Sturmpistole

The ''Sturmpistole'' ("assault-pistol") was an attempt by Germany during World War II to create a multi-purpose weapon which could be used by any infantryman. It consisted of a modified flare gun (''Leuchtpistole'') which could fire a variety of grenades, including a shaped charge Panzerwurfkörper 42 which could penetrate of rolled homogeneous armor. The idea was not pursued wholeheartedly, and took second stage to the then current anti-tank rifles and later weapon developments, such as the ''Panzerfaust'' recoilless and ''Panzerschreck'' rocket.

Service use

The ''Sturmpistole'' was a multi-purpose weapon for signaling, illumination, target marking, or concealment with a smoke grenade. Later during World War II, explosive rounds were developed to give German troops a small and lightweight grenade launcher for engaging targets from close range which could not be engaged satisfactorily by infantry weapons or artillery without endangering friendly troops. Conversions of both the Leuchtpistole 34 and Leuchtpistole 42 flare guns are reported to exist. The conversion included adding a buttstock and sights for the different grenades.

''Sturmpistoles'' delivered to Romania were in use of ''Pioniere'' battalions.

Available projectiles included:

* Multi-Star Signal Cartridge - This was a multi-star signal flare that contained three red and three green stars that could be set for six different color combinations.
*Panzerwurfkörper 42 - This was a HEAT grenade that could be used against enemy armor. It had a range of and could penetrate of RHA at 90 degrees. It was similar in layout to the ''Wurfkorper'' 361 and used a rifled cartridge case.
*Wurfgranate Patrone 326 - This was a small, breech loaded, fin stabilized, explosive grenade, with a nose fuze that was designed for short range low angle direct fire use. It was not recommended for use beyond due to inaccuracy or less than due to the risk from shell fragments.
* Wurfkorper 361 - The ''Wurfkorper'' 361 was formed by screwing a Bakelite or wooden stem into an ''Eierhandgranate'' 39 which allowed it to be fired from a ''Leuchtpistole''. A brass or aluminum shell casing with propellant was first loaded into the breech of the gun. The stem was then slid down the muzzle until it slipped into the shell casing, the breech was then closed and the gun could be fired. The ''Wurfkorper'' 361 was used for high angle indirect fire where its shrapnel would be useful. The Wurfkorper 361 was not recommended for use at less than 46 m (50 yd) due to the risk from shrapnel and its maximum range was limited to around at 45° because the grenade had a 4.5 second time fuze.

Gallery

File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-698-0038-25A, Russland, Waffenvorführung (cropped).jpg, A Sturmpistole firing a HE grenade probably based on the Stielhandgranate 43.
File:Flare pistol, U-505, World War II - Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago) - DSC06765.JPG, Leuchtpistole 34
File:Leuchtpistole IMG 1728.JPG, Leuchtpistole 42.
File:MULTI-STAR SIGNALCARTRIDGE.jpg, Schematic of Multi-Star Cartridge components.
File:Wurfgranate Patrone 326 Leuchtpistole.jpg, Schematic of Wurfgranate Patrone 326 components.
File:Wurfkorper Leuchtpistole.jpg, Schematic of Wurfkorper 361 components.

Notes

References

*Robert A. Slayton, ''Arms of Destruction: Ranking the World's Best Land Weapons of WWII'', Citadel Press, New York: Kensington Publishing Corp.,
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2.7 cm Leuchtpistole 38, and Kampfpistole SturmpistoleSturmpistole in use of Romanian Pioniere units
{{WWIIGermanInfWeapons
World War II infantry weapons of Germany
Anti-tank weapons
Trial and research firearms of Germany
Military equipment introduced from 1940 to 1944