MP43
MP43
| Production of MK42h: | 11,833 |
| Production of StG43/44: | 425,977 |
| Magazine: | 35-38 rounds |
Originally the Maschinenpistole 43 was called Maschinenkarabiner 42(H). The name change was caused by Hitler, who had ordered the research into the weapon to be stopped, using his usual good judgement. To continue the research it was hidden under its new name and was soon completed, tested and shipped off to the Eastern Front in a hurry. The assault rifle proved incredibly invaluable and useful in combat.
The MK42(H) was the first assault rifle ever made, of a field which is now a very potent, if not the most potent part of all modern armies firepower.
With all its abilities combined it could basically replace light machine guns. Its ammunition had a perfect balance between penetration power and recoil: It could handle most battle ranges while being moderately easy to hold on target for short bursts. It could fire single shots, or full automatic. The full automatic was especially valuable as soldiers knew that, whether they were attacking or defending, they could bring a large amount of fire on a target in a short time.
Once it worth was proved to such an extent in combat, urgent requests poured in from front line troops. A front line troop who carried the weapon generally became more independent from heavy guns, and much more brazen, as he could bring to bear a lot more firepower when if he ran into too much resistance, and could easily be as effective as a group infantrymen with standard rifles if he knew how to use the weapon.
It was prized for its accuracy, and several variants were fitted with Zeiss ZF39 or ZF41 telescopic sights for use in sniper units
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