How popular was the G43 with troops

[SSDasReich]

So im into collecting G43s, Ive read Hitler's Garands but it doesnt go into much detail on the opinions of the troops of the new battlerifle they recieved. Is there more documentaion as to HOW they recieved it.

[Wilhelm]

I would think they were happy to get them. They are very accurate and can really put down some fire.
Wilhelm

[bodes]

I would think they were happy to get them. They are very accurate and can really put down some fire.
Wilhelm

I would think they'd be happy, even though they often used captured weapons such as the SVT38/40's, M1 carbines and the like....Than when the Russian weapons malfunctioned in the cold weather, they were also happy to go back to their reliable K98k's.....Bodes

[Hans Zeug]

G43 ease of use compared to the K98.

Hi, you would imagine that they would be happy with the ability to fire off 10 rounds without having to cock the gun each time and reload after five rounds as with the older K98. Interesting yesterday on the TV that an old war film was showing that I had not seen before about two American airmen behind enemy lines fighting with the Partisans featured a good amount of German guns, low and behold one of the flyers was using a captured K/G43 which is an unusual gun to feature in this type of film! Regards David.

[SSDasReich]

Thanks for the input! Ive talked to veterans, but none of the ones ive spoken to used a K/G43. I wouldnt be suprised that it was accepted with great excitment, although, the G41 series i know wasnt a big hit with the troops due to its weight and unreliability.

[the_stig]

There weren't a lot of G43's to go around, maybe one per squad, and it would usually go to one of the more expierenced soldiers who could properly care for the rifle and wield the extra firepower. That has always been my understanding anyways.

[pitfighter]

In the Collectors Grade book "Sturmgewehr" - there are many such letters from commanders covering the time period but detailing first, the problems with the Mkb42 - then the overall enthusiasm (often great enthusiasm) for the MP44 -
Your answer could probably be deduced from these.

Had I been issued with a G43 in 1944, I would have been far happier with an MP44.

[SSDasReich]

I agree, after hearing or seeing the masses of Red Army troops that would charge at the lines, i personally wouldve been happy to have ANYTHING other than a bolt action rifle.

[Douglas Jr.]

If I'm not mistaken, the German sniper Sepp Allerberger autobiography mention its use by him on certain situations where rapid fire was needed.

Douglas

[SSDasReich]

I believe ive read that exert, very detailed, and a great insight, i was just curious if there was more documention than that.

[bodes]

In the Collectors Grade book "Sturmgewehr" - there are many such letters from commanders covering the time period but detailing first, the problems with the Mkb42 - then the overall enthusiasm (often great enthusiasm) for the MP44 -
Your answer could probably be deduced from these.

Had I been issued with a G43 in 1944, I would have been far happier with an MP44.

That's how Hitler found out about the MP43/44......They were being built and distributed behind his (Hitler's) back.....Than one day he was asking his generals how he could better help them with the fighting on the eastern front....Their reply was, they wanted more of those new rifles.....Hitler was unaware as to what they were talking about....When told of their success, he gave it his blessing and dubbed it the "Sturmgewehr"......The German propaganda machine just loved the use of the word Sturm......Bodes

[juoneen]

The 98k was supposed to be used for careful , and accurate aiming and no wasting of ammo. They held back the semi auto to not only save ammo, but the K/g 43/44's were fraught with technical complications . It was the capture of the soviet tokarev rifles that helped them solve the main problem with the action and adding a blowback rod.....but they also had many blow the bolts back through the heads of some soldiers using them (I am told),due to excessive pressure of the action , as now they offer replacement adjustable gas pistons (with an allen screw )made by apfeltor to adjust the blow back to a normal but not excessive levels. I suggest all G and K 43 collectors upgrade the springs, and the pistons so they are safer to shoot( & save the old parts). It is likely all the stories were never told of the failures of some of these "hitler garands"as many of the people affected by this rifles failures were close to the end of fast and furious fighting...either never wrote the storys about their experiences, or were killed by the guns themselves....It also is common for germans to use american garands and american equiptment . I would like to hear ,if there are any other storys relating to how it was accepted...or it's failures too....but I have heard many of these rifles did fail in combat.

In the german sniper book published in the early 80's there is every type of G and K 43 or 44's ever made, and most all the variants (unfortunately in black and white), so if you dont have that book....I would suggest buying one . I know someone who just bought a minty copy for 20. They were originally I believe like 75.oo....and at that time that was a lot of money......good luck with your collecting...it will take you many years to find untouched vet brought back rifles....but there are many still out there to be found.

[Willi Z.]

You also have to take into consideration the German rifle squad had an MG (MPs as well) and the squad supported the MG by covering its flanks, carrying cans of belted ammo, etc. So, you just can't compare one weapon of the squad; instead you have to look at the different squad tactics of the various armies.

For every G/K43 produced there were about 28 k98ks. If you do the simple estimate of 500,000 43s and 14 million k98ks.

[kiwitedferny]

I have one. Perfectly 'straight' example, complete with scope and mount. I've fired it a few times. The Garand is a much nicer rifle to shoot!

[Willi Z.]

I have one. Perfectly 'straight' example, complete with scope and mount. I've fired it a few times. The Garand is a much nicer rifle to shoot!

I agree! Have been shooting G/K43s since I was a kid, but I much prefer the Garand. The trigger, adjustable sights, etc.