This is the German semi-automatic rifle performing approximately the same tactical mission as the United States, Cal. 30, M1 rifle. It is gas-operated, clip-fed, and air-cooled. It is a shoulder weapon, slightly heavier than the American semi-automatic. Three versions exist, the G 41 (M) which is probably an interim model, the G-41 and the G 41 (W) which are more than likely the final or production types.
The rifle is well made, but quite difficult to manufacture. Stampings are used wherever possible.
In lieu of the customary gas port, a form of gas trap is used, so designed that when attached to the muzzle it makes it necessary for the bullet, after leaving the barrel, to jump a gap and momentarily block the muzzle opening of the cone. The resulting gas pressure then drives a gas piston, in the form of a collar around the barrel, to the rear. The action is imparted to an operating rod the end of which is in contact with the forward end of the retractor slide which is also driven to the rear. A projection on the underside of the retractor slide engages the bolt locking lugs, withdrawing them from the locking recesses in the receiver. The bolt assembly and retractor slide then recoil together for the remainder of the recoil distance. Extraction and ejection are accomplished in the usual manner.
A thorough test at Aberdeen proved the G 41 (W) is much inferior to the U.S. Rifle, Cal. 30, M1, in reliability under severe conditions. It fell down especially in the mud and rain tests, and breakages were very numerous.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber | 7.92 mm (.312 in.) | |
| Weight of rifle w/o bayonet and sling | 10 1/4 lb. | |
| Length w/o bayonet | 45 ins. | |
| Length of barrel | 21.6 ins. | |
| Principle of operation | Gas—semi-automatic | |
| Cooling system | Air | |
| Magazine system and capacity | ||
| Fixed vertical box | 10 rds. staggered | |
| Method of feed | two 5-round Mauser rifle clips | |
| Sight radius | 21.2 ins. | |
| Sights | Blade front sight with “T” base and tangent leaf rear sight graduated from 100 to 1,200 meters. No windage adjustment. | |
| Rifling | 4 grooves, uniform right-hand twist | |
| Muzzle velocity | 2,408 f/s (in a worn barrel) | |
| Trigger pull | 7-8 lb. | |
| Ammunition used | All 7.92 mm Mauser rifle types | |
| Total number of parts | 102 | |
| Number of coil springs | 13 | |
| Number of flat springs | 4 | |
| Time to fieldstrip | 3 1/4 seconds | |
| Time to assemble from fieldstrip | 4 3/4 seconds | |
| Time to diassemble | 3 min., 57 sec. | |
| Time to assemble | 8 min., 32 sec. |
German: p. 208
This grenade consists of a tubular steel body containing an explosive filler of penthrite wax, a detonator, a direct action nose fuze, a delay friction igniter, and a base assembly containing a self-destroying system. A diaphragm near the bottom of the grenade is threaded centrally to receive the friction igniter. The fuze and base assemblies are not integral parts of the grenade, but are screwed into the nose and base respectively. If the nose fuze does not function properly, the grenade is self-destructive. On firing, the flash from the propelling cartridge enters a hole in the base closing plug and ignites a 6.5 second delay pellet contained in a brass holder. This fires the friction igniter which, gives an additional delay of 4.5 seconds before setting off the detonator. The grenade may also be used as a hand grenade by removing the base assembly and pulling a cord attached to the friction igniter.
