MP44

Learn about the Call of Duty MP44, an assault rifle firing a unique short rifle round. Historically, it was the first true assault rifle.

Historical Information: The Sturmgewehr 44 (StG 44 or StGw 44) made history as the first real assault rifle, with its designation literally translating to "assault rifle." This concept influenced Mikhail Kalashnikov's development of the AK-47. The weapon's development saw late success despite opposition, with attempts in the 1920s to combine submachine gun characteristics (high rate of fire) with rifle characteristics (accuracy, projectile power) while eliminating their disadvantages. Early attempts failed due to conservative authorities or attempts to use regular rifle ammunition.

The weapon was first used on a large scale by the 93rd ID on the eastern front. After minor changes, it was designated MP 44. In July 1944, Division commanders personally requested Hitler's approval, leading to production priority. In December 1944, it was named Sturmgewehr or Sturmgewehr 44. A total of 425,977 MP 43 and MP 44 / Sturmgewehr units were produced, with one Sturmgewehr 44 costing 66 RM.

The Sturmgewehr 44 could be fitted with the ZF 1229 Vampir, an infrared night sighting device. The scope weighed 2.3kg, with support devices in a rucksack weighing an additional 13kg. 310 of these night scopes were produced by Leitz. Another invention was the Krummerlauf ("bent barrel"), a bent barrel with a periscope sighting device for shooting around corners. Variants existed for infantry ("I") and tanks ("P") with angles of 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. Only the 30° "I" version for the StGw 44 was produced in significant numbers.