 - 8000 MKb 42, MP 43 and MP 44 estimated units, massive deployment was ordered in late 1944 only but should have had a significant influence on the war history. Despite the considerable advantage StG 44 offered to the german attackers, it was heavy and very incomfortable to use when fired from the prone position due to the long 30 round clip. A 10 round clip was produced to, which was actually incompatible with the high fire rates, itself going with overwarming barel and high ammo consumption. Tank crew StG44 was sometimes equipped with the Krummlauf, a curved barrel that included a periscope sighting device for shooting around corners. 
StG 44 technical specification sheet
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