[Pistolenschutze]

The Germans introduced the Sturmgewehr 44 (7.92 x 33 Kurz caliber) in the latter part of WWII, Tom. It was based on the previously developed Maschinenpistole MP 43. Hitler initially opposed the development of the rifle, but the military continued development of it secretly. It is considered the precursor to all other assault rifles and heavily influenced the development of the later Russian AK47. Like so many excellent German weapons designs, it was too little, too late. By the time it was introduced, Germany was unable to manufacture it in sufficient quantity for it to make much of a difference.