Finally shooting the MP44-pics

[Combat Diver]

As promised here you go form Iraq. (forth time trying to get this to post)

Today was finally the day. We ended up shooting 75 of the 90 rounds of the 7.92x33 Kurz out of two MP44s. Again only have one magazine for the two. The gun I'm shooting was found inside of one of Saddam's palace's here in Baghdad and is in excellent shape for being 60 years old. The second is in lesser shape but both fired flawessly. One failure to fire (good firing pin hit, fired second time). Ammo was East German manufactured in 1961 and was said to have been found in Uday's palace. Seems they liked MP44 too. Very controlable when firing 2-3 round bursts. Cyclic rate is 500rpm and I was even able to fire single shots on auto. Taking the gun apart it is very aparent which parts the Russians copied for the AK and how CEMTE and HK developed their guns from her. The dust cover is almost copied the same for the AR15/M16. The first assault rifle was very advanced for its time. Had a great time shooting the guns only need more ammo now. Enjoy the pics.

Here Saddam's MP44. Persian Mauser 98 below.


Here I'm firing a 2-3 round burst off. Yes that's a M1911A1 in the holster.


The cartridges



CD

[Chris196]

Once in a life time opportunity.

Very cool CD.

[1001001]

I assume you realize you're shooting an incredible piece of history...While making history yourself.

Good job.

[Urban Warrior]

That is incredible a Stg 44!!!! Nice pic's. I've only seen 1 other in my entire life.

CD what will be the fate of this weapon? Museum?, Destroyed?, Someone's collection? (hopefully)....

Be careful over there!!....UW

[Combat Diver]

Trying to get it stateside to one of the Army museums.

[eerw]

very nice...that is a beautiful piece of history..

[lkblair]

Thank you!!! the last post with all the photos, that 44 was the best. Thanks for the update!! ThANKS!!

[JohnS]

Thanks that was good of you to share.
The STG was the blueprint for the assault rifles. Even our AR platform is a copy. Kalshnikov denied it had anything to do with his design. ( Typical cold war Russian bullshi**er. )
I hope you get it to a museum.

[squiggy]

have to ask.. what kind of 1911 is that??

[Combat Diver]

Squiggy,

Except for the CT Laser Grips she's a stock Govt M1911A1. Frame is a Remington-Rand built 1944, Ithaca slide and a 1960 era Smith and Wesson contract barrel. Ammo is WCC 62' inside Wilson Combat 8 rd mags.

[5pins]

Wow that would be so cool to shoot one of them. I saw one at the Aberdeen proving grounds museum and I have one round of ammo in my collection.

Are they issuing you 42 year old ammo for your .45s now?

[squiggy]

thanks alot for the great pictures and info....

[WilsonKZ45]

Amazing. I'm stunned by how cool this is.

[lkblair]

Lets keep this at the top of our list for a few days.........I like seeing it.

[lkblair]

Also, is the MP44 a open bolt?

[Combat Diver]

As far as the .45 ammo goes, shot up the current Winchester and Hirtenberger stuff all was left was the WCC.

No, the MP44 series fires from the closed bolt. The prototype the MKb 42(H) did fire from the open bolt was change to the close bolt in the MP43 which became the MP44/STG44.

[JRJ]

Great pics. That is truly awesome. Stay safe.

[Bimmercat]

I know everybody is oooh and ahhing over the Stg 44 and it IS an incredible piece of history you're playing around with, but the Persian 8mm Mauser is also one sweet shooting rifle.

- Bimmercat

[lkblair]

Isnt the P 98 just a Mauser? I hanvt heard of one before.

[Bimmercat]

The Persian Mauser Long Rifle is actually a variation of the WWI German Gewehr 98 long rifle. It was made by BRNO by the Czechs and is of the highest quality in fit and finish. They're fine shooting rifles and one of the most well-finished of the 98 Mauser variants to be found anywhere.

- Bimmercat

[squiggy]

I am wondering... if it is not too off topic or out of line to ask... you are in the military in Iraq? combat diver? would guess seal? the 1911 was issued or how did you come about packing it? have you used the 1911 in combat? by the way thanks again for the great pics... as a military man over there you have definitely earned the wright to fire those fine historical weapons...

[Combat Diver]

Squiggy,

Yes, I'm in Iraq. No, I'm not a SEAL however trained with them many of time and they're at the other end of the range. (I'm an Army diver). Yes, the M1911A1 is issue and no haven't had a chance it fire it in anger yet.


Bimmercat,

Concur on the quality of the 98. She has a excellent bore and only some slight rust on the first barrel band. Had some 8mm Green tracer ammo (NK manufactured in 1982) that shoot excellent. Do wish I could take her home but regulations prevent that.

CD

[AJMBLAZER]

Hey Combat Diver, sweet find. Excuse my ignorance, haven't found the earlier post, but what other goodies did Saddam and his boys have in there? That MP44's exactly NOT what I would have expected to find there.

[Bimmercat]

Combat Diver,

I believe the NK headstamp is Austrian Hirtenberger made ammo. Wild...how does this strange smorgasboard of military surplus stuff wind up over there? Stg44s, 98 Mausers...I have even seen photos of captured British enfields, Hi-Powers and SKS rifles...run across anythign like that yet?

Good to see the 1911 still as an issue piece. Dad was a USMC MP and carried one for many years. We grew up shooting the M1911A1 and Dad "liberated" his carry sidearm when he left to Corps in 66.

Be careful over there...and...for God sakes...find some WMDs for us...just a little one, maybe? To keep the Demo-rats off our behinds.

- Bimmercat

[litman252]

Nice pices all the way around. Stay safe, come back soon and thanks for being there.

Tony