BLANCO COUNTY WW2 MUSEUM

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                MP 40

The 9 mm MP 38/40 (MP designates Maschinenpistole.), often referred to as a Schmeisser, was a  submachine gun developed and used extensively by German paratroopers, tank crews, platoon and squad leaders, and other troops during World War II.   The MP 40 was fed by a 32 round magazine and had a rate of fire of approximately 500 rounds per minute.  It had a forward folding metal stock which was a first for a submachine gun and provided enhanced stability for aimed firing.   

 

                                                            

          StG 44  ASSAULT RIFLE

The StG 44 (Sturmgewehr 44, literally "storm (or assault) rifle" also referred to as the MP 44, was an assault rifle that was the first of its kind to see major deployment.  It is considered by most to be the first modern assault rifle.  It was the first successful weapon of its class, and the concept had a major impact on modern infantry small arms development.

The StG 44 employed a scaled down 7.92 mm round which allowed the individual soldier to carry more ammunition into battle.  The weapon was fed by a 30 round detachable magazine.  By all accounts, the StG 44 fulfilled its role admirably, particularly on the Eastern Front, offering a greatly increased volume of fire compared to standard infantry rifles.

The infantry soldier was issued a pair of canvas pouches that carried three 30 round magazines each. This provided the average soldier with a pretty impressive amount of firepower.  

In the end, much like the other technological advances that came to the battle field, it was too late to have a significant effect on the outcome of the war.