The collection of the Victory Museum houses an assault rifle. It was created for the German ground forces by the famous weapons designer Hugo Schmeisser. The prototype rifle was presented in 1940.
The MKb.42 was known under the name Maschinenkarabiner (“machine carbine”) and was considered to be an advanced weapon. Many military servicemen highly praised the gas-operated system. The rifle had a simple and sturdy design. A special button positioned above the pistol grip was used to set the weapon to deliver single shots or bursts. The carbine was characterized by the capability of firing from an open bolt.
The carbine was manufactured by companies “Haenel” and “Walther.” Each of them was commissioned to produce 200 carbines of various modifications. In 1942, two prototypes were presented to Adolf Hitler. After the official demonstration, a decision was made to put the carbines into mass production. However, the weapons needed to be improved. According to the concept, in addition to firing, they also had to be useful in close combat with the help of the bayonet and the buttstock.
After the production was launched, and the new rifle was adopted into use, the companies were asked to add a bayonet lug and to provide the necessary features for launching grenades. The management of the Ministry of Armaments intended to receive the first batch of 500 carbines by November 1942. Later, the output was expected to increase to 15,000 rifles a month. However, this plan was not implemented due to the production problems of both companies.
With the help of the Ministry of Armaments, the first batch of carbines was released. In December 1942, comparative tests were organized at the Döbritz infantry school. The “Haenel” prototype had a simple and reliable design, was easy to assemble and disassemble, and had a long sight line range. Later, this carbine was named MKb.42(H).
In February 1943, 1,217 carbines were produced. The Minister of Armaments Albert Speer ordered to send some of the rifles for troop trials on the Eastern front. The “Haenel” carbine proved to be a great fit for field conditions.
The MKb.42 was known under the name Maschinenkarabiner (“machine carbine”) and was considered to be an advanced weapon. Many military servicemen highly praised the gas-operated system. The rifle had a simple and sturdy design. A special button positioned above the pistol grip was used to set the weapon to deliver single shots or bursts. The carbine was characterized by the capability of firing from an open bolt.
The carbine was manufactured by companies “Haenel” and “Walther.” Each of them was commissioned to produce 200 carbines of various modifications. In 1942, two prototypes were presented to Adolf Hitler. After the official demonstration, a decision was made to put the carbines into mass production. However, the weapons needed to be improved. According to the concept, in addition to firing, they also had to be useful in close combat with the help of the bayonet and the buttstock.
After the production was launched, and the new rifle was adopted into use, the companies were asked to add a bayonet lug and to provide the necessary features for launching grenades. The management of the Ministry of Armaments intended to receive the first batch of 500 carbines by November 1942. Later, the output was expected to increase to 15,000 rifles a month. However, this plan was not implemented due to the production problems of both companies.
With the help of the Ministry of Armaments, the first batch of carbines was released. In December 1942, comparative tests were organized at the Döbritz infantry school. The “Haenel” prototype had a simple and reliable design, was easy to assemble and disassemble, and had a long sight line range. Later, this carbine was named MKb.42(H).
In February 1943, 1,217 carbines were produced. The Minister of Armaments Albert Speer ordered to send some of the rifles for troop trials on the Eastern front. The “Haenel” carbine proved to be a great fit for field conditions.
