SS Units - guns & machineguns

K-98k Mauser:
Ammunition: 7.9mm x 57 (8mm Mauser)
Selector: None (Bolt Action)
Feed: 5 round internal magazine, and stripper clips
(Top: K98k with grenade launcher)

This was the German armed forces standard combat rifle.  It was based on the weapon used by the Germans in WWI.  The rifle was shortened and made lighter than the WWI version, but it was basically the same rifle.  Sniper versions were produced, and the rifle could be modified to accept a grenade (see above).  Many of Germany's allies used a version of the K98k Mauser, and many other countries had their own version of this reliable rifle.

This rifle was an attempt by the Germans to produce a semi-auto rifle to replace the K98k mauser, which was the standard issue of their armed forces.  Unlike the U.S. which issued the semi-auto 30.06 M1 rifle, the Germans still armed the majority of their troops with a WWI style bolt action rifle. The G-43(W) (and earlier prototypes were based on the gas operated Russian Tokarev system.  The G-43(W) went into mass production in 1943. The rifle was not produced in large numbers.  It was used primarily as a sniper rifle. 

Maschinenpistole 40/I (MP40/I):
Ammunition: 9mm x 19mm Pistole Patrone '08 (9mm Parabellum)
Selector: None (Full automatic)
Feed: 32 round clip

The mp40 was designed in the inter war years by Germany to fill the need for a light, fast assault weapon.  The mp40 featured a folding stock, and a large capacity clip.  The mp 40 was to be used by assault troops (which were pioneered by Germany in WWI).  These troops needed a light fast gun which could lay down a large volume of fire. 

Sturmgewehr 44:
Ammunition: 7.92 x 33mm Kurz Patrone 43
Selector: Semi-automatic/ Full automatic
Feed: 30 round magazine

The Sturmgewehr was the world's first assault weapon.  It fired an intermediate round (larger than pistol ammunition, and smaller than rifle ammunition).  It had a large clip, and could be fired semi-automatic, or full automatic.  The famous AK-47 was based on a Sturmgewehr that was captured by a Russian tank crewman.  The Sturmgewehr was intended to replace the K98k masuser rifle.  The Sturmgewehr was produced in 1943, but allied bombing and lack of materials resulted in the rifle being produced only in small numbers.

Maschinengewehr 34:
Ammunition: 7.92mm x 57mm Gewehr Patrone 98 (8mm Mauser)
Selector : Semi-automatic/ Full automatic
Feed: Belt (50 round belts, can be linked) or 75 round belt less saddle drum (shown above)

This machine gun was revolutionary in its design and use.  The maschinengewher 34 was designed to be a universal machine gun.  Other countries armed their troops with light and heavy machine guns, but the Germans used the MG34 for both roles.  The MG34 had a high rate of fire, it was light, and it could be fired on the run, by one or two men.  The MG34 was also used as an anti-aircraft weapon.

Maschinengewehr 42:
Ammunition: 7.92mm x 57mm Gewehr Patrone 98 (8mm Mauser)
Selector: None (Full automatic)
Feed: Belt (50 round belts, can be linked)

The MG42 was developed by Germany to replace the MG34.  The MG42 was stamped, (the MG34 was milled) making it cheaper, and faster to produce than the MG34.  It had an improved firing system, which stood up under the most severe battlefield conditions.  It used the same accesories as the MG34, which made cross training easier for the German soldiers.  The MG42 also had a fearsome rate of fire of 1,200 rpm, giving it the nickname "Hitler's buzz saw" by the Allied troops.