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German

7.92 mm M.G. 34: Dual-Purpose Machine Gun

7.92 mm M.G. 34: Dual-Purpose Machine Gun

The M.G. 34 is a standard machine gun of the German Army. It cannot be compared directly with any American automatic weapon. It is a multi-purpose weapon and is used as a light machine gun, a heavy machine gun, an antiaircraft machine gun, and also on tanks and other vehicles. Because of its adaptability, it is the most common automatic weapon used by the German Armed Forces.

Without bipod mount, the M.G. 34 weighs 24 1/4 lb., and is occasionally fired by the use of a second soldier’s shoulder as a rest. A light bipod adapts it for prone fire and with tripod mount this becomes a heavy machine gun.

The M.G. 34 is a recoil-operated, gas-assisted weapon, belt-fed, and air-cooled. It operates on the Solothurn rotating bolt-head principle. A simple mechanism makes it easy to exchange a heated barrel for a cool one. It is designed to deliver semi-automatic or full-automatic fire.

Studies at Aberdeen Proving Ground show that it is very easy to disassemble in the field, but cannot be regarded as an easy gun to manufacture on a mass production basis, as compared with the M.G. 42.

Studies of captured guns show that this weapon has a high rate of fire—too high for a light machine gun—resulting in poor accuracy in full-automatic operation. When used as a heavy machine gun it shows excellent stability. It is extremely critical as to adjustment, lubrication, and foreign matter.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber       7.92 mm (.312 in.)
Weight of gun with bipod26 1/4 lb.
Weight with H.M.G. Tripod mounting68 1/2 lb.
Overall length48 ins.
Principle of operationRecoil, assisted by muzzle booster. Solothurn type action.
Cooling systemAir
Cartridge feedFlexible metallic link belt containing 50 rds. and multiples thereof. Also 50 rd. belt drums and 75 rd. saddle-type drums.
Sights(a) A blade front sight and vertical leaf rear sight with open V notch graduated from 200 to 2,000 meters.
(b) An aperture rear sight for use with a “cartwheel” type antiaircraft front sight.
(c) A telescopic sight is used on the heavy machine gun tripod mount.
Rifling4 grooves right-hand concentric
Muzzle velocity2,500 to 3,000 f/s depending on type of round used.
Maximum range5,000 yds.
     Effective—heavy3,827 yds.
     Effective—light600 yds.
Rate of fire (cyclic)800-900 r.p.m.
     (practical)100–120 r.p.m.

German: p. 213

Categories
German

7.5 cm Pak 97/38: Antitank Gun (Ex-French)

7.5 cm Pak 97/38: Antitank Gun (Ex-French)

The 7.5 cm Pak 97/38, introduced by Germany in 1942, consists of the 7.5 cm French Model ’97 equipment which was modified in 1940 as an antitank gun, and the German 5 cm Pak 38 carriage. The built-up tube, to which a Solothurn type perforated muzzle brake is fitted, has four hoops sweated on for additional strength.

The breechblock is the Nordenfeld eccentric screw type commonly used in the French 75 mm tube. The high-pressure, hydropneumatic recoil mechanism contains a floating piston with nitrogen gas in the recuperator cylinder which brings the gun back into battery. The recoil cylinder is of smaller diameter and contains the piston rod which recoils with the tube and forces the recoil oil into the recuperator cylinder where throttling checks the rearward movement of the tube.

The elevating and traversing mechanisms are located on the top carriage; the elevating handwheel is slightly in front of and to the left of the traversing handwheel. There is a single hydropneumatic equilibrator at the right trunnion. The protecting armor consists of two sheets of 4 mm steel plate curved to envelop the front of the weapon. Below the spaced armor is an 8 mm hinged apron. There is also a small shield above the apron that moves with the tube in elevation.

The sighting gear, which is the same as that used with the 5 cm Pak 38, is situated on an arm and bracket which move with the left trunnion. An opening in the shield allows vision for sighting instruments.

The low-slung, light-weight carriage has relatively short split trails of tubular steel. The wheels are of small diameter spokes made of compressed steel and entirely covered with buna rubber tires 4 inches wide. They are independently mounted to absorb traveling shock by free wheeling action. When the trails are spread, however, the free wheel movement is locked by a bracket so the gun will not bounce on firing. A third wheel supports the rear of the trails for transportation.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         75 mm (2.95 ins.)
Weight (complete) 2,870 lb.
Length of tube & breech ring 8.8 ft.
Length (overall) 15 ft.
Breech mechanism Eccentric screw
Firing mechanism Percussion hammer
Recoil mechanism Hydropneumatic
Rifling 20 lands and grooves; R.H. twist
Muzzle velocity (reported) 2,100 f/s
Elevation 18°
Depression 10°
Traverse 60°
Ammunition H.E.; A.P.-H.E.; Hollow charge
Also some Polish types of ammunition
Penetration 60 mm @ 900 yds., 30°

German: p. 121

Categories
German

7.5 cm l.F.K. 18: Light Field Gun

7.5 cm l.F.K. 18: Light Field Gun

The 7.5 cm Gun, l.F.K. 18, was standard equipment for German Divisional Field Artillery until it was replaced by the 7.5 cm l.F.K. 38 and 7.62 cm F.K. 39 (r). The barrel is a solid-forged tube that screws into a detachable breech. The breech mechanism is a crank-operated, single-motion, horizontal sliding block type, fitted with a repeating trip-lock. It can be arranged for firing from the right-hand side only, or from either side at will. The top carriage is arranged to traverse about a vertical pivot up to 30° right and left. The cradle is mounted on the top carriage by trunnions set far to the rear. Forward preponderance is balanced by a pair of equilibrators, located one on either side of the cradle.

The screw type traversing gear is operated by a handwheel on the left side of the carriage; the elevating gear, of the toothed arc type, may be operated from either side in the case of light guns, and from the right-hand side only with heavier types.

Sighting gear consists of a pointed or indicating system on the left side. The sight is adapted to correct for 7° transverse out-of-level at any angle up to 45°. Adjustment for angle of site is provided up to +/- 12°. A panoramic telescope is also used.

The carriage of split trail construction is provided with spring suspension which is put into action automatically by closing the trails for traveling and out of action by splaying out the trails for firing. A traveling brake of the expanding type acts upon the inside of the brake drums on the wheels.

Separate-loading, high-explosive or shrapnel ammunition is used.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber 75 mm (2.95 ins.)
Weight of gun in action        2,259 lb.
Weight of gun 628.1 lb.
Weight of gun in traveling position (including 3 rounds of ammunition) 2,975 lb.
Length in calibers 6.4 ft.
Length of recoil (maximum) 3.77 ft.
Length of recoil (minimum) 2.13 ft.
Muzzle velocity (maximum) 1,558 f/s
Range 10,935 yds.
Elevation 45°
Depression -7°
Traverse 30°

German: p. 120

Categories
German

7.5 cm L.G. 40: Recoilless Airborne Gun

7.5 cm L. G. 40: Recoilless Airborne Gun German

The “Recoilless Gun” is a short rifled howitzer containing a tube of monobloc steel construction, a breech ring, breech mechanism and block, and a venturi tube. Intended for airborne operations, the weight of the L.G. 40 has been kept to a minimum by the use of hollow machine parts, plastic washers, tubular platform, and aluminum alloy body. It is used for antitank and antipersonnel purposes.

Interrupted collars on the breech end of the tube are used to attach it to the breech rings. The tube is also machined to seat the extractor and the barrel lock. The breech, which is of the horizontal sliding block type, is operated by a lever. This lever, when depressed, also cocks the piece.

The gun has no recoil or counterrecoil system. A funneled tube (venturi) attached to the rear of the bored breechblock allows the gases to escape to the rear, thus eliminating recoil.

The sighting equipment consists of a base bracket, oscillating bracket, cross-leveling gear, range gear, telescope carrier, and telescopes.

The carriage has a circular base to which three tripod legs are pivoted in lugs. The wheels, which can be detached for transport, are light-weight metal disks fitted with solid rubber tires.

The gun can be traversed 360° by locking the elevating mechanisms, but its ordinary traverse is 60°. Elevation is limited to 42° by stops, but the rack can be locked at 20°.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber        7.5 cm (2.95 ins.)
Length of tube
Weight (travelling position) 325 lb.
Weight (firing position) 321 lb.
Length (travelling position) 45 ins.
Length (firing position)
Height (travelling position)
Height (firing position)
Width (overall)
Width of trail spread
Length of bore 17.5 ins.
No. of grooves 28
Width of grooves .2 in.
Depth of grooves .03 in.
Width of lands
Muzzle velocity (H.E. shell) 1,197 f.s.
Max. range (horizontal) 7,400 yds.
Max. range (vertical)
Rate of fire
Traverse 30° x 2—360°
Elevation -15 +42°
Depression -15°
Length of recoil
Ammunition 3 types
Wt. of projectileH.E. 12 lb., 9 oz.; A.P.C.B.C. 15 lb.; hollow charge 10 lb., 2 oz.

German: p. 119

Categories
German

7.5 cm Geb. G. 36: Mountain Gun

7.5 cm Geb. G. 36: Mountain Gun: Gebirgsgeschütz

The 7.5 cm Geb. G. 36, used in the Tunisian campaign, is of comparatively recent manufacture. It can be broken down into six loads, each load having a maximum weight of 300 pounds. This enables the weapon to be used in mountainous country, as it can be easily transported by pack animal or in an airplane.

The tube is of monobloc construction, fitted with a perforated, six-baffled muzzle brake (some models of the gun are fitted with a perforated Solothurn type). The rear end of the piece is rectangular in shape, and dovetailed to fit into prepared recesses of the breech ring. A horizontal sliding type breech mechanism and continuous pull type firing mechanism are used in this gun. The recoil mechanism is hydropneumatic, but contrary to the usual design, both buffer and recuperator are positioned below the barrel.

The carriage is constructed of riveted and welded steel, with trunnion bearings to the rear. To preserve the proper balance, a spring equilibrator is located in the carriage immediately under the cradle. As is usual with most mountain guns, there is no shield. The carriage is mounted on steel disk wheels with solid rubber tires, and supported in firing position by riveted steel split trails with spade attachments.

The sight is graduated in mils from 0 to 1,250 (0° to 70° approx.) and also in meters from 0 to 1,000 (0 yds. to 1,094 yds.) for use with the hollow charge shell, 7.5 cm Gr. 38.

Both hollow-charge and high-explosive ammunition is used.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         75 mm (2.95 ins.)
Weight (complete) 1,090 lb. (approx).
Length of gun (overall) 66 ins.
Length of barrel (overall) 56 ins.
Carriage Steel, mounted on solid disk wheels with solid rubber tires
Breech mechanism Horizontal sliding block
Firing mechanism Continuous pull
Recoil mechanism Hydropneumatic
Rifling Lands and grooves; R.H. twist
Elevation 65°
Depression 8°
Traverse 30°

German: p. 118

Categories
German

7.92 mm Karbiner 98K (Mauser-Kar. 98K): Rifle

7.92 mm Karbiner 98K (Mauser-Kar. 98K): Rifle

This is the standard shoulder weapon of the German Army and is very similar to the M1903 rifle used in the American Army. Known as the Mauser Kar. 98K, it may be regarded as a carbine or a short rifle.

This rifle has no windage adjustment or peep sight but gives good results at medium range. It is a bolt-operated, magazine-fed shoulder weapon.

Older models of this weapon, which operate in the same fashion, differ only in having longer barrels and in minor variations in fittings. They are known as the Gewehr 98, Kar. 98, and Kar. 98B.

The safety is a thumb-operated lever mounted on the bolt plug, operating in the same manner as the safety on the U.S. Rifle, M1903 (Springfield). The rifle is also loaded in the same manner as the M1903 rifle—the empty clip being ejected as the bolt is closed. Double-pull trigger action is also similar. A short knife bayonet is made for this rifle and several types of rifle grenade launchers may be attached. At least two different types of telescopic sights are found when this rifle is used for sniping. One is the ZF39, a conventional Zeiss 4X sight attached to mounts which are fitted to the receiver ring and bridge. The other, the ZF41, is a short 1 1/2 x scope with long eye-relief of 16 3/4 in. which is attached to the rifle by a side mount which is attached to the left side of the rear sight base.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         7.92 mm (.312 in.)
Weight (approx.) 9 lb.
Overall length 43.5 ins.
Length of barrel 23.4 ins.
Principle of operation Manually operated bolt action
Capacity of magazine 5 rds.
Sights
     Front Inverted V blade (which is sometimes equipped with a hood)
     Rear Leaf with open V notch sliding on ramp, graduated from 100 to 2,000 meters.
     Telescopic See Text
Muzzle velocity 2,600-2,700 f/s
Range
     Maximum (approx.) 2,500 to 3,000 yds.
     Effective (approx.) 600 to 800 yds.
Ammunition 7.92 mm German Mauser ground types

German: p. 207

Categories
German

15 cm s.F.H. 18: Medium Howitzer

15 cm s.F.H. 18: Medium Howitzer

This howitzer has been in use by the German Army since before 1939, and is soon to be replaced by the s.F.H. 42. It has a horizontal sliding breechblock mechanism, and a hydropneumatic recoil mechanism.

This gun is mounted on the Pz. Kpfw. IV tank chassis, also on the French Lorrain tank chassis. A captured document states that the new s.F.H. 42 gun is fitted with a muzzle brake and bored-out chamber for use with charge 8 ammunition. The s.F.H. 42 gun uses the same range table as the s.F.H. 18 gun.

The gun is generally tractor-drawn with a two-wheeled limber attached to the trails. The tube is moved out of battery into transport on the cradle. Braking the piece in transport can be accomplished either by hand or by air brakes controlled from the prime mover.

The tube is of monobloc construction fitting into a reinforcing jacket. The breech ring is secured to the jacket and receives the horizontal sliding breechblock. Located above the tube is the counterrecoil cylinder and the lower cylinder under the tube brakes the gun in recoil and serves as a buffer in counterrecoil. A cooling jacket is found around the recoil cylinder.

The carriage interchangeable with the 10 cm (s. 10 cm K 18) med. gun is constructed of welded and riveted steel with split trails mounted on solid rubber tires. Detachable spades for soft soil are attached to the rear end of the trails when desired but are mounted to the side of the trails in transport.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         14.9 cm (5.91 ins.)
Length of tube
Weight (travelling position) 8.8 tons
Weight (firing position) 6 tons
Length (travelling position)
Length (firing position)
Height (travelling position)
Height (firing position)
Width (overall)
Width of trail spread
Length of bore 142.6 ins.
No. of grooves 40 right hand twist
Width of grooves
Depth of grooves
Width of lands
Muzzle velocity (shell) 1,705 f.s.
Max. range (horizontal) 14,570 yds.
Max. range (vertical)
Rate of fire 4 rds. per min.
Traverse 60°
Elevation 45°
Depression
Length of recoil 44.09 ins.
Ammunition H.E. (3 types—anticoncrete—smoke (2 types)—A.P.
Wt. of projectile (H.E.) 95.7 lb.

German: p. 105

Categories
German

7.62 cm Pak 36 (r): Antitank Gun (Ex-Russian)

7.62 cm Pak 36 (r): Antitank Gun (Ex-Russian)

The original 7.62 cm Pak 36, a Russian weapon, was captured by the Nazis and modified to increase the velocity. The built-up tube was rebored to seat a longer cartrige case, and a two-baffled muzzle brake added to cut down recoil energy. The breech mechanism is of the vertical sliding type, and the firing mechanism of the continuous pull type. The breech ring has been bored to seat a safety lock which holds the firing mechanism in a safe or firing position. A firing lever attached to the left side of the cradle enables the gunner to traverse as well as fire the piece. The elevating handwheel is generally situated on the right side of the cradle. Two puller type equilibrators located under the front of the cradle and attached to the rear by chains compensate for muzzle preponderance.

The carriage is of welded steel construction with synthetic filled pneumatic tires and split trails, which can be spread to an angle of 60 ° for firing. The hydropneumatic recoil system consists of two cylinders, one for recoil and the other for counterrecoil. This model is semi-automatic in operation.

The weapon is reported to use the following types of ammunition: A.P.C.; H.E. A sight bracket is attached to the left of the trunnion, and the German range indicator is graduated for the types of ammunition mentioned above.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         76.2 mm (3 ins.)
Weight (complete) 3,564 lb.
Length of gun (overall) 23 ft., 5 ins.
Length of tube 12 ft., 1 in.
Carriage Steel split trails with rubber tires
Breech mechanism Vertical sliding block
Firing mechanism Continuous pull
Recoil mechanism Hydropneumatic
Rifling 32 lands & grooves; R.H. twist
Elevation 72°
Depression -4°
Traverse 27° right; 30° left
Penetration

  Range        Thickness of armor in mm
  Yards           30°         Normal
P.B.   4.1 5.2
500   3.7 4.6
1000   3.2 4.1
1500   2.9 3.6
2000   2.5 3.1
2500   2.2 2.8
M.V. 2430 f/s
Wt. of shell 16.7 lb.

German: p. 116

Categories
German

7.62 cm F.K. 39 (r): Antitank Gun (Ex-Russian)

7.62 cm F.K. 39 (r): Antitank Gun (Ex-Russian)

This gun, recently captured in Sicily, has the general simplicity of design characteristic of most Russian weapons. This was formerly a Russian piece, modified by the Germans to use Pak 36 (r) ammunition. The tube which is provided with a jacket is shorter than the Russian 7.62 cm F.K. 36, and is fitted with a double baffled muzzle brake, similar to that used on the 7.5 cm Pak 40. The breechblock is of the vertical falling block type, and appears to be wholly hand operated.

The buffer is located inside the cradle, whereas the recuperator is mounted above the piece. On recoil, the recuperator cylinder moves with the barrel, the piston rod being attached to the upper end of the bracket which is secured to the forward end of the cradle.

Sighting gear consists of a range drum (calibrated for use with Pz. Gr. 40 and Pz. Gr. 39 ammunition) and dial sight carrier mounted on the left trunnion. There appears to be no provision for a telescopic antitank sight.

Traversing and elevating mechanisms are operated by handwheels on the left and right hand sides of the gun.

The weapon is mounted on a crosshead consisting of a short hollow rectangular shaft provided with bearings at either end for the trail heads. The split trails, constructed from rectangular girders, are operated by traversing handles secured to each trail end. Wheels are disk type with pneumatic type tires filled with synthetic.

The shield is a single flat sheet of metal cut away at the lower corners for the wheels. The top is curved upward to the center where there is a sliding center piece over the barrel. A rectangular sighting aperture with sliding cover is cut out on the left hand side in front of the dial sight carrier.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         76.2 mm
Length (overall with muzzle brake) 11.4 ft.
Length of barrel (including breech ring) 10.4 ft.
Length of barrel 299 cm (9.8 ft.)
Rifling 32 lands and grooves; R.H. twist
Length of rifling 215 cm (7.05 ft.)
Max. range 14,216 yds.
Wt. in action 3,535 lb.

German: p. 115

Categories
German

s. Pz. Sp. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 231, 232, 263): 6-Wheeled Armored Cars

s. Pz. Sp. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 231, 232, 263): 6-Wheeled Armored Cars

This six-wheeled armored car is a heavy, highly mobile vehicle with a four-man crew. It is armed with one 20 mm KwK 30 and one M. G. 34 coaxially mounted in the turret.

Like the 8 Rad Panzerspähwagen, the six-wheeled vehicle can be operated from either the front or rear, duplicate controls being fitted at either end. Steering is by front wheels only. It has a six-wheeled final drive; single wheels at the front, and dual double wheels at the rear. The front springs are fitted to the frame with shock absorbers. The rear springs are suspended by tubular traverse, semi-elliptical springs. It has six forward and six reverse speeds.

Special gripper chains are available for fitting over the rear wheels, thus giving each pair the function of a track. Slightly smaller wheels may be fitted outside the front wheels giving extra traction on soft ground.

The engine, manufactured by Bussing Nag, is a water-cooled, 100 horsepower, gasoline type. The superstructure is built by Deutsche Werke, Kiel.

This vehicle carries the same nomenclature as its 8-wheeled counterpart. Model 231 is the heavily armored variation carrying both the cannon and the machine gun. No. 232 is a wireless command vehicle and No. 263 an armored wireless vehicle without the 20 mm gun.

These cars are used for reconnaissance, police patrol work, as command vehicles, and as radio receiving and sending stations.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         6 tons
Length 18 ft., 5 ins.
Width 6 ft., 1 in.
Height 7 ft., 4 ins.
Ground clearance 9 ins.
Suspension Dual double wheels at rear, single wheels at front
Wheel base Between axles 1 and 2—8 ft., 3 ins.
  Between axles 2 and 3—2 ft., 11 ins.
Size tires 8.27 x 18
Fording depth 2 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 156 miles
     Cross-country 93 miles
Speed
     Roads 45 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 20 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 15 mm
     Sides 7.5 mm
Armament 2 cm Kw.K. 30
  7.92 mm M.G. 34
Ammunition
Engine Bussing Nag, 100 hp.
Transmission Constant mesh, helical gear—6 speeds forward, 6 reverse
Steering Worm and nut
Crew 4

German: p. 42