Wwii Battle Rifle Field Guide

Brandon’s

WWII BATTLE RIFLE FIELD GUIDE

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Table of Contents

· United States o Springfield 1903 4 o M1 Garand 7 o M1 Carbine 10 · Great Britain o Lee-Enfield 14 · Germany o Karabiner 98k 18 o Gewehr 41/43 21 o Sturmgewehr 44 24 o Fallschirmjägergewehr 42 27 · Russia o Mosin Nagant 31 o SVT-40 34 · Japan o Type 99 Arisaka 38

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United States

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United States Rifle, Caliber .30, Model 1903 (Springfield 1903)

Rifle Specifications

Designed: 1900 Designer: Springfield Armory Service Life: 1903 – 1957 Action / Fire Rate: Bolt-Action / 20 rounds per minute Weight: 9 lbs (4.1 kg) Length: 43.5 in (1,105 mm) Barrel Length: 24 in (610 mm) Cartridge: .30-03 Springfield (.30-45); .30-06 Springfield Muzzle Velocity: 2,805 ft/s (855 m/s) Magazine: 5-round internal box magazine Effective Range: 500 – 900 yds (457 m – 823 m)

Rifle Variants

· M1903 (1903) - developed for the .30-03 (also known as the .30-45) cartridge. o M1903 (1905) - changed from a rod type bayonet to the knife type Model 1905 bayonet and to the improved Model 1905 sight. o M1903 (1906) - modified again to specifically fire the new M1906 .30-06 cartridge ("Ball Cartridge, caliber 30, Model of 1906"). o M1903 Air Service (1914-1918) - issued to aircrew with a permanent 25 round magazine and modified Type S stock for-end. o M1903 Mark I (~1918) - modified for specific use with the Pedersen device. · M1903A1 (1930-1939) - changed from a straight stock to a pistol grip type stock (Type C stock). · M1903A2 (1930s–40s) - basically a stripped A1 or A3 used as a sub-caliber rifle with artillery pieces. · M1903A3 (1942) - modified for easier production with stamped metal parts and somewhat different grip and stock (late model Type S stock; no finger grooves). · M1903A4 (1942) - an M1903A3 modified to be a sniper rifle using an M73 or M73B1 2.2X Weaver telescopic sight and different stock. · M1903 Bushmaster Carbine (1940’s) - the barrel and stock were cut down 18 inches (460 mm) for easier use in Panama; 4,725 such rifles were made. It was a training rifle and saw no action. After WWII most were dumped into the ocean and surviving pieces are rare. P a g e | 5

Cartridge Specifications and Ballistics

.30-03 Springfield

Developed: 1903 Bullet Diameter: .308 in (7.8 mm) Case Length: 2.54 in (65 mm) Overall Length: 3.34 in (85 mm) Weight: 220 grains Type: FMJ Velocity: 2,300 ft/s (700 m/s) Energy: 2,585 ft-lbs (3,505 J)

.30-06 Springfield (Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .30, Model of 1906)

Developed: 1906 (M2 Ball in 1938) Bullet Diameter: .308 in (7.8 mm) Case Length: 2.49 in (63.3 mm) Overall Length: 3.34 in (84.8 mm) Weight*: 152 grains (9.8 g) Type: FMJ Velocity*: 2,805 ft/s (880 m/s) Energy*: 2,660 ft-lbs (3,600 J) Maximum Range: 45° angle, 4,890 yds

Springfield .30-06 Cartridge Specifications

*Refers to cartridge specifications of the M2 Ball variation of the .30-06 Cartridge P a g e | 6

Information

The Springfield 1903 was created to replace the Krag-Jørgensen rifle, a rifle with a very poor history of performance, as well as the Navy and Marine’s Lee Model 1895 and M1885 Remington Lee. The demand for a replacement rifle soon arose with the creation of Mauser’s Model 1893 (or Mauser M93). With a two-lug bolt, smokeless powder, and better pressure tolerances, the Mauser easily prevailed over the Krag-Jørgensen in terms of reliability and performance. Mauser rifles were also able to be fed by a stripper clip; a more reliable means of reloading rather than the Krag-Jørgensen’s single-bullet reloading system.

Creation started in 1900, with Springfield Armory starting with the Mauser’s bolt-action and working their way up from there. Though Springfield incorporated some features from the Krag-Jørgensen, many more features were taken from the Mauser M93; so numerous, in fact, that the US Government paid royalties to Mauser for the 1903’s creation.

Springfield developed the .30-03 cartridge, but the design failed. The bullet created high pressures and temperatures, causing severe bore corrosion. The heavy cartridge, at 220 grains, was also aerodynamically inefficient, causing extremely curved trajectories. Springfield designed the shorter .30-06, which had a smaller weight of 150 grains and a spitzer bullet tip. Springfield 1903’s were recalled and re-chambered for the .30-06 as a result.

By the time the US entered World War I, 843,249 of these rifles were already in service; created both by Springfield Armory (Springfield, Massachusetts) and Rock Island Arsenal (Rock Island, Illinois). The war had created awareness of the rifle and her cartridge’s capability in warfare, prompting the Army to begin development and adoption of a new form of the .30-06 – the Cartridge .30 M2 Ball, utilizing a flat-base bullet which resulted in higher muzzle velocity (Ball refers to a bullet with a pointed tip, called a spitzer bullet, a lead core, and a gilding metal jacket).

When World War II began, private arms manufacturers Remington Arms (Madison, North Carolina) and Smith-Corona Typewriters (Rochester, New York) began production the Springfield 1903 with old tooling from Rock Island Arsenal (tooling that had been locked away since 1919); Remington began at serial number 3,000,000. Production turned away from the M1903 and M1903A1 to favor the M1903A3 rifle, using a late-model Type-S stock, a simpler aperture rear-sight, (to help familiarize soldiers with the rifle’s sighting, due to the M1 Garand having a similar sight) and a stamped cartridge follower.

The Springfield M1903A4 was the military’s first attempt at a designated sniper weapon, utilizing a different stock, Weaver Model 330 or 330C 2.2x telescopic sights, and removal of the front and rear iron sights. However, the M1903A4’s role as a sniper produced very poor results. The Weaver sights not only had poor magnification, but were also not waterproofed. Often times in climate changes the scopes would fog up or become waterlogged, and without the iron sights present on the weapon the A4 was virtually useless. The M2 cartridge also produced poor accuracy for long ranges, prompting many soldiers to adopt the enemy’s sniper weapon over the Springfield. P a g e | 7

United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1 (M1 Garand)

Rifle Specifications

Designed: 1932 Designer: John C. Garand, Springfield Armory Service Life: 1936 – 1963 Action / Fire Rate: Gas Operated / 100 rounds per minute Weight: 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) Length: 43.6 in (1,107 mm) Barrel Length: 24 in (609 mm) Cartridge: .30-06 Springfield Muzzle Velocity: 2,800 ft/s (853 m/s) Magazine: 8-round internal box magazine Effective Range: 500 yds (457 m)

Rifle Variants

· M1C (1944) – equipped with an M84 telescope and rear sight projector, the M1C’s scope was mounted by drilling and tapping the receiver; a process that was deemed too complex for quick production. o M1D (1944) – rather than drilling and tapping the receiver, the M1D used a simpler single-ring Springfield Armory mount for the M84 scope.

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Cartridge Specifications and Ballistics

.30-06 Springfield (Cartridge, Ball, Caliber .30, M2)

Developed: 1938 (M2 Ball) Bullet Diameter: .308 in (7.8 mm) Case Length: 2.49 in (63.3 mm) Overall Length: 3.34 in (84.8 mm) Weight: 152 grains (9.8 g) Type: FMJ Velocity: 2,805 ft/s (880 m/s) Energy: 2,660 ft-lbs (3,600 J) Maximum Range: 45° angle, 4,890 yds

Springfield .30-06 Cartridge Specifications (2)

.276 Pederson (Experimental Cartridge)

Designed: 1923 Bullet Diameter: .2842 in (7.22 mm) Case Length: 2.023 in (51.4 mm) Overall Length: 2.855 in (72.5 mm) Weight: 150 grains (9.7 g) Type: FMJ Velocity: 2,400 ft/s (730 m/s) Energy: 1,918 ft-lbs (2,600 J)

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Information

In the Spring of 1931, twenty .276 T3E2 Garand rifles competed with the .276 Pederson T1 rifle for a place in the military’s arsenal. When the dust settled, the Garand came out as the clear winner. Though the weapon was designed to be used with the .276 cartridge, Army Chief of Staff Douglas McArthur recommended the weapon use the existing .30-06 cartridge. As a result, the weapon’s design shifted to accommodate the .30 caliber design. The rifle was adopted, finally, in 1932.

The rifle finally became the M1 on August 3, 1933. However, after field testing, numerous problems were reported with the rifle itself. The rifle underwent many changes, and finally was standardized on January 9, 1936. Production still slowed, however, and the rifle was not clear of flaws until 1940 due to the redesign of the barrel and gas cylinder assembly. By 1941 the Army finally had a sustainable number of M1’s to see service.

Despite increased production, the M1 Garand could not keep up its supply to outfit all soldiers in combat. Men were being recruited faster than armories could produce the weapon, but as the war continued production was finally stepped up; the United States producing over 5.5 million Garand’s by the end of the war.

By 1944 the M1 Garand had its own sharpshooter variant created; the M1C and M1D, both equipped with a M84 telescope and rear sight projector; 2.2x magnification. Both variants simply offered different methods of scope mounting, with the M1D being the easier of the two. Neither rifle variant saw extensive combat, although some were used.

The M1 Garand earned high praise among soldiers, being called “the greatest implement of battle ever devised.” by General George S. Paton. The ability to unleash eight rounds of ammunition without reloading proved invaluable on all fronts. The weapon’s durability and high bullet penetration gave it an edge over the enemy, who was often equipped with bolt-action rifles. Though the magazine’s function proved to be an occasional problem, it paled in comparison to the features the M1 Garand brought to the field.

The Garand was, however, loved by other countries other than the United States. German forces would gather as many as they could, designating them Selbstladegewehr 251(A). Its function and reliability was much appreciated in the German armed forces during the war.

The Japanese also worked on their own copy of the M1 Garand, giving it the designation, “Type 5 Rifle”. The rifle featured a 10-round charged-clip magazine, with construction of over 250 variants. The rifle itself, however, never saw service and was also plagued with jamming and feed problems. The rifle was abandoned by the war’s end.

The rifle’s legacy was carried on with the production of the M14 – Springfield Armory’s last small arms development. The Garand served until it was finally replaced by the M14 completely in 1963. P a g e | 10

United States Carbine, Caliber .30, M1 (M1 Carbine)

Rifle Specifications

Designed: 1938-1941 Designer: Jonathon “Ed” Browning / David M. Williams Service Life: 1942 – 1960’s Action / Fire Rate: Gas Operated / 100 rounds per minute Weight: 5.2 lbs (2.4 kg) Length: 35.6 in (900 mm) Barrel Length: 18 in (460 mm) Cartridge: .30 Carbine Muzzle Velocity: 1,970 ft/s (600 m/s) Magazine: 15 or 30-round detachable box magazine Effective Range: 70 yds (64 m)

Rifle Variants

· M1A1 – paratrooper model, with a 15-round magazine and folding stock. Only 150,000 were produced. o M1A2 – improved sight adjustable for windage and elevation. o M1A3 – pantograph stock, designed to be more rigid than M1A1 model. · M2 – designed in early 1945, the M2 was capable of fully automatic fire as well as a 30-round detachable box magazine. Only 600,000 were produced. o M2A2 – an arsenal refinished M2 rifle. · M3 – an M2 Carbine with a mounted M1 infrared night-vision scope. 3,000 were produced.

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Cartridge Specifications and Ballistics

.30 Carbine

Developed: 1941 Bullet Diameter: .308 in (7.82 mm) Case Length: 1.29 in (32.76 mm) Overall Length: 1.65 in (41.91 mm) Weight: 110 grains (7.1 g) Type: FMJ Velocity: 2,000 ft/s (600 m/s) Energy: 880 ft-lbs (1,190 J) Maximum Range: 300 yds (270 m)

A .30 Carbine Cartridge

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Information

The M1 Carbine was born out of necessity. For many specialist soldiers, such as paratroopers, engineers, observers, medics, and mortar crews, a weapon was needed that was light and could pack enough punch at a decent range. Pistols proved to be too limited in range and penetration, while full-strength rifles such as a M1 Garand or M1903 Springfield were too heavy to be carried. Thus, the M1 Carbine came into the minds of weapons designers.

Originally it was slated to be used with the .276 cartridge, later moved to the .30-06 cartridge, but this made the rifle too heavy. Jonathon “Ed” Browning, brother to famous weapons designer John Browning, died while designing the weapon. In hopes of completing the design, Remington Arms hired ex-convict David “Carbine” Williams to complete the design with his short-stroke piston design, which he had patented while in prison.

By 1941 the Carbine had be reduced to 7.5 lbs, but the ordinance department believed it could be scaled even lower. Putting together a 4.5 lb carbine in 13 days, Remington’s new design was an immediate hit with the Army. Finally, on October 22, 1941, the M1 Carbine was standardized for the military. The first carbines hit the field by mid-1942 in Europe.

The M1A1 Carbine variant was an immediate success with the airborne infantry in Europe for its light weight and portability. Its biggest praise, however, came from the Pacific Theatre. The M1 Carbine’s non-corrosive ammunition proved to be an amazing quality, giving the marines little worry of weapon maintenance. The M1 possessed superb accuracy at short ranges, though it had limited stopping power.

The M1 Carbine was later upgraded to the M2, featuring a select-fire mode with a 30-round magazine and an option for fully-automatic fire. Later the M2 would be upgraded to the M3 to feature an infrared night-vision scope used by marines during the invasion of Okinawa. The M1 could also be fitted with an M8 grenade launcher attachment at the muzzle.

In all, over 6.25 million M1 Carbines were produced in the United States, making it the most heavily produced weapon in American history. Though Remington Arms takes much credit for being one of the original producers, the largest weapon production came from General Motors – manufacturing 2,632,097 carbines and being the sole producer of the M1A1 Carbine variant. In total, 11 companies manufactured the M1 Carbine.

Though limited in range and stopping power, the M1 Carbine no doubt had a dramatic impact on the war effort. Douglas McArthur would later praise William’s short-stroke piston design, claiming the carbine to be “one of the strongest contributing factors to our victory in the Pacific”.

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Great Britain

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.303 Calibre, Rifle, Magazine, Lee-Enfield (Lee-Enfield)

Rifle Specifications

Designed: 1895 Designer: James Paris Lee / RSAF Enfield Service Life: 1895 - Present Action / Fire Rate: Bolt Action / 30 rounds per minute Weight: 8.8 lbs (4 kg) Length: 44.5 in (1,130 mm) Barrel Length: 25 in (635 mm) Cartridge: .303 British Muzzle Velocity: 2,441 ft/s (744 m/s) Magazine: 10-round internal box magazine Effective Range: 550 yds (503 m)

Rifle Variants

· Magazine Lee-Enfield (1895 - 1926) – original Lee-Enfield rifle design; also referred to as the “MLE”. o Charger Loading Lee-Enfield (1906 – 1926) – rifle was now capable of being loaded with ‘charger clips’. · Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk I (1904 – 1926) – a shorter, lighter variant of the MLE, now designated “SMLE”, it was reduced to 25.5 inches in length. o Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk II (1906 – 1927) o Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III (1907 – Present) – featured a new sight arrangement and a fixed, sliding charger guide. Chamber adapted to fire Mk VII High Velocity Spitzer .303. o Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk V (1922 – 1924) – trial rifle; only 20,000 made. o Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk VI (1930 – 1933) – trial rifle; only 1,025 made. · Rifle No. 4 Mk I (1941 – Present) – featured and lighter and stronger action than the original SMLE, and was easier to mass produce. Barrel protruded from fore-stock, and the rifle was considerably heavier due to the heavier barrel. · Rifle No. 4 Mk I* (1942 – Present) – Features were cut from the original No. 4 to speed production during WWII. · Rifle No 5 Mk I "Jungle Carbine" (1944 – Present) – shortened stock and flash finder added. All unnecessary metal was also removed to make it much lighter than the SMLE. P a g e | 15

Cartridge Specifications and Ballistics

.303 British

Developed: 1889 (Mk. 8 in 1938) Bullet Diameter: .311 in (7.9 mm) Case Length: 2.222 in (56.4 mm) Overall Length: 3.075 in (76.1 mm) Weight*: 175 grains (11.3 g) Type: FMJ Velocity*: 2,500 ft/s (761 m/s) Energy*: 2,408 ft-lbs (3,265 J) Maximum Range: 2,000 yds (1,829 m)

Two Examples of the .303 British Specifications

*Specifications for the .303 British Mk. 8 round, developed in 1938 P a g e | 16

Information

The Lee-Enfield was designed to replace the Lee-Metford rifle; one that incorporated Lee’s rear- locking bolt system and ten-round magazine with a seven groove rifled barrel designed by William Ellis Metford. The military sought a smokeless powder round, but the Metford rifling was quickly worn down by the high pressures created by the new powder. Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield created a new square-shaped rifling system, which was able to handle the higher pressures. The combination of the Enfield barrel and Lee action quickly formed the Lee-Enfield rifle.

The original rifle featured a 30.2 inch barrel, making it extremely long. It was soon reduced to 21.2 inches for Cavalry divisions, and thus formed the Cavalry Carbine Mk. 1. Some Lee-Enfield rifles were converted to be loaded from chargers, (an innovation borrowed from Mauser) and thus earned the name CLLE’s, or Charged Loading Lee Enfield.

It wasn’t long before the 30.2 inch barrel was seen to be problematic with its length, and soon the SMLE Mk. 1, or Small Magazine Lee-Enfield Mark I, was developed. This new rifle featured a barrel in-between the length of the older carbine and long-rifle, coming in at 25.2 inches. The rifle had a blunt nose (the barrel protruding a fraction of an inch beyond the nosecap) and contained a new charger loading system.

In 1907 the SMLE Mk. 3 was developed, containing a simplified rear-right and a fixed charger guide (rather than the bolt-head mounted sliding charger guide). The rifle was re-chambered for the Mark 7 High Velocity Spitzer .303 ammunition, and also featured an improved hand guard and magazine. However, during WWI the SMLE Mk. 3 proved to be too complex for mass production. Each rifle had to be virtually made by hand, and soon many featured were tossed for quicker development. Features that were removed were the magazine cut-off, long-range volley sights, windage adjustment of the rear sights, and replacement of the round knob cocking piece to a serrated slab.

The military attempted to produce a variant of the Lee-Enfield that would be simpler and cheaper to mass produce; coming up with the trial rifle SMLE Mk. 5. The rifle used a new receiver-mounted aperture sighting system, re-introduced magazine cut-off, and an additional barrel band added near the muzzle for improved strength with bayonet use. The process was even more costly and complicated to produce, and so the Mk. 5 was scrapped.

The SMLE No. 4 Mk. 1 soon found its way into the military in 1941, with a lighter, stronger action. The heavier barrel protruded from the end of the fore-stock, resulting in a heavier rifle. Most importantly, the rifle was far easier to mass produce. World War II resulted in an even simpler rifle being created for easier production, which saw removal of the bolt release catch in favor of a simpler notch on the bolt track. This simplified variant of the No. 4 Mk. 1 was only produced in North America by Canadian and American factories, with the original No. 4 Mk. 1 being created in Britain.

Later in the war the demand for a shorter, lighter carbine arose. The No. 5 Mk. 1 “Jungle Carbine” was created, featuring a significantly cut down stock and a flash hider. The rifle produced significant recoil due to its smaller size and ceased production in 1947 due to its accuracy problems, though it was found to be favored among troops for its portability. P a g e | 17

Germany

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Karabiner 98 Kurz (Carbine 98 Short) (K98)

Rifle Specifications

Designed: 1935 Designer: Mauser Service Life: 1935 - 1945 Action / Fire Rate: Bolt Action / 15 rounds per minute Weight: 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) Length: 43.7 in (1,110 mm) Barrel Length: 23.62 in (600 mm) Cartridge: 7.92 x 57mm (8mm Mauser) Muzzle Velocity: 2,493 ft/s (760 m/s) Magazine: 5-round internal box magazine Effective Range: 500 yds (457 m)

Rifle Variants

· G40K (1941) – a lighter, shorter variant of the K98, with a barrel length of 19.3 inches. Only 82 were produced in 1941.

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Cartridge Specifications and Ballistics

7.92 x 57mm (8mm Mauser)

Developed: 1888 Bullet Diameter: .323 in (8.2 mm) Case Length: 2.244 in (57 mm) Overall Length: 3.228 in (82 mm) Weight: 181 grains (11.7 g) Type: FMJ Velocity: 2,700 ft/s (820 m/s) Energy: 2,902 ft-lbs (3,934 J) Maximum Range: 2,187 yds (2,000 m)

8mm Mauser Cartridge Specifications

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Information

The Karabiner 98k was the successor to the Gewehr 98; a rifle that served Germany during the First World War. The Karabiner 98b was the first attempt at a new rifle, but was relatively unchanged from the G98. Its only new features were new bolt handles, sling swivels, and the ability to use improved ammunition. The bulky, lengthy Gewehr 98 needed to be cut down to better serve the needs of troops, and so the Karabiner 98k was born.

The 98k utilizes the famous Mauser action, which was so widely used by other arms manufacturers of the time. It featured tangent-type V-notch and post iron sights, which could be adjusted for a range of up to 2,000 meters. It could also be fitted with a cup-type grenade launching attachment, called the “Gewehrgranatgerät”. Folding stocks were also featured for Germany’s own airborne troops, the Fallschirmjäger.

The 98k saw significant use in every theatre of operation in the war. Though reliable, the 98k suffered from a reduced firing rate than some of its counterparts. Its accuracy soon paved the way for usage as a sniper rifle, outfitted typically with the Zeiss Zielvier 4x (ZF39) telescoping sights. Many other sights were also used, such as the Zeiss Zielsechs 6x, the Ajack 4x, and the Kahles Heliavier 4x. These sniper weapons were effective at ranges of up to 800 yards, and proved extremely deadly. Approximately 132,000 of these weapons were developed by Germany during the war.

Production of the 98k started off excellent, with materials and manpower in ample supply. However, as the war continued and shortages began, the condition of the rifles began to worsen. By the war’s end, the wooden stocks were often laminated or were made of an inferior material. Such extras like bayonet lugs were omitted from production as well.

Even though Germany had begun producing more advanced small arms, the 98k was still in production by the end of the war. Forces all over the European theatre had found uses for the 98k, and it wasn’t long before it had gained a reputation of its own.

Soviet Russia also found uses for 98k rifles, due to the shortage of small arms during the war. 98k rifles that were captured by Russians often made their way back to the arsenals for refurbishment, and even after the war had ended they ended up in the hands of various satellite nations. However, several Russian-captured 98k rifles are mismatched; most Russian factories did not replace matching parts with one another.

Mauser’s 98k has become highly sought after for its collectability, with 14,643,260 of these rifles being made for the German army.

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Gewehr 41 & 43 (Rifle Model 1941 & 1943) (G41 & G43)

Rifle Specifications

Designed: 1941 Designer: Mauser / Walther Service Life: 1941 - 1945 Action / Fire Rate: Gas Operated / 30 rounds per minute Weight: 11.09 lbs (5.03 kg) (G41) 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (G43) Length: 44.25 in (1,124 mm) (G41) 44 in (1,117 mm) (G43) Barrel Length: 21.5 in (546 mm) (G41) 21.6 in (549 mm) (G43) Cartridge: 7.92 x 57mm (8mm Mauser) Muzzle Velocity: 2,328 ft/s (775 m/s) Magazine: 10-round detachable box magazine Effective Range: 547 yds (500 m)

Rifle Variants

· Gewehr 41 (1941 – 1943) – designed by Mauser, the G41 proved to be unreliable in combat conditions. Was soon replaced by its successor, the G43. o Gewehr 43 (1943 – 1945) – this model, designed by Walther, replaced the G41 with a more reliable system that utilized the gas system used in Tokarev’s SVT-40. · Karabiner 43 (1944 – 1945) – nearly identical to the G43, save for the K stamped on its side rather than the G, it was reduced by 2 in; issued to the Wehrmacht in limited units.

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Cartridge Specifications and Ballistics

7.92 x 57mm (8mm Mauser)

8mm Mauser Cartridge Specifications

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Information

The G41 was created by Mauser and Walther out of necessity for a semi-automatic weapon to be used by the armed forces. Introduction of the American’s M1 Garand and the Soviet’s SVT-40 had the Germans outmatched on both fronts by superior firepower, and so the Gewehr 41 was constructed in hopes of matching the enemy’s advantage.

The original rifle, the G41, proved to be unreliable in combat. The rifle utilized a method called the “Bang” system; a semi-automatic system where gases from the bullet were trapped near the muzzle in a ring-shaped cone, which pulled on a long piston that opened the breech and reloaded the rifle. Both Mauser and Walther’s rifle designs of the G41 were subject to gas system fouling problems, with the complex muzzle-tap system as well as the corrosive ammunition primers accelerating the problem. To top it off, the weapon had to be reloaded by charger clips through the receiver, much like the 98k. Many of Mauser’s G41 variants were recalled, with Walther’s surviving until the redesign to the G43. The number of G41’s produced during the war ranges from 40,000 to 145,000, with no clear number present. These rifles are considered very rare to date.

The Gewehr 43 came into existence with the discovery and eventual dissection of the Russian’s Tokarev SVT-40, which utilized a short-stroke, spring-loaded piston design. Walther and Mauser copied the design of the Tokarev to create the more reliable Gewehr 43, utilizing the SVT-40’s system virtually unchanged. The weapon featured a detachable box magazine; far easier to reload than the original G41, and was especially easier to mass produce.

The G43 proved to be a success, with many soldiers taking to the much improved design and very good accuracy that the autoloader possessed. Production increased dramatically with the arrival of the latest model, and the G41 was discontinued completely. All manner of shortcuts were introduced in the production, including the use of wood laminates and even plastics for the furniture.

In 1944 a slightly shorter design, the Karabiner 43, was introduced. The new rifle was only shorter by a mere 2 inches (50 mm), but was issued to Wehrmacht troops exclusively. Both rifles utilized the original 8mm Mauser cartridge, giving the rifle great distance, accuracy, power, and reliability.

Many G43 rifles proved so admirably that they were outfitted with optics, exclusively the Zielfernrohr 43 (ZF 4) telescopic sight with 4x magnification. 54,435 of these sniper variants were created, and were utilized with great success.

One notable feature of the G43 rifles still surviving the war are often butt stock repairs, where soldiers would break the butt of the weapon to render it useless if captured.

The G43 indeed left its mark in the small arms world, where it served in the Czechoslovak army for years, even after the war ended. P a g e | 24

Sturmgewehr 44 (“Stormrifle”, Assault Rifle Model 1944) (StG44)

Rifle Specifications

Designed: 1942 Designer: C. G. Haenel Waffen und Fahrradfabrik Service Life: 1943 - 1945 Action / Fire Rate: Gas Operated / 600 rounds per minute Weight: 11.5 lbs (5.22 kg) Length: 37 in (940 mm) Barrel Length: 16.5 in (419 mm) Cartridge: 7.92 x 33m Kurz Muzzle Velocity: 2,247 ft/s (685 m/s) Magazine: 30-round detachable box magazine Effective Range: 328 yds (300 m)

Rifle Variants

· MKb 42(H) (1942) – name of the prototype assault weapon, submitted by Haenel. The weapon fired from an open bolt and utilized a striker for firing. o MKb 42(W) (1942) – Walther’s design of the prototype, which failed to compete with Haenel’s. · MP43 (1943 – 1944) – earliest production model of the StG44, fitted with a grenade attachment. Called “Maschinenpistole 43” to preserve the project. · MP44 (1944 – 1945) – renamed MP43 by Hitler for unknown reasons. · StG44 (1944 – 1945) – after Hitler discovered the weapon was indeed not a sub-machine weapon, he promptly renamed it the “Sturmgewehr”, or “Stormrifle”.

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Cartridge Specifications and Ballistics

7.92 x 33m Kurz (8mm Kurz)

Developed: 1933 Bullet Diameter: .323 in (8.2 mm) Case Length: 1.3 in (33 mm) Overall Length: 1.9 in (49 mm) Weight: 125 grains (8.1 g) Type: FMJ Velocity: 2,250 ft/s (685 m/s) Energy: 1,408 ft-lbs (1,909 J) Maximum Range: 328 yds (300 m)

8mm Kurz Cartridge Specifications

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Information

Germany’s first intermediate assault weapon, the StG44, broke the seal on warfare forever with the development of a fully-automatic rifle that used a mid-range round. Credited for developing the first assault rifle in the world, Germany unfortunately developed it a little too late; the weapon didn’t see use until late 1943.

The weapon was conceived out of a need for a fully automatic solution for intermediate-range combat, and so the prototype weapons were named “Maschinenkarabiner 1942 (MKb 42)”, or literally “machine carbine”. Haenel and Walther competed with their own variants, with Haenel’s model coming out on top. Soon refined development was underway, and the MP43 was born.

The weapon was originally called the “Maschinenpistole 43”, to divert suspicion from Hitler. He had demanded that only sub- machineguns be constructed, and that further rifle experimentation was out of the question. The project went on until 1944, with old rifle prototypes being used to redirect Hitler’s attention. Soon he discovered the weapon was actually being constructed as a rifle variant, and ordered the production halted. However, due to the weapon’s successful field reports, he was asked to try the weapon for himself. After much enthusiasm, Hitler named it the “Sturmgewehr”, believing the name would arouse a great propaganda campaign.

Odd additions were created for the StG44, such as the “Vampir” infra-red night sight and the “Krummlauf” curved barrel. The “Krummlauf” was designed to fire the weapon around corners at a 30° and 45° angle, but proved to wear out after a few hundred rounds. So much development potential was absorbed by both accessories that the opportunity for more rewarding additions was probably overlooked.

The weapon itself, however, was welcomed greatly by troops. It could out-range enemy sub- machinegun fire, and proved to be surprisingly accurate. Though defaulted for semi-automatic, the weapon was capable of very controllable fully-automatic fire. It was designed to counter the Russian PPsh-41 and PPS sub-machinegun variants, which were more effective in close-quarters but limited at range.

In all, the weapon saw usage on all fronts; particularly the Eastern Front. As the grandfather of many assault weapons, such as the AK-47, the StG44 was no doubt ahead of its time when full- strength rifle rounds were still the norm. Even after the war had ended, some countries still used the StG44 for their forces, such as Czechoslovakia.

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Fallschirmjägergewehr 42 (Paratroop Rifle Model 1942) (FG42)

Rifle Specifications

Designed: 1942 Designer: Louis Stange Service Life: 1942 - 1945 Action / Fire Rate: Gas Operated / 900 rounds per minute Weight: 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) Length: 36.9 in (937 mm) Barrel Length: 19.8 in (502 mm) Cartridge: 7.92 x 57mm (8mm Mauser) Muzzle Velocity: 2,493 ft/s (760 m/s) Magazine: 10 or 20-round detachable box magazine Effective Range: 602 yds (550 m)

Rifle Variants

· FG42 Mk. I (1942) – the original design of the FG42. o FG42 Mk. II – a re-designed FG42 that featured a simpler wooden butt, replaced pistol grip, and relocated bi-pod.

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Cartridge Specifications and Ballistics

7.92 x 57mm (8mm Mauser)

8mm Mauser Cartridge Specifications

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Information

The FG42 was another weapon created out of necessity, as so many are. During the Axis invasion of Crete, German paratroopers were dropped with only a pistol while the main supplies were dropped separately in crates. Coming under heavy long-range rifle fire, German troops suffered enormous casualties attempting to gather the containers of weapons. The need for a light, long-range paratrooper rifle was needed if more invasions were to occur.

The Luftwaffe contracted six different companies to develop such a weapon, to compare with the Army’s development of the G43. The result was the Fallschirmjägergewehr 42, submitted by Louis Stange. Though the weapon did not fit the exact specifications that the Luftwaffe requested, it was an immediate hit with the paratroopers.

The weapon featured a semi-auto and full-auto mode, with the semi-automatic using a closed-bolt system which allowed for great accuracy. The open-bolt full-auto method prevented a phenomenon known as ‘cook off’, or a round discharging after overheating.

However, the weapon was not without inherent design flaws. It featured an unusual pistol grip, as well as an oddly shaped butt stock. The bi-pod was situated too far from the end of the barrel, making the fully-automatic mode of fire less controllable. The side-mounted magazine was also a problem, since the full-sized rifle rounds would weigh the weapon down on one side. Soldiers requested these changes be made, and the Mark 2 was developed to feature all of these. This design was also far easier to produce, which helped speed production although at a very moderate pace.

Luftwaffe commanders loved the weapon, and requested more be manufactured, though more weapons were never developed. Only 7,000 models of the FG42 were created, and are as such rare collector’s items to this day. Regardless, it proved to be a remarkable design that was ahead of its time in terms of innovations and reliability.

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Russia

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Винтовка Мосина (Mosin Nagant) (Mosin)

Rifle Specifications

Designed: 1891 Designer: Sergei Mosin / Leon Nagant Service Life: 1891 - 1998 Action / Fire Rate: Bolt Action / 15 rounds per minute Weight: 8.8 lbs (4 kg) (91/30) 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) (M38) 9 lbs (4.1 kg) (M44) Length: 48.5 in (1,232 mm) (91/30) 39.9 in (1,013 mm) (Carbines) Barrel Length: 28.7 in (730 mm) (91/30) 20.2 in (514 mm) (Carbines) Cartridge: 7.62 x 54mm R Muzzle Velocity: 2,789 ft/s (850 m/s) (91/30) 2,625 ft/s (800 m/s) (Carbines) Magazine: 5-round internal box magazine Effective Range: 600 yds (548.6 m)

Rifle Variants

· M1891 (1891 – 1930) – the original design, with several changes being made throughout the years. Manufacturers included American, French, and Soviet factories. o Dragoon Rifle (1893 – 1932) – made for mounted infantry, the rifle was 2.5 inches shorter than the original M91. o Cossack Rifle (1894 – 1920) – Identical to the Dragoon model, but sighted for a fixed bayonet. · Model 1907 Carbine (1907 – 1917) – a carbine model built 11.4 inches shorter and 2.1 lbs lighter than the M91. · Model 1891/30 (1930 – 1998) – based on the Dragoon model, save for the flat rear sights, cylindrical receiver, and hooded post front sights. · Model 1938 Carbine (1938 – 1944) – a carbine based on the 91/30 design, but shortened and unable to accept a bayonet. · Model 1944 Carbine (1944 – 1948) – exact same carbine as the M38, but with a fixed spike bayonet attachment.

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Cartridge Specifications and Ballistics

7.62 x 54mm R

Developed: 1891 Bullet Diameter: .312 in (7.92 mm) Case Length: 2.115 in (53.72 mm) Overall Length: 3.038 in (77.16 mm) Weight: 150 grains (9.7 g) Type: FMJ Velocity: 3,000 ft/s (900 m/s) Energy: 2,905 ft-lbs (3,939 J) Maximum Range: 2,000 yds (1,829 m)

A 7.62x54mmR Cartridge Diagram

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Information

The Mosin Nagant has a rich history; one that has seen countless wars and conflicts both inside and outside of Russia. The Russo-Turkish War, which took place between 1877 and 1878, created the need for a rifle that could be cycled repeatedly. Russia’s single-shot rifles were going up against repeating Winchester rifles, possessed by the Turks. Casualties were devastating, and it wasn’t long before the Russians began to test their own weapon designs.

At first the Russian military attempted to modify their existing Berdan rifles in 1882, hoping to find a magazine-fed solution. However, their attempts at creating such a weapon failed. The design had to be built from the ground-up.

Sergei Ivanovich Mosin was an Imperial Army Captain who had submitted a “3-line caliber” rifle design in 1889. Mosin was competing with a Belgian arms manufacturer named Leon Nagant, who had submitted his own design coupled with a unique bolt-action and a 3.5-line caliber system. Though Nagant’s design prevailed, the military wanted something a bit more domestic. Nagant’s feed system and Mosin’s 3-line caliber were used together, and as a result the 1891 Mosin Nagant was created (then the 3-Line Rifle, Model 1891).

The Mosin Nagant was immediately put into production at the Tula, Izhevsk, and Sestroryetsk Arsenals. Shortly after production began, Russia was still short on weaponry due to the limited capability of the three arsenals. As a result 500,000 rifles were commissioned from the French arsenal, Manufacture Nationale d'Armes de Châtellerault. By the time the Russo-Japanese War had started in 1904, 3.8 million rifles were already in service.

However, once World War I broke out, the need for arms was desperate. Contractors in the United States began production of the M91. Russia ordered 1.5 million rifles from Remington Arms, as well as 1.8 million rifles from New England Westinghouse.

The design of the 91/30 rifle started as far back as 1924, in a move to modernize the Mosin Nagant. By 1932 the Mosin already had its own sniper variant, outfitted with a PE or PEM 4x scope; a similar copy of the German Zeiss scope. Later they would outfit them with the smaller and easier to produce PU 3.5x scopes. 91/30 snipers were admired for their durability, ease of cleaning, accuracy, and ruggedness. By the end of the Second World War over 17.4 million 91/30’s alone had been produced.

By the end of the Mosin’s production life, the Soviet Union had crafted over 37 million Mosin Nagants. Virtually every country that has received military aid from Russia has, at one point or another, utilized the Mosin Nagant in their arsenal. The weapon essentially ‘grew up’ with Russian history, and much of the country’s history can always trace back to this weapon.

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Самозарядная винтовка Токарева, образец 1940 года (Tokarev Self-Loading Rifle, Model of 1940) (SVT-40)

Rifle Specifications

Designed: 1938 Designer: Fedor Tokarev Service Life: 1938 - 1945 Action / Fire Rate: Gas Operated / 40 rounds per minute Weight: 8.5 lbs (3.85 kg) Length: 48 in (1,226 mm) Barrel Length: 24 in (610 mm) Cartridge: 7.62 x 54mm R Muzzle Velocity: 2,756 ft/s (840 m/s) Magazine: 10-round detachable box magazine Effective Range: 547 yds (500 m)

Rifle Variants

· SVT-38 (1938 – 1940) – the first variant of the Tokarev, only 150,000 were made. o SVT-40 (1940 – 1945) – an improved version of the SVT-38, featuring modified magazine release, single-piece hand guard, and an attached cleaning rod. o AVT-40 (1943) – a brief addition, it was an SVT-40 modified to accommodate fully- automatic fire, though this proved to be useless as it was wild and uncontrollable.

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Cartridge Specifications and Ballistics

7.62 x 54mm R

A 7.62x54mmR Cartridge Diagram

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Information

The Tokarev is certainly one of the first of its kind. During the early 1930’s Fedor Tokarev had been working on a recoil-operated self-loading rifle, though this proved to be a fruitless endeavor. He soon began work on a gas-operated self-loading rifle, which produced an early model of the SVT-38.

Tokarev competed unsuccessfully with Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov during the 1935 trials, and Simonov’s AVS-36 was put into production instead of Tokarev’s. However, major problems with the AVS-36 began to surface. Simonov’s rifle suffered from an overly complicated operated mechanism; one that was rendered more problematic, as the rifle’s design allowed dirt to get inside. The weapon required constant maintenance, and was not suited for the extremely cold Russian climate; the weapon’s grease would even freeze solid. The AVS-36’s production was halted, and another trial was held in 1938. Tokarev’s rifle came out on top, with production starting almost immediately.

The SVT-38 was designed with features far more advanced than most Soviet small arms. Things such as a detachable magazine, adjustable gas system, muzzle break, and milled scope rails were all present in the SVT-38’s design. However, it wasn’t long before the SVT-38 began to suffer from design flaws much like its predecessor.

The weapon was long, bulky, and difficult to maintain. Soldiers reported magazines simply falling off the weapon, and many troops had little to no familiarization with the weapon at all. Production was halted in April 1940, by which some 150,000 SVT-38’s were manufactured. Tokarev returned to redesign the rifle’s flawed features, this time achieving success.

The new SVT design was lighter and more refined, containing a modified magazine release and a cleaning rod housed under the barrel. It also had a single-piece hand guard, and at this point was far easier to manufacture. Production of the Mosin Nagant 91/30 was halted in favor of Tokarev’s new SVT-40, and manufacturing was stepped up at factories in Tula, and later at Izhevsk and Kovrov. The weapon was slated to be incorporated rapidly, with one in three soldiers carrying an SVT.

The weapon, however, was not destined to last. During the German invasion in 1941, several thousands of these rifles were lost to the German advance. With the Red Army is desperate need of weapons, the SVT was proving to be too costly and complicated to manufacture. By 1942 Izhevsk was ordered to halt SVT production and begin manufacture of the Mosin Nagant once more. This lead to the decline of the weapon’s manufacture, and in 1945 production of the SVT-40 ceased completely. Roughly 1.5 million SVT-40’s were manufactured, with 55,000 of those becoming a sniper variant of sorts. However, even as a sniper the SVT-40 proved somewhat unsuccessful. The weapon suffered from vertical shot dispersion, which proved to be unacceptable in any sniper weapon. Production of the sniper SVT-40 was halted in 1942.

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Japan

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九九式長小銃 (Type 99 Rifle) (Arisaka)

Rifle Specifications

Designed: 1939 Designer: Colonel Nariakira Arisaka Service Life: 1939 - 1945 Action / Fire Rate: Bolt Action / 15 rounds per minute Weight: 8.16 lbs (3.7 kg) Length: 44.1 in (1,120 mm) Barrel Length: 25.87 in (657 mm) Cartridge: 7.7 x 58mm Arisaka Muzzle Velocity: 2,394 ft/s (730 m/s) Magazine: 5-round internal box magazine Effective Range: 437 yds (400 m)

Rifle Variants

· Type 99 Short Rifle · Type 99 Long Rifle · Type 2 Paratrooper Rifle · Sniper Rifle Type 99

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Cartridge Specifications and Ballistics

7.7 x 58mm Arisaka

Developed: 1939 Bullet Diameter: .31 in (8 mm) Case Length: 2.2 in (57 mm) Overall Length: 3 in (75 mm) Weight: 174 grains (11.3 g) Type: FMJ Velocity: 2,400 ft/s (730 m/s) Energy: 2,218 ft-lbs (3,007 J) Maximum Range: 2,600 yds (2,377 m)

A Cut-Away of the 7.7mm Arisaka Cartridge

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Information

The Type 99 Arisaka was a spin-off of the earlier Type 38; a rifle first crafted by the Colonel Nariakira Arisaka. At 50.2 in, however, the rifle was large and bulky to handle. However, it saw widespread use throughout the Japanese armed forces, and it wasn’t long before the Imperial Japanese Army wanted something with a little more bang.

The Type 99 was designed to fire a more powerful cartridge – the 7.7mm Arisaka. Its previous cartridge, the 6.5x50mm, didn’t possess enough power to be an effective rifle cartridge, and soon the Type 99 was put into production to replace its older predecessor.

The Type 99 utilized an action that was a cross between a Mannlicher and Mauser design, coupled with a few Japanese innovations. The rifle featured a rear sight designed for firing at aircraft, as well as a folding monopod for assisting with accuracy. The weapon, when first produced, also contained a chrome-lined barrel for ease of cleaning, as well as very sturdy actions.

At the beginning of the war the Arisaka fared well, being a reliable and excellent rifle. However, as the war progressed and resources became limited, the Arisaka deteriorated in quality. As the Allies began to encroach upon the Japanese one island at a time, soon materials became scarce and many additions to the Arisaka were removed completely. By the end of the war, the Japanese were creating what was called “Last Ditch” rifles; a rifle that was so crude in nature it was almost more hazardous to the person firing it rather than the opponent.

The Japanese were becoming desperate for arms, and near the end were producing even single-shot weapons that fired an 8mm pistol cartridge. Some of the Japanese even reverted back to black powder weapons; anything they could acquire.

Even though the original Type 38 rifle was prevalent before the invention of the Type 99, it was phased out too soon. The Japanese, however, were also outclassed by the semi-automatic variants being produced by the Allied nations, and never successfully fielded a semi-automatic weapon of their own.