German Small Arms

All articles

During World War II, German small arms included the Mauser Kar98k bolt-action rifle, the MP 40 submachine gun, and the Luger P08 pistol. The Kar98k was highly accurate, the MP 40 was favored for its compact design and rate of fire, and the Luger P08 became iconic for its reliability and precision.

Gustloff Volkssturmgewehr VG 1-5 – German Semi-automatic Assault Rifle

The Gustloff Volkssturmgewehr VG 1-5 assault rifle was designed in 1944 under the Primitive-Weapons-Program for use by the …

Posted December 13, 2024 (updated February 22, 2025) by Pascal

Walther PPK “Politische Leiter” 7,65mm – German Semi-automatic Pistol for Nazi Party Leaders

Officially called the "Ehrenwaffe für politische Leiter der NSDAP", the Walther PPK "Politische Leiter" handgun is more commonly …

Posted December 13, 2024 (updated February 19, 2025) by Pascal

Fliegerfaust B, Luftfaust B – German Hand Held Rocket Launcher

One of these developments led to a hand held anti-air bazooka-like gun. The Fliegerfaust (Pilot’s Fist) was a …

Posted May 24, 2024 (updated March 9, 2025) by Patrick

Fliegerfaust A or Luftfaust A – German Hand Held Rocket Launcher

The first known manpad was made in 1944, the company responsible for the development was the HASAG firm. …

Posted May 24, 2024 (updated March 9, 2025) by Patrick

Machinenpistole 41, MP 41 – Schmeisser – German Submachine gun

The Machinenpistole 41, MP 41, was designed in 1941 by Hugo Schmeisser, chief designer at the Erma Werke. …

Posted March 18, 2024 (updated March 9, 2025) by Patrick

Machinenpistole 40, MP 40 – Schmeisser – German Submachine Gun

The Machinepistole 40, or MP 40, was a further development of the German submachine gun from the Machinepistole …

Posted March 16, 2024 (updated March 9, 2025) by Patrick

Machinenpistole 38, MP 38 – German Submachine gun

The Machinenpistole 38, or MP 38, was a further development of the German submachine gun Machinenpistole 36, MP …

Posted March 16, 2024 (updated March 9, 2025) by Patrick

9mm Walther AP – German Semi-automatic Pistol

The 9mm semiautomatic Walther AP model pistol is based on the 1934 Walther HP pistol, with an integrated …

Posted November 26, 2023 (updated February 19, 2025) by Pascal

FG 42 – Fallschirmjägergewehr 42 – German Paratrooper Rifle

Hermann Göring urged to develop of a new weapon for his troops. The experience from the Battle of …

Posted May 18, 2023 (updated May 6, 2025) by Patrick