What was the First Assault Rifle?
The first assault rifle is a debated topic among historians and enthusiasts, with several candidates competing for the title. While the concept of an automatic rifle dates back to the late 19th century, the modern assault rifle as we know it today is a product of mid-20th century. In this article, we will explore the evolution of assault rifles and identify some of the key milestones leading up to the development of the first modern assault rifle.
Early Experimentations
The concept of fully automatic firearms dates back to the late 19th century, with inventors such as Richard Gatling and Hiram Maxim proposing designs for machine guns that could fire multiple rounds per trigger pull. However, these early designs were generally heavy, cumbersome, and prone to jamming. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the first practical semiautomatic rifles emerged.
The First German Assault Rifle: Sturmgewehr 44 (StG 44)
The StG 44, developed by Kurt Mauser and the MP 43/44 prototype, is often credited as the first assault rifle. Introduced in 1943, the StG 44 was a 7.92×33 mm caliber rifle that combined features of both rifles and machine guns. It had an intermediate cartridge, which meant it was more powerful than a pistol cartridge but more manageable than a full-scale rifle cartridge. The rifle also featured a detachable magazine and a select fire mechanism, allowing the operator to switch between semi- and fully automatic modes.
The First Soviet Assault Rifle: AK-47
The AK-47, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, was introduced in 1949 and quickly became one of the most widely used weapons in the world. With its 7.62×39 mm caliber intermediate cartridge, the AK-47 was designed to address the issues of the 7.62×60 mm cartridge used in early Soviet rifles, which required a longer barrel and excessive recoil. The AK-47’s design was intentionally simple, reliable, and easy to maintain, which made it an ideal combat weapon for the Soviet and Eastern Bloc armies.
| Comparison of Early Assault Rifles | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rifle | Calibre | Rate of Fire | Cycle |
| StG 44 | 7.92×33 | 500-600 RPS | Gas-operated |
| AK-47 | 7.62×39 | 600-800 RPS | Gas-operated |
The Criteria for an Assault Rifle
To qualify as an assault rifle, a weapon typically needs to meet the following criteria:
- Power: The weapon should produce a significant amount of fire, but not as powerful as a full-scale battle rifle.
- Range: The weapon should have an effective range of around 300-400 meters.
- Portability: The weapon should be lightweight, compact, and easy to handle.
- Availability: The weapon should use a readily available cartridge, typically an intermediate cartridge.
With these criteria in mind, the StG 44 and AK-47 share many similarities, but do they truly qualify as the first assault rifles?
Conclusion
The answer is not straightforward. While both the StG 44 and AK-47 met the criteria for an assault rifle, they were neither the first nor the original assault rifles. The debate surrounding the first assault rifle is ongoing, with historians and enthusiasts continuing to search for the earliest examples that meet the criteria.
Despite the controversy, the development of the StG 44 and AK-47 marked a significant turning point in the evolution of warfare, as they introduced compact, lightweight, and readily available weapons that could fill the gap between pistols and full-scale rifles. From these early designs, later assault rifles such as the M16 and AK-74 emerged, further enhancing the capabilities of modern warriors.
In the Era of Modern Warfare
Modern assault rifles have evolved beyond the early designs, offering improved accuracy, reliability, and firepower. With new materials and technologies, design engineers have created more comfortable, ergonomic, and easy-to-use weapons that incorporate advanced features such as holographic sights, red dots, and Picatinny rail systems.
In the Era of Modern Warfare, with the rise of urban, asymmetric, and hybrid combat, the assault rifle plays a crucial role in engaging enemies at close range and providing suppressive fire against enemy positions. As weaponry continues to evolve, historians and enthusiasts will continue to debate the first assault rifle, but one thing remains clear: the StG 44 and AK-47 paved the way for the modern assault rifles of today.
Final Considerations
In conclusion, the first assault rifle debate is ongoing, and some may argue that other design candidates, such as the British Sten gun (1941) or Italian Beretta Model 28/2 (1947), should be considered instead. However, the impact of the StG 44 and AK-47 on the development of subsequent assault rifles cannot be disputed.
