StG 44 / MP44 Replica WW2 Assault Rifle by Denix

The Grandfather of all modern assault rifles, the StG 44 (Sturmgewehr 44), was also designated as the MP44. In many respects it was a weapon design that was way ahead of its time.

Designed by Hugo Schmeisser (that famous name often mistakenly associated with the MP40, that he did not design) in 1942, production commenced in in 1943 and continuing until war's end in 1945.

Its features included a short cartridge designed for optimal range and hitting power within a few hundred metres, controlled automatic fire and a compact and ergonomic design. 

This distinctive looking rifle was used effectively by German Infantry soldiers, particularly on the Eastern front where it provided an effective volume of fire to the units equipped with it.  Its arrival late in the war failed to offer Germany a massive advantage across all of its forces, but it strongly influenced later assault rifle designs across the world.  The AK47 in particular.

The ground-breaking design of the MP44 combined the characteristics of a carbine, a submachine gun and an automatic rifle in one neat package.  

Its name ‘Sturmgewehr’ (Assault Rifle) was apparently chosen by Hitler himself for propaganda purposes. The English language translation ‘assault rifle’ remains to this day the designation for this style of small arm.

The rifle was chambered for a 7.92 x 33 Kurz cartridge, the shorter cartridge designed to help achieve greater range and hitting power than an SMG, but less power than the K98 so as to achieve a trade-off for more stable automatic fire. Most engagements being at ranges less than 300 metres, this proved to be adequate.

MAJOR STATISTICS OF THE WARTIME MP44 / StG44

Designed: 1942

Produced: 1943 - 1945

Cartridge: 7.92 x 33mm Kurz (AKA 8mm Kurz)

Action: Gas operated long stroke piston, tilting bolt, selective fire

Rate of Fire: 500 – 600 rounds per minute

Muzzle Velocity: 685 m/s

Effective Firing Range: 300 m (semi-auto with aux sighted 600 m)

Feed System: 30 round detachable box

Weight: 4.6 kg

Length: 940 mm

Barrel Length: 420 mm

The Denix Replica StG44 / MP44 is a faithful reproduction of this historic weapon being full size, full weight and with a working metal body and action and timber stock.  

We are excited to be stocking a great range of Denix replica submachine guns and assault rifles starting in 2021.

Amongst the replica submachine guns and assault rifles made by Denix that we will be stocking are:

Replica MP40 SMG

Replica Thompson SMG

Replica PPSH SMG

Replica Sten Gun SMG

Replica M41 Grease Gun SMG

Replica AK47 Assault Rifle

Replica M16 Assault Rifle

Replica MP44 Assault Rifle

NOTE: Images used of SMG and Assault Rifles until we have sales stock are of Denix guns that have been given aged and worn finishes for film and TV use. Stock guns will have a new black finish.  See our article on the site about how to age them well.