Author: Lone_Sentry_Admin

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German

Holzmine 42: Wooden Box Mine

Holzmine 42: Wooden Box Mine

The body of the German Holzmine 42 consists of a wooden box of 3/4-inch lumber divided into four compartments by removable partitions. The two side compartments contain the main explosive filling; the central compartment the 7-ounce primer charges; and the end compartment the operating mechanism.

The main filling consists of two charges of 50/50 Amatol covered with a bitumastic substance as a protection against water. While it is believed that several different types of primer charges are used, three Sprenngkorper 28 charges are presumed to be standard for the mine.

The end compartment contains a shearing flange secured to the outside wall by two 3/8-inch wooden dowels. It is provided with a central slot to receive the end of the striker. The igniter rest consists of a small block of wood with a U-shaped piece cut out at the top, and screwed to the base from the underside.

When the mine is armed, the feet of the pressure block rest on the shear flange, in which position the head of the pressure block projects about two inches above the lid. During transit, the pressure block is reversed so that the feet rest on blocks in the bottom of the box.

A pressure of approximately 200 pounds on the pressure block shears the dowels securing the shear flange to the outer wall of the mine and forces the flange down onto the igniter pin which is withdrawn freeing the spring-loaded striker. The fuze used is the standard German Z. Z. 42.

The Holzmine 42 has also been used as a booby trap by employing an anti-lifting device. This device which is fitted into a hole underneath the central compartment is believed to consist of a Z. Z. 35 fuze screwed into a 7-ounce charge.

SPECIFICATIONS

Internal dimensions      11.4 x 10.7 x 3.2 ins.
Size of lid 13 x 12 x 3/4 ins.
Size of aperture in lid6.4 x 2.5 ins.
Pressure block (without feet) 6 x 2.4 x 2.4 ins.
Size of compartments:
   Main charges 4.5 x 7.7 ins.
   Priming charges1.7 x 6.8 ins.
Thickness of partitions.19 in.
Size of shearing flange 7.6 x 1.25 x .5 ins.
Size of slot in shearing flange.27 x .67 in.
Size of wooden blocks 3.1 x .78 x .86 ins. deep
Main explosiveAmatol 50/50
Total weight of explosive 11.9 lb.
Total weight of mine 18 lb.

German: p. 304.3

Categories
German

Riegel Mine 43 (R.-Mi. 43), Sprengriegel 43 (Spr. R. 43): Antitank Mine

Riegel Mine 43 (R.-Mi. 43), Sprengriegel 43 (Spr. R. 43): Antitank Mine

The Sprengriegel 43 or “high-explosive bar mine” is used in open country, on roads, and in minefields. It consists of three main parts: a metal encased charge of TNT, a sheet steel tray, and a lid which acts as a pressure plate on the charge.

The charge is provided with five igniter sockets: two for the main igniters (Type Z. Z. 42) are located in the ends of the charge and are recessed so that only the ends of the igniters show when they are fitted and laid; the other three are for the new tilt igniter 43 (Ki. Z. 43) or other antilifting or trip-wire igniters. One of the latter three sockets is located in the top center of the charge; the other two are in one side five inches from the ends. By reversing one of the main igniters with its wings below the end pressure plate, it will function as an antilifting device. The mine may also be fired electrically by remote control.

The tray is equipped with shear wires which are threaded through reinforcing strips welded to the inner sides of the tray. The ends of the tray are folded over on top to form slotted pressure plates to actuate the Z. Z. 42 igniters fitted to each end of the charge. Near each end are holes through which safety bars are threaded to keep the charge clear of the shear wires in the unarmed position. A thin red line painted along the sides of the tray one-half inch from the bottom indicates the correct position of the lid when the mine is armed.

The lid of spot welded sheet steel construction is equipped with a handle at one end. It, too, is fitted with holes to correspond with the sockets, shear wires, and safety bars.

A pressure of about 440 pounds at either end, or 880 pounds in the center of the mine forces the lid and charge down, shearing the wires and actuating the igniters which set off the main charge.

SPECIFICATIONS

Overall length        31 1/2 ins.
Overall width 3 3/4 ins.
Height (laid) 3 1/2 ins.
Total weight (approx.) 20.5 lb.
Color Light khaki
Thickness of casing (approx.) .04 in.
Weight of charge 8.8 lb.
Main igniters Type Z. Z. 42
Firing pressure (ends) 440 lb.
Firing pressure (center) 880 lb.

German: p. 304.2

Categories
German

T. Mi. 29: Antitank Mine

T. Mi. 29: Antitank Mine

The German Mine, T. Mi. 29, is a light antitank mine having a total weight of 13 1/4 pounds. It is 10 inches in diameter, 2 3/4 inches high, and contains a 10 pound charge of cast T.N.T. Outside, the mine is painted olive green; all internal surfaces are shellacked.

The zinc casing comprises two sections: the top, 3/64-inch thick, slides into the base which is 1/32-inch thick, and is secured by eight tabs which pass through slots in the base and are then bent over and soft soldered. Two steel carrying handles shaped to fit close to the case when folded are held by brass strips.

The top is slightly domed and has three adapters sweated into shallow recesses. The adapters have sockets to take the standard German igniters, ZDZ 29. There are three additional sockets provided for fitting anti-lifting igniters: two are in the side of the casing, diametrically opposite one another and four inches to the right of the center of each handle; the other is in the center of the base. In addition to being sweated into the casing, each socket is secured by two brass pins which fit into slots on either side of the hole in the mine casing.

The ZDZ 29 can function as either a push or pull igniter. When it is used as a pressure igniter, there is a choice of two settings allowing the mine to fire under medium or heavy loads. The operation depends respectively on the shear of one or two pins acting as detents to a spring-loaded striker pellet. When in use as a pull igniter, the operation depends upon the withdrawal of one detent pin from the spring-loaded striker pellet.

The igniter is held in a “safe” position by the insertion of a safety key into a slot in the main body. The key slides under the striker pellet, preventing the striker from moving until the key is withdrawn.

German: p. 304.1

Categories
German

Deckungszielgerät für le. 34 u. 42 Dezetgerät: Undercover Aiming and Firing Apparatus

Deckungszielgerät für le. 34 u. 42 Dezetgerät: Undercover Aiming and Firing ApparatusThe apparatus shown attached to the 7.92 mm MG 42.

This device is an undercover aiming apparatus for firing the standard machine guns from foxholes, trenches, or depressions in the ground. It permits the user to aim the weapon without exposing himself to enemy fire.

Deckungszielgerät für le. 34 u. 42 Dezetgerät: Undercover Aiming and Firing Apparatus
The undercover aiming and firing apparatus not attached to gun.

Construction is of welded steel boxwork, and consists of a shaft with a shoulder stock at the lower end and a securing arm which extends from the upper part of the shaft to the receiver of the weapon. Three milled edge clamping screws secure the device to the weapon. Two mirrors through which the weapon is aimed are lined up so as to utilize the standard sights. One mirror is mounted on the shaft and the other on an extension of the securing arm above and to the rear of the buffer group.

The firing mechanism is a simple linkage that enables the machine gun to be fired from a trigger on the instrument. It is necessary to have a different linkage for the MG 34 than with the MG 42. These are obtained by positioning the connecting bar in the trigger linkage. A window on the connecting bar shows when the desired linkage is obtained. The trigger linkage may also be positioned to make use of the semiautomatic arrangement on the MG 34, if desired.

The field of vision at 1,000 meters (1,093 yards) is about 200 meters (218 yards) broad. This can be increased by 100 meters (109 yards) by moving the head to the left or right. In the same manner, vertical vision which is 100 meters at 1,000 meters can be increased.

SPECIFICATIONS

Height       24 ins.
Maximum width9 ins.
Weight7 1/2 lbs.

German: p. 214.1 (May 1, 1945)

Categories
German

7.92 mm Karabiner 43 (Kar. 43): Semiautomatic Rifle

7.92 mm Karabiner 43 (Kar. 43): Semiautomatic Rifle

The Karabiner 43, a gas-operated, semi-automatic, magazine-fed, air-cooled shoulder weapon, is basically the same in design as the Gewehr 41 (W) described on page 208. Two notable changes found in the later weapon are a modified gas operation and a change in manufacturing policy.

This weapon utilizes a gas vent and gas piston, a method used for the first time in German small arms weapons in the Fallschirmjäger Gewehr 42. The improved gas operation insures more positive operation, and malfunctions due to carbonization are less likely to occur.

A great deal of effort was put into an attempt to reduce the time and expense in the manufacture of this weapon. In order to accomplish this, forgings and stampings were used in as many parts as was practical. Machined or ground surfaces are found only where necessary to insure proper operation. The bolt, bolt channel, and contacting surfaces of the trigger group are included in these. Such surfaces as the outside of the receiver, the top of the retractor slide, and the non-contacting surfaces of the trigger group are left untouched.

Several other slight changes were made, the most notable being the use of a ten-round, detachable box-type magazine; the addition of a threaded section on the muzzle making it possible to attach a flash hider or an adapter which is used with blank ammunition; the omission of the bayonet stud; and the addition of a telescopic sight base indicating that the Kar. 43 is intended for use as a special weapon. The weapon is lighter and better balanced than the Gewehr 41 (W) due to the elimination of the gas trap assembly at the muzzle and the long piston rod.

SPECIFICATIONS


Caliber       7.92 mm (.312 in.)
Weight 8 lb., 9 oz.
Length 44 1/4 ins.
Principle of operationGas
Feeding deviceDetachable box-type magazine
Capacity of feeding device10 rounds
Cooling systemAir
Ammunition usedAll 7.92 mm Mauser types
Type of sightParallel sided, flat top blade type front sight. Tangent leaf rear sight graduated from 100 to 1,200 meters. Telescopic sight base at rear of right side of receiver.
Length of barrel22 ins.
Rifling
   Twist Uniform R.H.
   Form
   No. of grooves4
   Depth of grooves
   Width of grooves
Chamber pressure
Muzzle velocity
Muzzle energy
Maximum range
Effective range

German: p. 208.2

Categories
German

7.92 mm Gewehr 41 (M): Semiautomatic Rifle

7.92 mm Gewehr 41 (M): Semiautomatic Rifle

The Gewehr 41 (M) is a self-loading, gas-operated, clip-fed, air-cooled shoulder weapon. It is basically the same as the Gewehr 41 (W) except for several changes that have been made in the manufacture and appearance.

Most of the parts of the Gewehr 41 (M) are machined pieces with the exception of the magazine well, follower, piston rod and butt plate. The majority of the machined pieces have had no further finishing, but are of a very high quality. The upper band, lower band, magazine well, magazine follower, trigger guard, piston rod, dust cover and butt plate of the Gewehr 41 (M) are stamped pieces.

The differences between the Gewehr 41 (M) and the Gewehr 41 (W) are as follows: the piston rod of the G. 41 (M) terminates in a yoke, the two arms of which extend rearward and contact the bolt head. The piston rod of the G. 41 (W) is one piece and is in direct contact with the bolt retractor slide. The handguard of the G. 41 (M) is made of wood unlike that of the G. 41 (W) which is plastic.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber        7.92 mm (.312 in.)
Weight 10 lb., 13 oz.
Length without bayonet 46 1/8 ins.
Principle of operation Gas
Feeding device Vertical box-type magazine
Capacity of feeding device 10 rounds
Cooling system Air
Ammunition used All 7.92 mm Mauser types
Type of sight Inverted V blade type front sight; tangent leaf rear sight; graduated 200 to 1,200 meters.
Length of barrel 21 1/2 ins.
Rifling
   Twist Uniform R.H. twist
   Form
   No. of grooves 4
   Depth of grooves
   Width of grooves
Chamber pressure
Muzzle velocity
Muzzle energy
Maximum range
Effective range

German: p. 208.1

Categories
German

7.92 mm Gewehr 33/40: Carbine

German 7.92 mm Gewehr 33/40: Carbine

This carbine, a typical Mauser, is very similar to the latest model of the Kar 98K. It is a manually operated, air-cooled, clip-fed shoulder weapon, having a laminated wood stock, a large metal butt plate to protect the stock when grenades are launched, and a sling mounted on the left-hand side.

The Gewehr 33/40 and the Kar 98K have interchangeable bolts. The most obvious differences are found in the length, weight, hand guards, and bolt handles.

The present weapon has an overall length of 39 1/8 inches as compared to the 43 1/2 inches of the Kar 98K. The barrel length is 19 3/8 inches instead of 23 1/2 inches. The carbine weighs 7 pounds 11 ounces; the rifle 9 pounds. The hand guard on the Gewehr 33/40 extends behind the rear sight and covers a greater percentage of the barrel than the one on the Kar 98K. The bolt handle on the carbine is turned down uniformly forming a semi-circle, and the knob on the end of the handle has been hollowed out and milled flat on the underside to reduce weight. On the Kar 98K, the bolt handle slopes down abruptly at right angles and the knob is solid.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber       7.92 mm (.312 in.)
Weight 7 lbs., 11 ozs.
Length (overall) 39 1/8 ins.
Principle of operation Manually operated, bolt action
Feeding device Clip-fed, hand-loaded magazine
Capacity of feeding device 5 rounds
Cooling system Air
Ammunition All 7.92 mm Mauser Types
Type of sight Inverted “V” or barleycorn front sight with hood protector and tangent leaf rear sight graduated from 100 to 1,000 meters.
Length of barrel 19 3/8 ins.
Length of rifling
Rifling
   Twist Uniform R.H.
   No. of grooves 4
Muzzle velocity 2,509 f/s

German: p. 206.2 (March 1, 1945)

Categories
German

7.92 mm M. P. 43, M. P. 43/1, M. P. 44 (Sturmgewehr 44): Submachine Gun

7.92 Submachine Gun: Top. M. P. 43; Center. M. P. 43/1; Bottom, M. P. 447.92 Submachine Gun: Top. M. P. 43; Center. M. P. 43/1; Bottom, M. P. 44

The German M. P. 43 is an automatic, air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed shoulder weapon, firing from a closed bolt and a locked breech. Provision is made for both full-automatic and semi-automatic fire. For full-automatic fire, the trigger must be held back until all rounds in the magazine have been fired; for semi-automatic fire, the trigger must be released after each round. However, German official sources say that full automatic fire will be used only in emergency.

Despite the fact that it is of cheap construction, made chiefly of steel stampings, the M. P. 43 is a very serviceable weapon. It is believed that the gun was developed from the 7.92 mm M. Kb. 42 (machine carbine 42) inasmuch as the general design is quite similar, and the same type of ammunition is used. However, the M. P. 43 has a shorter barrel and gas cylinder, and has no bayonet as does the M. Kb. 42.

The receiver, frame, gas cylinder, jacket, and front sight hood are made from steel stampings. As all pins in the trigger mechanism are riveted in, it cannot be disassembled, although a complete trigger assembly may be very quickly inserted. The gas piston assembly, bolt, hammer, barrel and gas cylinder are machined parts.

The gas piston assembly consists of a piston, piston rod, and slide which appear to be machined from one piece with a stamped handle inserted. The stock and pistol grips are of low grade wood. The curved magazine is inserted from the bottom, and the fired cartridge cases are ejected on the right.

The various models of this weapon, including the M. P. 43, M. P. 43/1, and M. P. 44, have been officially designated M. P. 44. A recent official German order changed the nomenclature to Sturmgewehr 44.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber       7.92 mm (.312 in.)
Weight (with empty magazine) 10 lb., 1 oz.
Length (overall) 3 ft., 1 in.
Length of barrel 16.2 ins.
Sight radius
Principle of operation gas
Feeding device Curved magazine
Capacity of feeding device 30 rounds
Cooling system air
Ammunition types 7.92 mm Postolen Patronen
Semi AP., M.P. 43
Effective rate of fire
(automatic) 100 to 120 rds./min.
(semi-automatic) 40 to 50 rds./min.
Type of sight Leaf sight graduated from 100 to 800 meters
Rifling
Twist R.H.
No. of grooves
Chamber pressure
Muzzle velocity (approx.) 2250 f/s
Muzzle energy
Maximum range
Effective range 400 yds.

German: p. 206.1 (March 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Rbl. F. Flak: Artillery Sights

Rbl. F. Flak: Artillery SightsThe Rbl. Flak is used with heavy antiaircraft guns for indirect fire against ground targets and for reciprocal laying. A modified type is designed for use with the predictor.

When mounted in their respective sockets with the azimuth scales set to zero, the line of sight of the panoramic telescope on the predictor is 180° from that of the predictor telescope. The reason for the eyepiece of the gun sight being 90° from the axis of the gun is for convenience as the operator can stand at the right side of the gun and look into the sight at right angles to the axis of the gun. This sight is 9.3 inches in height.

German: p. 185 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Rbl. F. 40: Artillery Sights

Rundblickfernrohr 40 (Rbl. F. 40): Artillery Sights The Rundblickfernrohr 40 is believed to have been designed for use with the 7.5 cm L. G. 40 or the 10.5 cm L. G. 42. A carrying case and two night lighting devices employed with the instrument were also recovered.

This is a panoramic artillery sight, consisting of an upright section approximately five inches long, supporting an objective head which has a full 360° traverse, and an eye piece approximately four inches long set at an angle to the base. The eye piece traverses approximately 200°, permitting the operator to use the sight from different positions. A knob graduated in mils and numbered on each ten mils is located near the center of the upright section and traverses the objective head. The lower section of the objective head is graduated in hundred mils, the even hundreds being numbered. By pressing a small lever near the adjusting knob, free traverse of the head for quick spotting is possible.

An adjustment for elevation is controlled by a knob on top of the objective head which is graduated in hundredths and numbered on each tenth mil graduation.

An unusual feature in this sight is that the adjusting knobs are click mounted to enable adjustments to be made at night without light.

Two night lighting devices are provided with the sight. One mounts on the left side of the eye piece and illuminates the reticle with a red light which is regulated by an aperture in the attachment. The other is worn by the operator for reading graduations on the sight and has an aperture selection for either clear or red light. It is held in place on the forehead of the operator by an elastic strap.

Weight of the sight is approximately 2 1/2 pounds.

German: p. 185 (August 1, 1945)