WW2 Machine Guns

Aviation and Binoculars has a number of WW2 Machine guns and Assault Rifles for sale. These are often in relic condition and have an historically interesting provenance for where they were recovered from. They make incredible display items fit for any home, man cave or display setting.

The first question to ask is what are the differences between a Machine Gun, Sub Machine Gun and Assault Rifle?

Machine Gun – A machine gun is a fully automatic firearm designed to fire bullets in rapid succession from an ammunition belt or magazine. Machine guns are usually heavier and larger, intended for sustained fire over a longer period. They are typically used by infantry, mounted on vehicles, or fixed installations.

Submachine Gun (SMG) – A submachine gun is a lightweight, compact, fully automatic firearm designed to fire pistol-calibre cartridges. These firearms are intended for close-quarters combat and are often used by special forces, paratroopers, and vehicle crews. Submachine guns have a high rate of fire and are easy to manoeuvre due to their smaller size and lighter weight.

Assault Rifle – An assault rifle is a selective-fire rifle (capable of both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire) that uses intermediate cartridges. These cartridges are more powerful than pistol ammunition but less powerful than traditional rifle ammunition. Assault rifles are designed for versatility, combining the accuracy and range of a rifle with the firepower of a submachine gun. They are standard issue for modern infantry.

Examples of each available from Aviation and Binoculars:

Machine Guns

MG34 (Maschinengewehr 34) -The MG34 was one of the most advanced and versatile machine guns of its time. Developed in the 1930s by Mauser Werke, it was designed to be a general-purpose machine gun, capable of performing various roles in combat. It could be used as a light machine gun when fired from a bipod or as a heavy machine gun when mounted on a tripod. The MG34 was highly regarded for its accuracy, high rate of fire (up to 900 rounds per minute), and reliability. However, its complex and time-consuming manufacturing process made it less suitable for mass production.

Machine Guns

MG42 (Maschinengewehr 42) – The MG42 was introduced to address the production issues of the MG34. Designed by Metall und Lackierwarenfabrik Johannes Grossfuss AG, it was simpler and cheaper to produce, while maintaining excellent performance. The MG42 had an even higher rate of fire, reaching up to 1,200 rounds per minute, earning it the nickname “Hitler’s Buzzsaw.” Its robust design and ease of manufacture made it a favourite among German troops and a formidable weapon on the battlefield.

Sub Machine Guns

MP40 (Maschinenpistole 40) – The MP40, also known as the “Schmeisser” (though it was not designed by Hugo Schmeisser), was one of the most iconic submachine guns of WWII. Designed by Heinrich Vollmer, it was primarily issued to paratroopers, platoon and squad leaders, and other specialized troops. The MP40 was known for its compact size, ease of use, and high rate of fire. It fired 9mm Parabellum rounds from a 32-round magazine and had a rate of fire of around 500-550 rounds per minute. It’s simple, cost-effective design made it suitable for mass production, and it was widely used by German forces throughout the war.

Assault Rifles

StG 44 (Sturmgewehr 44) – The StG 44 is often considered the world’s first true assault rifle. Developed by Hugo Schmeisser and introduced in 1944, it combined the features of a rifle, submachine gun, and light machine gun. The StG 44 used intermediate cartridges, which provided a balance between the long-range accuracy of a rifle and the high rate of fire of a submachine gun. It had a 30-round detachable magazine and a selective fire mechanism, allowing soldiers to switch between semi-automatic and fully automatic modes. The StG 44 proved to be highly effective in combat, influencing the development of future assault rifles, including the famous AK-47.

German WWII machine guns, submachine guns, and assault rifles were innovative and advanced for their time. The MG34 and MG42 set new standards for machine gun design, while the MP40 became an iconic and widely used submachine gun. The StG 44 pioneered the concept of the modern assault rifle. These weapons played a significant role in the effectiveness of the German military during the war, and their legacy continues to influence firearm design to this day. They were perhaps the most iconic weapons used during the Second World War, we have sourced examples of each and either mounted them or preserved them in original condition. These would make a great addition to any collection or as a stunning display piece. Please contact us at Aviation and Binoculars for any further information and availability.

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