Published on
August 29, 2010 in
German.
This is the German semi-automatic rifle performing approximately the same tactical mission as the United States, Cal. 30, M1 rifle. It is gas-operated, clip-fed, and air-cooled. It is a shoulder weapon, slightly heavier than the American semi-automatic. Three versions exist, the G 41 (M) which is probably an interim model, the G-41 and the G 41 (W) which are more than likely the final or production types.
The rifle is well made, but quite difficult to manufacture. Stampings are used wherever possible.
In lieu of the customary gas port, a form of gas trap is used, so designed that when attached to the muzzle it makes it necessary for the bullet, after leaving the barrel, to jump a gap and momentarily block the muzzle opening of the cone. The resulting gas pressure then drives a gas piston, in the form of a collar around the barrel, to the rear. The action is imparted to an operating rod the end of which is in contact with the forward end of the retractor slide which is also driven to the rear. A projection on the underside of the retractor slide engages the bolt locking lugs, withdrawing them from the locking recesses in the receiver. The bolt assembly and retractor slide then recoil together for the remainder of the recoil distance. Extraction and ejection are accomplished in the usual manner.
A thorough test at Aberdeen proved the G 41 (W) is much inferior to the U.S. Rifle, Cal. 30, M1, in reliability under severe conditions. It fell down especially in the mud and rain tests, and breakages were very numerous.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber |
|
7.92 mm (.312 in.) |
| Weight of rifle w/o bayonet and sling |
|
10 1/4 lb. |
| Length w/o bayonet |
|
45 ins. |
| Length of barrel |
|
21.6 ins. |
| Principle of operation |
|
Gas—semi-automatic |
| Cooling system |
|
Air |
| Magazine system and capacity |
| Fixed vertical box |
|
10 rds. staggered |
| Method of feed |
|
two 5-round Mauser rifle clips |
| Sight radius |
|
21.2 ins. |
| Sights |
|
Blade front sight with “T” base and tangent leaf rear sight graduated from 100 to 1,200 meters. No windage adjustment. |
| Rifling |
|
4 grooves, uniform right-hand twist |
| Muzzle velocity |
|
2,408 f/s (in a worn barrel) |
| Trigger pull |
|
7-8 lb. |
| Ammunition used |
|
All 7.92 mm Mauser rifle types |
| Total number of parts |
|
102 |
| Number of coil springs |
|
13 |
| Number of flat springs |
|
4 |
| Time to fieldstrip |
|
3 1/4 seconds |
| Time to assemble from fieldstrip |
|
4 3/4 seconds |
| Time to diassemble |
|
3 min., 57 sec. |
| Time to assemble |
|
8 min., 32 sec. |
German: p. 208
Published on
August 29, 2010 in
German.
The German Aircraft Machine Gun, M.G. 81, 7.92 mm, is a Mauser designed air-cooled, belt-fed, recoil-operated (gas assisted) weapon which fires from an open bolt. The weapon is light and easily manufactured and is now used in place of the German M.G. 15 in many German aircraft. It is a flexibly mounted gun and serves as an observer’s weapon.
A “Solothurn type” bolt head is rotated by cams and locked to the barrel by an interrupted thread. It appears to be a speeded-up type of the light machine gun, M.G. 34. The higher rate of fire is achieved by a powerful buffer spring fitted into the body, as well as by general lengthening of all parts, and some redesign. The recoil operation is assisted by a nuzzle booster. The barrel is unusually short, being only 183 inches long. A push-type safety catch is located in the trigger guard just forward of the trigger. This can be moved only when the gun is cocked.
The weapon is fired only at full-automatic fire. The method of feeding is by a disintegrating-link belt through the feed block. A barrel casing made of perforated sheet metal encloses the barrel and fits into a sleeve which screws into the front of the body. The weapon has a muzzle booster which screws onto the barrel housing. This weapon is made and used in a dual mount with single trigger operation for both mounts.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber | | 7.92 mm. (.312 in.) |
| Weight | | 13 lb., 14 oz. |
| Length | | 35 ins. |
| Length of barrel | | 18.75 ins. |
| Operation | | Recoil, gas assisted |
| Fire | | Automatic only |
| Muzzle velocity* | | 2,500-3,000 f/s |
| Rate of fire | | 1,200 to 1.500 rds./min. |
| Ammunition | | All 7.92 mm Mauser types |
*Muzzle velocity varies according to ammunition used.
German: p. 221
Published on
August 29, 2010 in
German.
The German 7.92 mm aircraft machine gun, M.G. 17, is an air-cooled, recoil-operated, gas-assisted, belt-fed, pneumatically charged, fixed weapon fired electrically by solenoid. It differs from the M.G. 15 in that it fires from a closed bolt. Three types of links have been found used with the belt feed of this weapon: sectionally disintegrating, fully disintegrating, and nondisintegrating. The gun, which has a fixed mount, is well constructed with excellent machining throughout.
All parts are of steel with the exception of the rear buffer housing which is of cast dural with an anodized finish. The rest of the gun is covered with a good parkerized finish. The barrel is connected to the barrel extension by an interrupted thread type fastening. The bolt is of the Solothurn rotating type and operates on small steel rollers.
The M.G. 17 is used in many types of German aircraft, and is stationed in various positions so that it may be fired unsynchronized or synchronized through the propellor arc by solenoid.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber |
|
7.92 mm (.312 in.) |
| Weight |
|
27 lb., 11 oz. |
| Length |
|
47 3/4 ins. |
| Length of barrel |
|
23 5/8 ins. |
| Muzzle velocity |
|
2,800 f/s |
| Rate of fire |
|
1,000 rds./min. (synchronized)
1,100 rds./min. (unsynchronized) |
| Operation |
|
Recoil, gas assisted |
| Fire |
|
Automatic only |
| Rifling |
|
37° uniform right-hand twist, 1 turn in 10 ins. |
German: p. 220
Published on
August 28, 2010 in
German.
The German 7.92 mm machine gun, M.G. 34/41, represents one of the later developments of the M.G. 34. These developments occurred in the following order: the M.G. 34; M.G. 34 modified; M.G. 34s; M.G. 34/41. In the course of development, the original pattern of the weapon has been largely retained, but each stage has tended toward simplification and elimination of machined parts.
The M.G. 42 is a new design but has the same tactical employment. It is distinguished by a high cyclic rate of fire and fewer machined parts. The M.G. 42 is described on a separate page.
The M.G. 34 modified is used principally in armored vehicles and differs from the M.G. 34 in that it has a heavier barrel jacket adapted to fit ball-type tank hull mounts, a simplified firing-pin nut lock, and bipod clamps for attaching bipod in emergency use; it has no A.A. sight bracket. It can also be mounted on antiaircraft and heavy ground mounts.
The M.G. 34s and the M.G. 34/41 are identical in appearance, except for the barrel jackets, but are marked as distinct models. They differ from the M.G. 34 as follows: provision for full-automatic fire only; simplified trigger group; shorter barrel with enlarged muzzle end; elimination of firing-pin lock nut; large buffer group; heavier recoil spring; modified feed mechanism. These models can be used on antiaircraft mounts but appear designed for the heavy ground mount.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber | | 7.92 mm (.312 in.) |
| Weight | | 24 1/2 lb. w/o bipod |
| Weight of barrel | | 3 3/4 lb. |
| Length | | 44 1/4 ins. |
| Length of barrel | | 19 3/4 ins. |
| Muzzle velocity* | | 2,500-3,000 f/s |
| Rate of fire | | 800-900 rds./min. cyclic |
| Operation | | Recoil, gas assisted |
| Ammunition | | All 7.92 mm Mauser ground types |
*Muzzle velocity varies according to ammunition used.
German: p. 214
Published on
August 28, 2010 in
German.
The M.G. 34 is a standard machine gun of the German Army. It cannot be compared directly with any American automatic weapon. It is a multi-purpose weapon and is used as a light machine gun, a heavy machine gun, an antiaircraft machine gun, and also on tanks and other vehicles. Because of its adaptability, it is the most common automatic weapon used by the German Armed Forces.
Without bipod mount, the M.G. 34 weighs 24 1/4 lb., and is occasionally fired by the use of a second soldier’s shoulder as a rest. A light bipod adapts it for prone fire and with tripod mount this becomes a heavy machine gun.
The M.G. 34 is a recoil-operated, gas-assisted weapon, belt-fed, and air-cooled. It operates on the Solothurn rotating bolt-head principle. A simple mechanism makes it easy to exchange a heated barrel for a cool one. It is designed to deliver semi-automatic or full-automatic fire.
Studies at Aberdeen Proving Ground show that it is very easy to disassemble in the field, but cannot be regarded as an easy gun to manufacture on a mass production basis, as compared with the M.G. 42.
Studies of captured guns show that this weapon has a high rate of fire—too high for a light machine gun—resulting in poor accuracy in full-automatic operation. When used as a heavy machine gun it shows excellent stability. It is extremely critical as to adjustment, lubrication, and foreign matter.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber | | 7.92 mm (.312 in.) |
| Weight of gun with bipod | | 26 1/4 lb. |
| Weight with H.M.G. Tripod mounting | | 68 1/2 lb. |
| Overall length | | 48 ins. |
| Principle of operation | | Recoil, assisted by muzzle booster. Solothurn type action. |
| Cooling system | | Air |
| Cartridge feed | | Flexible metallic link belt containing 50 rds. and multiples thereof. Also 50 rd. belt drums and 75 rd. saddle-type drums. |
| Sights | | (a) A blade front sight and vertical leaf rear sight with open V notch graduated from 200 to 2,000 meters.
(b) An aperture rear sight for use with a “cartwheel” type antiaircraft front sight.
(c) A telescopic sight is used on the heavy machine gun tripod mount. |
| Rifling | | 4 grooves right-hand concentric |
| Muzzle velocity | | 2,500 to 3,000 f/s depending on type of round used. |
| Maximum range | | 5,000 yds. |
| Effective—heavy | | 3,827 yds. |
| Effective—light | | 600 yds. |
| Rate of fire (cyclic) | | 800-900 r.p.m. |
| (practical) | | 100–120 r.p.m. |
German: p. 213
Published on
August 28, 2010 in
German.
The 7.5 cm Pak 97/38, introduced by Germany in 1942, consists of the 7.5 cm French Model ’97 equipment which was modified in 1940 as an antitank gun, and the German 5 cm Pak 38 carriage. The built-up tube, to which a Solothurn type perforated muzzle brake is fitted, has four hoops sweated on for additional strength.
The breechblock is the Nordenfeld eccentric screw type commonly used in the French 75 mm tube. The high-pressure, hydropneumatic recoil mechanism contains a floating piston with nitrogen gas in the recuperator cylinder which brings the gun back into battery. The recoil cylinder is of smaller diameter and contains the piston rod which recoils with the tube and forces the recoil oil into the recuperator cylinder where throttling checks the rearward movement of the tube.
The elevating and traversing mechanisms are located on the top carriage; the elevating handwheel is slightly in front of and to the left of the traversing handwheel. There is a single hydropneumatic equilibrator at the right trunnion. The protecting armor consists of two sheets of 4 mm steel plate curved to envelop the front of the weapon. Below the spaced armor is an 8 mm hinged apron. There is also a small shield above the apron that moves with the tube in elevation.
The sighting gear, which is the same as that used with the 5 cm Pak 38, is situated on an arm and bracket which move with the left trunnion. An opening in the shield allows vision for sighting instruments.
The low-slung, light-weight carriage has relatively short split trails of tubular steel. The wheels are of small diameter spokes made of compressed steel and entirely covered with buna rubber tires 4 inches wide. They are independently mounted to absorb traveling shock by free wheeling action. When the trails are spread, however, the free wheel movement is locked by a bracket so the gun will not bounce on firing. A third wheel supports the rear of the trails for transportation.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber |
|
75 mm (2.95 ins.) |
| Weight (complete) |
|
2,870 lb. |
| Length of tube & breech ring |
|
8.8 ft. |
| Length (overall) |
|
15 ft. |
| Breech mechanism |
|
Eccentric screw |
| Firing mechanism |
|
Percussion hammer |
| Recoil mechanism |
|
Hydropneumatic |
| Rifling |
|
20 lands and grooves; R.H. twist |
| Muzzle velocity (reported) |
|
2,100 f/s |
| Elevation |
|
18° |
| Depression |
|
10° |
| Traverse |
|
60° |
| Ammunition |
|
H.E.; A.P.-H.E.; Hollow charge
Also some Polish types of ammunition |
| Penetration |
|
60 mm @ 900 yds., 30° |
German: p. 121
Published on
August 28, 2010 in
German.
The 7.5 cm Gun, l.F.K. 18, was standard equipment for German Divisional Field Artillery until it was replaced by the 7.5 cm l.F.K. 38 and 7.62 cm F.K. 39 (r). The barrel is a solid-forged tube that screws into a detachable breech. The breech mechanism is a crank-operated, single-motion, horizontal sliding block type, fitted with a repeating trip-lock. It can be arranged for firing from the right-hand side only, or from either side at will. The top carriage is arranged to traverse about a vertical pivot up to 30° right and left. The cradle is mounted on the top carriage by trunnions set far to the rear. Forward preponderance is balanced by a pair of equilibrators, located one on either side of the cradle.
The screw type traversing gear is operated by a handwheel on the left side of the carriage; the elevating gear, of the toothed arc type, may be operated from either side in the case of light guns, and from the right-hand side only with heavier types.
Sighting gear consists of a pointed or indicating system on the left side. The sight is adapted to correct for 7° transverse out-of-level at any angle up to 45°. Adjustment for angle of site is provided up to +/- 12°. A panoramic telescope is also used.
The carriage of split trail construction is provided with spring suspension which is put into action automatically by closing the trails for traveling and out of action by splaying out the trails for firing. A traveling brake of the expanding type acts upon the inside of the brake drums on the wheels.
Separate-loading, high-explosive or shrapnel ammunition is used.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber |
| 75 mm (2.95 ins.) |
| Weight of gun in action |
| 2,259 lb. |
| Weight of gun |
| 628.1 lb. |
| Weight of gun in traveling position (including 3 rounds of ammunition) |
| 2,975 lb. |
| Length in calibers |
| 6.4 ft. |
| Length of recoil (maximum) |
| 3.77 ft. |
| Length of recoil (minimum) |
| 2.13 ft. |
| Muzzle velocity (maximum) |
| 1,558 f/s |
| Range |
| 10,935 yds. |
| Elevation |
| 45° |
| Depression |
| -7° |
| Traverse |
| 30° |
German: p. 120
Published on
August 28, 2010 in
German.
The “Recoilless Gun” is a short rifled howitzer containing a tube of monobloc steel construction, a breech ring, breech mechanism and block, and a venturi tube. Intended for airborne operations, the weight of the L.G. 40 has been kept to a minimum by the use of hollow machine parts, plastic washers, tubular platform, and aluminum alloy body. It is used for antitank and antipersonnel purposes.
Interrupted collars on the breech end of the tube are used to attach it to the breech rings. The tube is also machined to seat the extractor and the barrel lock. The breech, which is of the horizontal sliding block type, is operated by a lever. This lever, when depressed, also cocks the piece.
The gun has no recoil or counterrecoil system. A funneled tube (venturi) attached to the rear of the bored breechblock allows the gases to escape to the rear, thus eliminating recoil.
The sighting equipment consists of a base bracket, oscillating bracket, cross-leveling gear, range gear, telescope carrier, and telescopes.
The carriage has a circular base to which three tripod legs are pivoted in lugs. The wheels, which can be detached for transport, are light-weight metal disks fitted with solid rubber tires.
The gun can be traversed 360° by locking the elevating mechanisms, but its ordinary traverse is 60°. Elevation is limited to 42° by stops, but the rack can be locked at 20°.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber | | 7.5 cm (2.95 ins.) |
| Length of tube |
| Weight (travelling position) | | 325 lb. |
| Weight (firing position) | | 321 lb. |
| Length (travelling position) | | 45 ins. |
| Length (firing position) |
| Height (travelling position) |
| Height (firing position) |
| Width (overall) |
| Width of trail spread |
| Length of bore | | 17.5 ins. |
| No. of grooves | | 28 |
| Width of grooves | | .2 in. |
| Depth of grooves | | .03 in. |
| Width of lands |
| Muzzle velocity (H.E. shell) | | 1,197 f.s. |
| Max. range (horizontal) | | 7,400 yds. |
| Max. range (vertical) |
| Rate of fire |
| Traverse | | 30° x 2—360° |
| Elevation | | -15 +42° |
| Depression | | -15° |
| Length of recoil |
| Ammunition | | 3 types |
| Wt. of projectile | | H.E. 12 lb., 9 oz.; A.P.C.B.C. 15 lb.; hollow charge 10 lb., 2 oz. |
German: p. 119
Published on
August 28, 2010 in
German.
The 7.5 cm Geb. G. 36, used in the Tunisian campaign, is of comparatively recent manufacture. It can be broken down into six loads, each load having a maximum weight of 300 pounds. This enables the weapon to be used in mountainous country, as it can be easily transported by pack animal or in an airplane.
The tube is of monobloc construction, fitted with a perforated, six-baffled muzzle brake (some models of the gun are fitted with a perforated Solothurn type). The rear end of the piece is rectangular in shape, and dovetailed to fit into prepared recesses of the breech ring. A horizontal sliding type breech mechanism and continuous pull type firing mechanism are used in this gun. The recoil mechanism is hydropneumatic, but contrary to the usual design, both buffer and recuperator are positioned below the barrel.
The carriage is constructed of riveted and welded steel, with trunnion bearings to the rear. To preserve the proper balance, a spring equilibrator is located in the carriage immediately under the cradle. As is usual with most mountain guns, there is no shield. The carriage is mounted on steel disk wheels with solid rubber tires, and supported in firing position by riveted steel split trails with spade attachments.
The sight is graduated in mils from 0 to 1,250 (0° to 70° approx.) and also in meters from 0 to 1,000 (0 yds. to 1,094 yds.) for use with the hollow charge shell, 7.5 cm Gr. 38.
Both hollow-charge and high-explosive ammunition is used.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber |
|
75 mm (2.95 ins.) |
| Weight (complete) |
|
1,090 lb. (approx). |
| Length of gun (overall) |
|
66 ins. |
| Length of barrel (overall) |
|
56 ins. |
| Carriage |
|
Steel, mounted on solid disk wheels with solid rubber tires |
| Breech mechanism |
|
Horizontal sliding block |
| Firing mechanism |
|
Continuous pull |
| Recoil mechanism |
|
Hydropneumatic |
| Rifling |
|
Lands and grooves; R.H. twist |
| Elevation |
|
65° |
| Depression |
|
8° |
| Traverse |
|
30° |
German: p. 118
Published on
July 30, 2010 in
German.
This is the standard shoulder weapon of the German Army and is very similar to the M1903 rifle used in the American Army. Known as the Mauser Kar. 98K, it may be regarded as a carbine or a short rifle.
This rifle has no windage adjustment or peep sight but gives good results at medium range. It is a bolt-operated, magazine-fed shoulder weapon.
Older models of this weapon, which operate in the same fashion, differ only in having longer barrels and in minor variations in fittings. They are known as the Gewehr 98, Kar. 98, and Kar. 98B.
The safety is a thumb-operated lever mounted on the bolt plug, operating in the same manner as the safety on the U.S. Rifle, M1903 (Springfield). The rifle is also loaded in the same manner as the M1903 rifle—the empty clip being ejected as the bolt is closed. Double-pull trigger action is also similar. A short knife bayonet is made for this rifle and several types of rifle grenade launchers may be attached. At least two different types of telescopic sights are found when this rifle is used for sniping. One is the ZF39, a conventional Zeiss 4X sight attached to mounts which are fitted to the receiver ring and bridge. The other, the ZF41, is a short 1 1/2 x scope with long eye-relief of 16 3/4 in. which is attached to the rifle by a side mount which is attached to the left side of the rear sight base.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber |
|
7.92 mm (.312 in.) |
| Weight (approx.) |
|
9 lb. |
| Overall length |
|
43.5 ins. |
| Length of barrel |
|
23.4 ins. |
| Principle of operation |
|
Manually operated bolt action |
| Capacity of magazine |
|
5 rds. |
| Sights |
| Front |
|
Inverted V blade (which is sometimes equipped with a hood) |
| Rear |
|
Leaf with open V notch sliding on ramp, graduated from 100 to 2,000 meters. |
| Telescopic |
|
See Text |
| Muzzle velocity |
|
2,600-2,700 f/s |
| Range |
| Maximum (approx.) |
|
2,500 to 3,000 yds. |
| Effective (approx.) |
|
600 to 800 yds. |
| Ammunition |
|
7.92 mm German Mauser ground types |
German: p. 207
