Thanks for watching this episode of Loadout! I'm excited to hear what everyone thinks about this look into one of history's most iconic weapons and how it's been portrayed across the last few decades of pop culture. ...Capturing the footage was also a great excuse to revisit some fantastic shooters and get a round of CoH2 in.. We will continue to have more episodes over the next few holiday weekends, so stay tuned, and thank you again for all the support!
@@bongo6_462 I've heard of the game but not had hands on myself I'm afraid, but if future videos cover portions of WW2 I will certainly consider it :)
Would love to see a Loadout episode on the history of railguns. Tons of video game tie-ins to be had and a type of weapon who's means of function are unfamiliar to most people. Thank you all for your hard work and have a great holiday!
The reason the MP44 was in COD4 was because they were found in use in Iraq and Afghanistan, wars which were still very much ‘Modern Warfare’ at the time. They continued to be found in Syria, and they have been spotted in Ukraine this year too. They were a design remarkably ahead of their time.
I think it’d odd to say it’s ahead of it’s time. New technologies have to have started somewhere. And plenty of old World War 2 weapons are seeing active use to this day because of how many were produced. Especially in areas where there’s no offical military present to provide standard issue arms.
@@beanieguitarguy4070 sure, but in the history of standard issue service rifles, the entire StG44 concept was largely put to the side by world powers in favour of rifles which more closely resembled the traditional bolt actions in use, but were self loading in function. Even after learning about the StG44 and how it functioned the Americans adopted the M14, the Belgians, Brits, Austrians, Dutch and West Germans all used the FN FAL, the Germans latterly adopting the G3 which does trace a lineage back to the StG44 but still wasn’t a true assault rifle. Even the Soviets adopted the SKS. It took a while before the AKs, M16s, G36s, AUGs, and Famases of the world took hold, and in most places they haven’t let go since, although arguably the Americans have just adopted the M5 to replace their standard issue service rifle with one that isn’t a true assault rifle, but that’s a whole other discussion lol.
@@Azeria You're right in most things, but I think that you're making it sound too much like nobody liked it, when the NATO was planning on adopting the .280 British, but the US stopped all that with the 7.62. Also the intermediate caliber automatic rifle in the soviet union started its development at pretty much the same time the war ended, but with little influence from the german rifles.
A few comments have rightly raised the question of the Fedorov Avtomat - the answer is that either this OR the StG can be called "the first assault rifle", which is why Dave said "often called" in his description. However, it's complicated... Fedorov designed and intended a machine rifle (or 'battle rifle' if you like) in 6.5x57mm - most definitely NOT an intermediate cartridge. It only became arguably the first assault rifle (a later term literally taken from the StG's desigation) in a technical sense when it had to be redesigned to accept 6.5 Arisaka due to lack of availability of the intended full power ammunition. It was never intended to be used like the later MkB32(H)/MP43/MP44/StG44 and indeed never was, nor was it manufactured or issued at scale like the StG. Nor did it have the influence on other nations' development that the StG had. The StG was the first intermediate calibre automatic rifle that was designed AND issued for the purpose, and was the first to literally be called 'assault rifle'.
That and the Federov was designed much to fill the same role as the BAR, but with a fairly less potent cartridge. Meant for "Walking fire". The Federov was intended for fighting trench warfare, a higher volume of fire than can be achieved with a bolt action rifle
I don't think the fact it was designed for x57mm matters much. It's more that 6.5 Arisaka, while less bombastic than other rifle cartridges, is still absolutely not an intermediate caliber. Same for 6.5 Carcano.
You guys would have loved the historical accuracy in vanguard where Japanese soldiers in the pacific carried them in 1943. I thought it was a weapon randomized glitch at first .
This channel is a blessing, the entire video is packed to the brim with information about both the rifle's role in real life, as well as how it's been depicted in videogames throughout the years. No doubt Jonathan Ferguson, from the Royal Arms Museum in London, is a huge help on these videos, but it's also apparent that the writers at GameSpot are giving it their all. Incredible work as always.
We are glad you're enjoying them! Thank you so much for your kind words :) It's an incredible team effort that goes into this show, so I'm pleased folk are engaging with them!
Can we take a moment to appreciate that Jonathan has gotta 1 of only a handful of people in the UK who fire automatic firearms regularly, outside of the military and police obviously, like you could probably count people who could honestly claim that in this country on 1 hand
It's probably easier for most civilians in the UK to fire automatic weapons than in the US (from memory, from when I was younger. don't know if as true now). Just join the cadets and you can learn the LSW on automatic. Shooting clubs also fairly often go to Europe on shooting trips. Which is essentially what you have to do in the US as well.
Not gonna lie, when I heard that the Firearms Expert was from the UK my first thought was "We don't have guns in the UK! Surely an American would be better fit for the role?" And yet here I am: I'd trade Jonathan Ferguson for nothing. He is a national treasure.
@@pluemas I would imagine renting automatic weapons at one of the tourist traps in Las Vegas, Nevada, would be _easier_ than joining the Cadets or a gun club in Europe
@@weebsarecringe2102civilians can own fully automatic in some states. Just requires tax stamps, background checks, etc. But it's possible. I've always wanted to put a switch on my glock 😮💨
The clip between the movies "Star wars" and "The Bridge" Was an Estonian movie "1944" (2015) by Elmo Nüganen. It is an extremely good movie. Also relatively historically correct. Can recommend.
Fun fact: in Soviet cinema and TV up to the early 1990s, inventories of captured (and I assumed deactivated) StG 44, etc., rifles were used as stand-ins for American M16/AR-style rifle when needed (which wouldn't be easily available; only some came from capture from South Vietnam and other American satellite states, and it doesn't seem like these ended up in the motion picture industry). Unsurprising, since 4/5th of the German military fought on the Eastern Front, after the war there were a lot more captured rifles that could be adapted as movie props (they were also used in 1940's-period war cinema too). Apparently, they'd do this by altering the magazines and the furniture on the top of the rifle, changing the stock to look like synthetic furniture, and some repainting. As I understand it, industry censorship made Soviet filmmakers reluctant to directly portray hostile Americans in favor of a vague, western bloc enemy, but it was hardly unknown (consider how many times you see Kalishinikov rifles in films before 1992; the M16 was distributed to a lot of western proxies abroad too). You can see this is a LOT of Soviet films and television, including 1983's "Mirage", 1987's "Island of Lost Ships", 1986's "Interception" and the 1984 miniseries "TASS is permitted to report..." and plenty of other examples. They were much more common than AR15 clones in Eurasian cinema for quite a time.
There are images of that StG-44 to M16 mocked up on the Internet Movie Firearms Database entry for Mirage (1983): hilarious, like something straight out of Khyber Pass
Interesting and overall great video! I just wish I saw more of Jonathan shooting the STG-44. I have seen many STGs firing on TH-cam, but there is something about Jonathan that makes it more interesting.
Both the STG44 and MP18 came out of the "weapons town" of Suhl located in southern Thuringia. Between the 16th and the 20th century, Suhl and its surrounding towns were one of the most important small arms manufacturers in Europe - for military and civillian purposes (like hunting and sports), sometimes called "the german damascus". A lot of well-known weapon manufactures started there like Schmeisser & Haenel (MP18, MP 44), J.P. Sauer, Simson, Merkel (the list goes on) and in it's neighbouring town the famous manufacturer Walther (PPK, P99).
My first exposure to the StG44 was MoH Underground in about 2001, and it was very nostalgic to see the corresponding footage (and the unnaturally thick fog) in this vid. I'm really enjoying this series, the combination of real weapons and the effect that games have had on their perception and the awareness of them is very interesting - I definitely first heard of many small arms through the games I played in the late Nineties and 2000s.
The G3 and its various progeny are also technically part of the STG's legacy. A few designers at Mauser started working on a cheaper variant of the rifle using a roller-delayed blowback mechanism, the STG 45. The war ended before they could build more than 30 of them, so one of the designers moved to Spain and joined CETME, using the design to build the Model B rifle. West Germany took a liking to it and bought a license to produce it themselves (because Belgium wouldn't let them license the FAL, considering Germany had gained a bad habit of invading them in both World Wars), Heckler & Koch redesigned it to fire the NATO-standard 7.62x51mm, and the rest is history.
I've watched quite a lot of the Loadout episodes and this is undoubtedly one of the best, quite possibly the best. So many different aspects tackled and so much interesting history revealed.
This has become documentary level film making at this point. This content really deserves a feature length film and a flashy premiere. Dave as host and the ever wonderful Jonathan could be watched for hours.
Wow! Thank you for your kind words. Adam and Chris do such fantastic work behind the camera and throughout the editing process. It’s a real beautiful product of teamwork and I’m glad you enjoy!
I think importantly when discussing criteria and history, the StG44 was the first mass produced and issue assault rifle named as such, and more importantly unlike earlier contenders to the title, this one inspired later concepts and designs.
stg44 was the basis for the cetme rifle which in turn was the basis for h&k g3, also "miniaturized" into the mp5 and developed further into the ump, the legacy of the stg44 is still very much in active service to this day
The A280 in Battlefront is my favorite weapon in those games because of the Stg 44. We love our Emotional Support Sturmgewehr no matter what form she takes.
I remember playing the very first CoD and a German soldier dropping one of these I one of the last missions on the American campaign. I immediately pick it up and its selective fire and capacity was so much more effective than the Garand! I didn’t know about WW2 guns back then and didn’t even now something like this existed. The thought of “how did the Germans lose with this awesome gun” even crossed my teen mind.
Great vid. In 1943-44, seeing an MP44 must have been like seeing a space gun. And it would have been an OP rifle when used in the situations for which it was designed. I want one. I'd settle for a semi-auto version if the copy was faithful otherwise. Take my money!
I don't think the Federov can qualify because it uses the 6.5 Arisaka, a full power rifle cartridge. The US M2 could be included, but it was made in response (sort of) to the MP44, so clearly one was actually in production first.
That curved barrel is a crazy idea. No idea if it worked, but it was definitely an idea. Also, isn't firing an STG 44 a rather expensive thing to do these days? I doubt the ammunition for it is very common, or still in production for that matter.
In retrospect (at the time of playing I had no concept about the development of firearms), I love how in MoH::AA player obtained the stg in a mission where the goal was to intercept a shipment of Germany's brand new weapons (and the stg being part of that). I may be misremembering the exact plot but the thing is that stg in that game was considered a rare state-of-the-art piece.
FINALLY…An actual firearms expert who tells the truth about the weapon. And that it WASN’T the inspiration for what would become the AK-47. Thank you Mr. Ferguson.
I mean, it definitely was a partial inspiration but it wasn't a copy of the Stg. It's not like Kalashnikov had never seen one before, he obviously studied them just like he studied the M1 Garand. The AK was the best features from the best guns before it simplified down and put in a Stg Looking Rugged Case.
It's not that other rifles before the STG-44 wouldn't be considered assault rifles by the modern definition, it's just that the definition for the term didn't come about UNTIL the STG-44 and thus, nobody really considered the earlier guns that laid out the groundwork. But too, if you look at the proposed military doctrine of rifles like the Federov or the Ribeyrolles for example, the way they were intended to be used were not 100% the same as the STG. I'd also point out while some of those older rifles had the defining traits like intermediate caliber, select fire, and detachable magazines, the STG shaped the future of rifles to come in such a way none of the others ever did. So, historically it's consider much more significant as being the "first" than the rest.
What weakens the argument for the Avtomat being the first true assault rifle is the fact that it shot a full sized rifle cartridge. The StG44 fires an intermediate cartridge and like the Avtomat, has select fire. The StG44 is the first true assault rifle in my eyes.
To be fair there are quite a few other contenders, like the Ribeyrolles 1918, or more debatable, the french "assault" conversions of the Model 1907 rifle, loaded with 15 to 20 round mags, a bayonet, and some sources state a fully automatic conversions (though many others don't say anything on the topic, so it's fairly debatable) these two in theory would have had a far more similar role to the STG-44 than the avtomat, which was more of an early LMG the STG-44 is the first modern assault rifle at the very least, and probably/arguably the first proper one as well
@@engiturtle65 honestly I'm not sure if we even know there probably was only one prototype, but it's theoretically not impossible they just actually tried it out on the battlefield at some point; I don't believe there's any surviving example, and information seems to be quite sparse, so I don't think we'll ever know. In doubt I'd assume it's a one-time or limited run of prototypes for testing, without actually resulting in any production or combat use
Sturmgewehr was mainly a Propagandistic name hinting at the purpose of the rifle, though it had it's Roots in WW1 German Trench Raiders which were called Sturmtruppen. Sturm is really just a german term for Assault. Ansturm means Assault, and the shorthand prefix of Sturm- became a term added for anything meant to be used in Assaults, like the Sturmgeschütz.
In the mid to late 30's a lot of countries were experimenting with intermediary cartridges, and the concept is not that different from the US carbine trials, which they called a short automatic rifle and they were successful, the so-called carbine was the most produced gun of the war, the Germans did the same with Volmer in 35, never really abandoned it since they tried again in 42 with the MKzb (automatic carbine) which was open bolt, when they understood that full auto was not the main usage they decided to change it to close bolt which is the STG-43, the doctrine of use is only use full auto to suppress the enemy in evasive maneuvers, on ofensivo maneuvers it was to be used in semi, most of the representations aren't accurate because they fit more the AK and AR first use, which wasn't the right use either.
I would say the Fedorov has a stronger argument than the Rigotti. As the Rigotti was in full rifle caliber whereas while the Fedorov was still a rifle caliber most definitely it was made to be intentionally a little bit weaker as to make the system functional and not expload. Still not to the level of a intermediate cartridge it's still a full rifle cartridge it's just a weaker. But you could argue for that war it was more intermediate than anything. I believe there is a possible for a believable alternate history where the federov is called the 1st assault rifle. Although the terminology would be different.
RE: The StG-44 and Call of Duty 1; the most frustrating and yet fun set of missions as I recall it was the sequence of British missions starting with the assault on Pegasus Bridge. The StG-44 would be dropped by some of the German defenders, but not a heck of a lot of ammo. With that being said, careful use of that ammo would make a large difference; but you'll still want some rockets, for the tanks.
My earliest recollection of the STG 44 in pop culture was in the movie "Battle of the Bulge". It's surprising that a vignette focused on history, pop culture, cinema, and videogames wouldn't include that. At least to me it is.
Ill throw out a mention for Hidden and Dangerous 2 too, wasn't my favourite gun to use in that game (because de lisle) but it was my favorite for online play.
I think that Battle Rifles first took form when full sized cartridge rifles were converted from single action to semi auto or full auto. Then the Assault Rifle took form when those Battle Rifles were chambered in an intermediate cartridge
It's presence in COD4 isn't even all that weird, as there have been quite a few examples found in the middle east, and specifically a few used in the Syrian conflict recently, and even one photographed in (allegedly) the Ukraine.
not that i really think this holds much water, but the prototype burton LMR technically fits the modern definition of an assault rifle. it feeds from box magazines, is select fire, and shoots what is considered an intermediate cartridge
it IS the FIIRST Assault Rifle. Germany has their track record Who invented the first "Assault Weapon" They did with a drum mag luger w/ stock. First submachine gun? They did Mp40 and the likes. Hk to this day is what I would trust
I am curious about the STG’s actual effectiveness in WWII and wether or not Germany being able to produce and distribute them earlier would’ve had much of an impact on the war.
Me playing any WW2 fps game and picking out German weapons Me: Alright get lost go on scram you're fired get outta here you moochers MP40, Kar98, Gewehr: 😒😠😡 Me: that's right keep moving STG: 😔 Me: Except you, you stay! STG: 🤩
I mainly remember Brothers in arms not for it's weapons for it's ridiculously long loading times. Tiny trigger corridor loeded a flipping minute. Had a bit of a (very loooong) flashback on seeing it again. Also i think the move to modern scenraios came from a massive over usage of the WW2 setting.
Hate to be that person but Hidden and Dangerous 2 (2002) had the ability to look down Iron Sights before Call of Duty by over a year . Also it is a far better game .
There's a lot "wrong" with the American BAR to consider it an assault rifle, mainly that it's in a full sized rifle cartridge. Tactically speaking it was used as a light machine gun, whereas in gaming I can see why they put them in the same "class" like they did in say, MOH: allied assault. Realistically the two weapons were designed with similar problems in mind, it's just that the Germans arguably did it better. Rightfully so, their attempt was 25 or so years later.
@@arousedkhajiit They had different ideas back then. Just 25 years prior to the outbreak of ww2 cavalry charges with sabers drawn on well trained horses were considered a really good idea. So was massed infantry charges across open ground into maxim guns. The BAR was designed to close the gap kinda like an STG, except when it was designed everyone had bolt actions, so 20 rds of full auto was pretty significant for our (or at least my) great grandfathers. Sub machine guns were just as new a concept, and no one but the Germans were actually embracing them. Something I learned when I was in the army was that we were really well trained for the last war we were in. Things like the BAR and ww2 really prove that concept.
so its basically like the Me-262 or Ar-234. Way too late, way too little, overall questionable effectiveness in german hands but an undeniable forerunner of modern military equipment and technology
Thanks for watching this episode of Loadout!
I'm excited to hear what everyone thinks about this look into one of history's most iconic weapons and how it's been portrayed across the last few decades of pop culture.
...Capturing the footage was also a great excuse to revisit some fantastic shooters and get a round of CoH2 in..
We will continue to have more episodes over the next few holiday weekends, so stay tuned, and thank you again for all the support!
Please feature post scriptum in the videos 🥲
@@bongo6_462 I've heard of the game but not had hands on myself I'm afraid, but if future videos cover portions of WW2 I will certainly consider it :)
David Jewitt _and_ Jonathon Ferguson in the Comments the same evening, what a pleasure!
When are you gonna cover the Serious Sam series guns?
Would love to see a Loadout episode on the history of railguns. Tons of video game tie-ins to be had and a type of weapon who's means of function are unfamiliar to most people.
Thank you all for your hard work and have a great holiday!
The reason the MP44 was in COD4 was because they were found in use in Iraq and Afghanistan, wars which were still very much ‘Modern Warfare’ at the time. They continued to be found in Syria, and they have been spotted in Ukraine this year too. They were a design remarkably ahead of their time.
True true
I think it’d odd to say it’s ahead of it’s time. New technologies have to have started somewhere.
And plenty of old World War 2 weapons are seeing active use to this day because of how many were produced. Especially in areas where there’s no offical military present to provide standard issue arms.
@@beanieguitarguy4070 sure, but in the history of standard issue service rifles, the entire StG44 concept was largely put to the side by world powers in favour of rifles which more closely resembled the traditional bolt actions in use, but were self loading in function. Even after learning about the StG44 and how it functioned the Americans adopted the M14, the Belgians, Brits, Austrians, Dutch and West Germans all used the FN FAL, the Germans latterly adopting the G3 which does trace a lineage back to the StG44 but still wasn’t a true assault rifle. Even the Soviets adopted the SKS.
It took a while before the AKs, M16s, G36s, AUGs, and Famases of the world took hold, and in most places they haven’t let go since, although arguably the Americans have just adopted the M5 to replace their standard issue service rifle with one that isn’t a true assault rifle, but that’s a whole other discussion lol.
in Syria back in 2012 iirc they found a container full to the brim with StG44, MP40 and Kar98k, plenty of ammo too
@@Azeria You're right in most things, but I think that you're making it sound too much like nobody liked it, when the NATO was planning on adopting the .280 British, but the US stopped all that with the 7.62. Also the intermediate caliber automatic rifle in the soviet union started its development at pretty much the same time the war ended, but with little influence from the german rifles.
A few comments have rightly raised the question of the Fedorov Avtomat - the answer is that either this OR the StG can be called "the first assault rifle", which is why Dave said "often called" in his description. However, it's complicated... Fedorov designed and intended a machine rifle (or 'battle rifle' if you like) in 6.5x57mm - most definitely NOT an intermediate cartridge. It only became arguably the first assault rifle (a later term literally taken from the StG's desigation) in a technical sense when it had to be redesigned to accept 6.5 Arisaka due to lack of availability of the intended full power ammunition. It was never intended to be used like the later MkB32(H)/MP43/MP44/StG44 and indeed never was, nor was it manufactured or issued at scale like the StG. Nor did it have the influence on other nations' development that the StG had. The StG was the first intermediate calibre automatic rifle that was designed AND issued for the purpose, and was the first to literally be called 'assault rifle'.
Oh, and Max Popenker's Firearm Blog article on the Fedorov and his assault rifle book are both highly recommended.
That and the Federov was designed much to fill the same role as the BAR, but with a fairly less potent cartridge. Meant for "Walking fire". The Federov was intended for fighting trench warfare, a higher volume of fire than can be achieved with a bolt action rifle
I don't think the fact it was designed for x57mm matters much. It's more that 6.5 Arisaka, while less bombastic than other rifle cartridges, is still absolutely not an intermediate caliber. Same for 6.5 Carcano.
Yooooo Jonathan you're the man!
I'm curious as to what your background is regarding firearms......other than being a living encyclopaedia!
It is undoubtedly the first “emotional support assault rifle.”
You guys would have loved the historical accuracy in vanguard where Japanese soldiers in the pacific carried them in 1943. I thought it was a weapon randomized glitch at first .
This channel is a blessing, the entire video is packed to the brim with information about both the rifle's role in real life, as well as how it's been depicted in videogames throughout the years.
No doubt Jonathan Ferguson, from the Royal Arms Museum in London, is a huge help on these videos, but it's also apparent that the writers at GameSpot are giving it their all.
Incredible work as always.
Totally agree, with the only caveat being the Royal Armouries museum is in Leeds.
We are glad you're enjoying them! Thank you so much for your kind words :)
It's an incredible team effort that goes into this show, so I'm pleased folk are engaging with them!
@@4d4m22 Isn't it in multiple places??
@@IrregularDave I can only imagine!
@@sainterasmus4545 They do have multiple sites but the specific museum Jonathan is at is in Leeds.
Can we take a moment to appreciate that Jonathan has gotta 1 of only a handful of people in the UK who fire automatic firearms regularly, outside of the military and police obviously, like you could probably count people who could honestly claim that in this country on 1 hand
It's probably easier for most civilians in the UK to fire automatic weapons than in the US (from memory, from when I was younger. don't know if as true now). Just join the cadets and you can learn the LSW on automatic.
Shooting clubs also fairly often go to Europe on shooting trips. Which is essentially what you have to do in the US as well.
Not gonna lie, when I heard that the Firearms Expert was from the UK my first thought was "We don't have guns in the UK! Surely an American would be better fit for the role?"
And yet here I am: I'd trade Jonathan Ferguson for nothing. He is a national treasure.
@@pluemas I would imagine renting automatic weapons at one of the tourist traps in Las Vegas, Nevada, would be _easier_ than joining the Cadets or a gun club in Europe
@@pluemas no it's not. You could just go and rent firearms for the range in the US.
@@weebsarecringe2102civilians can own fully automatic in some states. Just requires tax stamps, background checks, etc. But it's possible. I've always wanted to put a switch on my glock 😮💨
The clip between the movies "Star wars" and "The Bridge" Was an Estonian movie "1944" (2015) by Elmo Nüganen. It is an extremely good movie. Also relatively historically correct. Can recommend.
Just checked and its free on prime, may watch this today :)
@@badgerpie6 great. Let me know what you thought of it.
Fun fact: in Soviet cinema and TV up to the early 1990s, inventories of captured (and I assumed deactivated) StG 44, etc., rifles were used as stand-ins for American M16/AR-style rifle when needed (which wouldn't be easily available; only some came from capture from South Vietnam and other American satellite states, and it doesn't seem like these ended up in the motion picture industry). Unsurprising, since 4/5th of the German military fought on the Eastern Front, after the war there were a lot more captured rifles that could be adapted as movie props (they were also used in 1940's-period war cinema too). Apparently, they'd do this by altering the magazines and the furniture on the top of the rifle, changing the stock to look like synthetic furniture, and some repainting. As I understand it, industry censorship made Soviet filmmakers reluctant to directly portray hostile Americans in favor of a vague, western bloc enemy, but it was hardly unknown (consider how many times you see Kalishinikov rifles in films before 1992; the M16 was distributed to a lot of western proxies abroad too).
You can see this is a LOT of Soviet films and television, including 1983's "Mirage", 1987's "Island of Lost Ships", 1986's "Interception" and the 1984 miniseries "TASS is permitted to report..." and plenty of other examples. They were much more common than AR15 clones in Eurasian cinema for quite a time.
There are images of that StG-44 to M16 mocked up on the Internet Movie Firearms Database entry for Mirage (1983): hilarious, like something straight out of Khyber Pass
yeah the soviets gave alot of captured german weapons to the Vietnamese during the vietnam war. Alot of stg44s found their way there
Impressed that Ian managed not to say the phrase "emotional support sturmgewehr" for this whole video.
Ian? You mean Jonathan?
Wrong TH-cam gun expert my friend haha
I think you might be mixing up your TH-cam gun experts 😆
Ian?
this ain't gun Jesus bro
@@Bird_Dog00 Ian Mccullum, Forgotten Weapons. Excellent channel.
Interesting and overall great video!
I just wish I saw more of Jonathan shooting the STG-44. I have seen many STGs firing on TH-cam, but there is something about Jonathan that makes it more interesting.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed.
It was a real cool experience to see the weapon fired in person for sure.
it would have been so unbelievably funny if COD had released a Jonathan Ferguson operator bundle in Vanguard with an absolutely butchered STG44
Emotional Support STG44 time
That would be amazing! And it would be the only reason why I would even consider playing that game.
Both the STG44 and MP18 came out of the "weapons town" of Suhl located in southern Thuringia. Between the 16th and the 20th century, Suhl and its surrounding towns were one of the most important small arms manufacturers in Europe - for military and civillian purposes (like hunting and sports), sometimes called "the german damascus". A lot of well-known weapon manufactures started there like Schmeisser & Haenel (MP18, MP 44), J.P. Sauer, Simson, Merkel (the list goes on) and in it's neighbouring town the famous manufacturer Walther (PPK, P99).
My first exposure to the StG44 was MoH Underground in about 2001, and it was very nostalgic to see the corresponding footage (and the unnaturally thick fog) in this vid. I'm really enjoying this series, the combination of real weapons and the effect that games have had on their perception and the awareness of them is very interesting - I definitely first heard of many small arms through the games I played in the late Nineties and 2000s.
Talks about COD that was released in 2003, ignores BF1942 released 2002 which featured the STG44.
At Least They Talking About Medal of Honor Allied Assault That Also Realised in 2002 And Allied Assault is The Reason Why CoDs Existed..
As someone who played a LOT of BF42, I lament the lack of exposure it has in these videos :(
The G3 and its various progeny are also technically part of the STG's legacy. A few designers at Mauser started working on a cheaper variant of the rifle using a roller-delayed blowback mechanism, the STG 45. The war ended before they could build more than 30 of them, so one of the designers moved to Spain and joined CETME, using the design to build the Model B rifle. West Germany took a liking to it and bought a license to produce it themselves (because Belgium wouldn't let them license the FAL, considering Germany had gained a bad habit of invading them in both World Wars), Heckler & Koch redesigned it to fire the NATO-standard 7.62x51mm, and the rest is history.
I've watched quite a lot of the Loadout episodes and this is undoubtedly one of the best, quite possibly the best. So many different aspects tackled and so much interesting history revealed.
All I want for Christmas is an STG44
have you been "gut" this year?
@@IrregularDave Speaking of which, have you been losing weight? _EDIT_ Looking suave in your latest videos
0:10 "Die Sturmgewehr" from Medal of honor allied assault. Still my favorite mission!
This has become documentary level film making at this point. This content really deserves a feature length film and a flashy premiere. Dave as host and the ever wonderful Jonathan could be watched for hours.
Wow! Thank you for your kind words. Adam and Chris do such fantastic work behind the camera and throughout the editing process. It’s a real beautiful product of teamwork and I’m glad you enjoy!
I think importantly when discussing criteria and history, the StG44 was the first mass produced and issue assault rifle named as such, and more importantly unlike earlier contenders to the title, this one inspired later concepts and designs.
stg44 was the basis for the cetme rifle which in turn was the basis for h&k g3, also "miniaturized" into the mp5 and developed further into the ump, the legacy of the stg44 is still very much in active service to this day
The A280 in Battlefront is my favorite weapon in those games because of the Stg 44.
We love our Emotional Support Sturmgewehr no matter what form she takes.
I greatly enjoy the thoroughness of "every WW2 Call of Duty except for Finest Hour". Thanks as always, Dave!
I remember playing the very first CoD and a German soldier dropping one of these I one of the last missions on the American campaign. I immediately pick it up and its selective fire and capacity was so much more effective than the Garand! I didn’t know about WW2 guns back then and didn’t even now something like this existed. The thought of “how did the Germans lose with this awesome gun” even crossed my teen mind.
Ah, my most favourite rifle ever. Great video guys can't wait to see the next one
I love how those videos are educational and light hearted at the same time
By far my favorite assault rifle in fiction and history!
Great vid. In 1943-44, seeing an MP44 must have been like seeing a space gun. And it would have been an OP rifle when used in the situations for which it was designed.
I want one. I'd settle for a semi-auto version if the copy was faithful otherwise. Take my money!
I don't think the Federov can qualify because it uses the 6.5 Arisaka, a full power rifle cartridge. The US M2 could be included, but it was made in response (sort of) to the MP44, so clearly one was actually in production first.
That curved barrel is a crazy idea. No idea if it worked, but it was definitely an idea.
Also, isn't firing an STG 44 a rather expensive thing to do these days? I doubt the ammunition for it is very common, or still in production for that matter.
7.92 Mauser is still in production
So 7.92 Kurtz is still available to buy.
Original production, I'd presume so. There's singlefire reproductions of it in .300 Blackout and .22.
It worked, but the barrel life I believe was around 300 rounds. The Kurtz rounds are usually custom reloads.
@@rubberwoody Not the same Round. "Kurz" should give you a hint- "Short".
PPU still makes it. In the US it's about $16 for a box of 20 rounds.
In retrospect (at the time of playing I had no concept about the development of firearms), I love how in MoH::AA player obtained the stg in a mission where the goal was to intercept a shipment of Germany's brand new weapons (and the stg being part of that). I may be misremembering the exact plot but the thing is that stg in that game was considered a rare state-of-the-art piece.
Dave and Jonathan. Name a more iconic duo. I'll wait.
Bonny and Clyde.
FINALLY…An actual firearms expert who tells the truth about the weapon. And that it WASN’T the inspiration for what would become the AK-47.
Thank you Mr. Ferguson.
I mean, it definitely was a partial inspiration but it wasn't a copy of the Stg. It's not like Kalashnikov had never seen one before, he obviously studied them just like he studied the M1 Garand. The AK was the best features from the best guns before it simplified down and put in a Stg Looking Rugged Case.
It's not that other rifles before the STG-44 wouldn't be considered assault rifles by the modern definition, it's just that the definition for the term didn't come about UNTIL the STG-44 and thus, nobody really considered the earlier guns that laid out the groundwork. But too, if you look at the proposed military doctrine of rifles like the Federov or the Ribeyrolles for example, the way they were intended to be used were not 100% the same as the STG.
I'd also point out while some of those older rifles had the defining traits like intermediate caliber, select fire, and detachable magazines, the STG shaped the future of rifles to come in such a way none of the others ever did. So, historically it's consider much more significant as being the "first" than the rest.
Crazy that Day of Defeat got shown off in this video. Now that is an underrated game!
One of my favorite guns of all time
Kinda disappointed that John didn’t dual wield them in this video again.
What weakens the argument for the Avtomat being the first true assault rifle is the fact that it shot a full sized rifle cartridge. The StG44 fires an intermediate cartridge and like the Avtomat, has select fire. The StG44 is the first true assault rifle in my eyes.
To be fair there are quite a few other contenders, like the Ribeyrolles 1918, or more debatable, the french "assault" conversions of the Model 1907 rifle, loaded with 15 to 20 round mags, a bayonet, and some sources state a fully automatic conversions (though many others don't say anything on the topic, so it's fairly debatable)
these two in theory would have had a far more similar role to the STG-44 than the avtomat, which was more of an early LMG
the STG-44 is the first modern assault rifle at the very least, and probably/arguably the first proper one as well
i have saud it before, the fedorov avtomat is a BATTLE RIFLE, NOT AN ASSAULT RIFLE, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE
@@Eliphasercorrect me if im wrong but was the ribeyrolles actually ever built/used in combat? haven't been able to find much info on it
@@engiturtle65 honestly I'm not sure if we even know
there probably was only one prototype, but it's theoretically not impossible they just actually tried it out on the battlefield at some point; I don't believe there's any surviving example, and information seems to be quite sparse, so I don't think we'll ever know.
In doubt I'd assume it's a one-time or limited run of prototypes for testing, without actually resulting in any production or combat use
I like to think the ''sturm'' part of the STG is meant to mean ''ein sturm aus kugelns'' or ''a storm of bullets''.
always thought it came from stoormtrooper since it was given to stormtroopers
@@blockwithaglock96 seems like both could be true at once
Sturmgewehr was mainly a Propagandistic name hinting at the purpose of the rifle, though it had it's Roots in WW1 German Trench Raiders which were called Sturmtruppen. Sturm is really just a german term for Assault. Ansturm means Assault, and the shorthand prefix of Sturm- became a term added for anything meant to be used in Assaults, like the Sturmgeschütz.
@@acceptablecasualty5319 Dude, the video sayd the STG-44 was used in assults and was a rifel; hens the name *Sturmgewher*
@@saschahofmann2421 Homeboy, i know. I'm a german and a military enthusiast.
In the mid to late 30's a lot of countries were experimenting with intermediary cartridges, and the concept is not that different from the US carbine trials, which they called a short automatic rifle and they were successful, the so-called carbine was the most produced gun of the war, the Germans did the same with Volmer in 35, never really abandoned it since they tried again in 42 with the MKzb (automatic carbine) which was open bolt, when they understood that full auto was not the main usage they decided to change it to close bolt which is the STG-43, the doctrine of use is only use full auto to suppress the enemy in evasive maneuvers, on ofensivo maneuvers it was to be used in semi, most of the representations aren't accurate because they fit more the AK and AR first use, which wasn't the right use either.
we need a series like this but with cars. pop culture impact of certain cars
Kay Ee aR 98 K?
It's not an acronym, it's a contraction.
Kar 98 K!
Kar(abiner) 98 K(urz)
I'll bet Jonathan's going to give Dave some grief about that.
@@Dafmeister1978 😁
I would say the Fedorov has a stronger argument than the Rigotti. As the Rigotti was in full rifle caliber whereas while the Fedorov was still a rifle caliber most definitely it was made to be intentionally a little bit weaker as to make the system functional and not expload. Still not to the level of a intermediate cartridge it's still a full rifle cartridge it's just a weaker. But you could argue for that war it was more intermediate than anything. I believe there is a possible for a believable alternate history where the federov is called the 1st assault rifle. Although the terminology would be different.
Alternate history where "assault rifles" require two-three men to operate
RE: The StG-44 and Call of Duty 1; the most frustrating and yet fun set of missions as I recall it was the sequence of British missions starting with the assault on Pegasus Bridge. The StG-44 would be dropped by some of the German defenders, but not a heck of a lot of ammo. With that being said, careful use of that ammo would make a large difference; but you'll still want some rockets, for the tanks.
Very cool historical details about the development!
Love to see one of these videos on the MG42 or later MG03
It does encourage me to rock as squad lead with one of these bad boys in Squad 44
Wish you can do an episode about the M16, M4 and AR-15 rifles.
I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but with all the info that's available for those weapons it's not likely it'll come up soon.
They're all AR-15's
My earliest recollection of the STG 44 in pop culture was in the movie "Battle of the Bulge". It's surprising that a vignette focused on history, pop culture, cinema, and videogames wouldn't include that. At least to me it is.
Ill throw out a mention for Hidden and Dangerous 2 too, wasn't my favourite gun to use in that game (because de lisle) but it was my favorite for online play.
That first COD entry had the STG44 (MP44) depicted as open bolt.
I think that Battle Rifles first took form when full sized cartridge rifles were converted from single action to semi auto or full auto. Then the Assault Rifle took form when those Battle Rifles were chambered in an intermediate cartridge
I think we can all agree that the emotional support Sturmgewehr is the most important Sturmgewehr in history.
I got an advert for Hugo Boss in the middle of this video...
In the words of Huxley from Medal Of Honor: Above And Beyond: “The extreme lethality of this weapon scares me”
It's presence in COD4 isn't even all that weird, as there have been quite a few examples found in the middle east, and specifically a few used in the Syrian conflict recently, and even one photographed in (allegedly) the Ukraine.
It was one of the best guns in Wolfenstein
the swear to god 44
That was great keep up the good work!
not that i really think this holds much water, but the prototype burton LMR technically fits the modern definition of an assault rifle. it feeds from box magazines, is select fire, and shoots what is considered an intermediate cartridge
Its still a light machine rifle
Cool vid
I've never seen mr Ferguson shoot a gun, but I've heard him talk about them for probably 24 hours at this point.
First thought: avalanche in day of defeat on the old hl mod! And there it was!! :D
youve been wearing the same jacket for 3 seasons
I watched the bridge when I was young until this I thought it was a fever dream
This firearm changed the world
Game Dev logic is that any weapon that is a light machine gun or automatic rifle is it top tier and also nerfed in damage and accuracy.
Can you please do a break down of grand theft auto 4's guns?
That a variant even made it in to Far Cry 3, where it has absolutely no right to belong kind of says how much influence it has had in games
Uh...there is no STG in Far Cry 3.
it IS the FIIRST Assault Rifle. Germany has their track record
Who invented the first "Assault Weapon" They did with a drum mag luger w/ stock.
First submachine gun? They did Mp40 and the likes.
Hk to this day is what I would trust
tf are you talking about, the first assault rifle is clearly the stg 44
I am curious about the STG’s actual effectiveness in WWII and wether or not Germany being able to produce and distribute them earlier would’ve had much of an impact on the war.
Oh the nostalgia! From the video games ahem.
day of defeat definitely wasn't made by activision guys
Me playing any WW2 fps game and picking out German weapons
Me: Alright get lost go on scram you're fired get outta here you moochers
MP40, Kar98, Gewehr: 😒😠😡
Me: that's right keep moving
STG: 😔
Me: Except you, you stay!
STG: 🤩
I mainly remember Brothers in arms not for it's weapons for it's ridiculously long loading times. Tiny trigger corridor loeded a flipping minute. Had a bit of a (very loooong) flashback on seeing it again.
Also i think the move to modern scenraios came from a massive over usage of the WW2 setting.
This is great.
More Jonathan, please!
Great one! Loved this. Missed opportunity for Johnathon to wield his emotional support sturmgewer though! 😂
One surprising thing that happens with the Stg44 is a whole bunch of them popping up in recent wars in Africa
It’s weird hearing call of duty and authentic experience in the same sentence
Where is the 'Emotional Support' STG 44?
Hate to be that person but Hidden and Dangerous 2 (2002) had the ability to look down Iron Sights before Call of Duty by over a year . Also it is a far better game .
And a quick update Hidden and Dangerous 1 (1999) also had look down iron sights and the STG 44 . Its a cracking game .
I miss DOD original vanilla 😪
Some CoH in here rn.
Always thought the ak was a copy of the stg but now with a side view I see a m16 aswell
This best and help modern assault rifles like AK and SCAR
It feels like the BAR in every game I've used it in. I guess that guns too heavy to be considered an assault rifle...
There's a lot "wrong" with the American BAR to consider it an assault rifle, mainly that it's in a full sized rifle cartridge. Tactically speaking it was used as a light machine gun, whereas in gaming I can see why they put them in the same "class" like they did in say, MOH: allied assault. Realistically the two weapons were designed with similar problems in mind, it's just that the Germans arguably did it better. Rightfully so, their attempt was 25 or so years later.
@@blakekenley1000 Makes sense. It just seems crazy that the BAR was classed as a light machine gun but only had a 20 round capacity. 😂
@@arousedkhajiit They had different ideas back then. Just 25 years prior to the outbreak of ww2 cavalry charges with sabers drawn on well trained horses were considered a really good idea. So was massed infantry charges across open ground into maxim guns. The BAR was designed to close the gap kinda like an STG, except when it was designed everyone had bolt actions, so 20 rds of full auto was pretty significant for our (or at least my) great grandfathers. Sub machine guns were just as new a concept, and no one but the Germans were actually embracing them. Something I learned when I was in the army was that we were really well trained for the last war we were in. Things like the BAR and ww2 really prove that concept.
My fav
I'd say the bar is the first, although more of a battle rifle than an assault rifle by modern definitions.
The BAR is classified as a light machine-gun.
No
@@chris.3711 Ehhh, 20 rounds of 45? Machine gun? Nahh
8:50 Well not really, she had the exact same stats as the AK 47, so she had basically average stats but yeah you couldn't slot any accessories on it.
5:30 and that clip were a little too on the nose for me. i've been seen.
I remember that MOH mission to steal the stg, good times
DO THE MP40!!
I can guarantee you that there are many Germans cursing you for butchering the names
I must know
I'm one of them
Verzeihung. ich versuchte mein Bestes
STURMGEWUR
so its basically like the Me-262 or Ar-234. Way too late, way too little, overall questionable effectiveness in german hands but an undeniable forerunner of modern military equipment and technology
Why does it sound like he's saying "KR" 98?
gj on the britiish armory guy pronouncing it correctly. its STURM not STÜRM
But the presenter can't say "wehr" properly.
There are so many bots in the comments
Glad to see Jonathan getting to fire his emotional support sturmgewehr
This gun is always good in every game LOL
Just got done with it in COD 2