Luke Tomes returns to the Royal Armouries in Leeds to fire some of the most iconic weapons of the Second World War belonging to the German Wehrmacht.
As always he is joined by Keeper of Firearms & Artillery, Jonathan Ferguson who talks him through the history of all the pistols, rifles and machine guns employed in the conflict.
First up is the Luger P08, a distinctive semi-automatic pistol that became emblematic of German forces during World War II. Chambered in 9mm, it is known for its unique toggle-lock mechanism and ergonomic design. Initially adopted by the German military in 1908, it saw extensive use in both World Wars. Despite being replaced by the Walther P38 toward the latter end of the conflict, the Luger P08 remained a coveted war trophy and is celebrated for its engineering and historical significance.
Second is the Karabiner 98k bolt-action rifle, the standard infantry weapon of the German Wehrmacht during World War II. Introduced in 1935, it was chambered in 7.92×57mm Mauser and known for its accuracy, reliability, and ruggedness. Widely used on all fronts, the Kar98k became a symbol of German military prowess. It influenced post-war bolt-action designs and remains popular among collectors and historians for its historical impact.
Third up, the StG 44 (Sturmgewehr 44), developed by Nazi Germany during World War II and considered the first modern assault rifle. Chambered in 7.92×33mm Kurz, it combined the firepower of a submachine gun with the range and accuracy of a rifle. Introduced in 1944, it significantly enhanced infantry firepower, influencing post-war assault rifle designs, including the AK-47. Despite its late introduction and limited numbers, the StG 44 had a lasting impact on small arms development.
Last but not least is the MP 40, a German submachine gun, used extensively by Axis forces during World War II. Chambered in 9mm Parabellum, it featured a compact design, folding stock, and high rate of fire, making it ideal for mechanized and airborne troops. Introduced in 1940, it succeeded earlier MP 38 models. Known for its reliability and ease of use, the MP 40 became a symbol of German infantry, influencing post-war submachine gun designs globally.
Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free exclusive podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsely, Mary Beard and more. Watch, listen and read history wherever you are, whenever you want it. Available on all devices: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku, Xbox, Chromecast, and iOs & Android.
We’re offering a special discount to History Hit for our subscribers, get 50% off your first 3 months with code YOUTUBE:
#historyhit #jonathanferguson #worldwartwo
00:00 Introduction
01:59 Luger P08
08:41 Firing Luger P08
12:36 Karabiner 98k
21:56 Firing Karabiner 98k
24:15 StG 44
32:17 Firing StG 44
34:33 MP 40
41:45 Firing MP 40
43:15 Best Weapon?
world , We Fired German Weapons of World War Two , #Fired #German #Weapons #World #War
, history hit,history hit youtube,jonathan ferguson guns,jonathan ferguson,ww2 weapons,weapons of ww2,firing ww2 guns,firing ww2 weapons,ww2 firing,jonathan ferguson ww2,shooting luger pistol,shooting luger p08,po8 luger shooting,german weapons of ww2,firing german ww2 weapons,kar98k ww2,firing kar98k,stg 44 full auto,firing stg44,stg 44 ww2,firing mp40,stg 44 assault rifle,stg 44 german assault rifle,german weapons ww2,mp40 ww2 history
After a bit of research, I was able to figure out my own Kar98k was originally a Kriegsmodell manufactured in 1944 at Bystrica, right around the time of the Slovak National Uprising. It is in rough shape, and as it has parts from at least two other rifles in its current construction, I can only assume it was either a Russian capture, or it was reassembled as it is now by the postwar Czech government.
I remember; an old work colleague once told me that he used to have a P08. (It must have been in the 70s) At the time he was working as a foreman in an industrial company on the night shift. There was not much going on during the night shift and only a small workforce. He then went into the warehouse with a phone book and thought to himself, I'll try it out secretly. What he didn't know was that the P08 shot very low. He noticed it when the light suddenly went out after the first shot. Unfortunately he had put the phone book on a main power cable for the warehouse. Explain that to your boss
Great vid, always interesting to see these things actually fired. BTW you misspelled "manUfacturer".
Weather 5 rds or 10? as an infantry man..common sense
There have been stripper clips wich allowed a very quick reloading of the K98k. The sniper version has also been mostly the K98 and not the K98k, the k stands for kurz wich means short. The sniper mainly used the K98 with a longer barrel for more accurency.
Jonathan shoots the MP40
Luke over his shoulder like 😮
I think the Kalashnikov resembles the STG 44 rather than vice versa. An interesting presentation and it is nice to see an expert discussing these weapons. I am not sure but didn't Hitler forbid its development because of the different ammo.
Jonathan is living his best life here.
"On the range…"? In a stationery cupboard mor like.
"Wermacht was spoiled for choice for weapons" – for a channel called "History Hit" , that was the dumbest line I've ever damn heard about the german war machine lol.
It's a shocker how the artist with the toothbrush moustache disliked the STG-44 from the start and prefered for more Kar98Ks and MP40s to be produced on.
It's nice to see these classic pistols. I'm from England, which has been totally disarmed. I put that down to a government which doesn't trust its own people.
Even something that looks like a gun can land you in prison.
Totally crazy.
Lugers and STG44 are more clickbaity than more common weapons. Disappointing that P38 is mentioned but not shown, when it outnumbered the Luger, and Gewehr 43 would have been nice for comparison
I have fired the Mauser AND the Lee-Enfield and found the Lee-Enfield just BETTER…
Why is the Luger fired single-handed, while other semi-automatic pistols are held with both hands? Must affect accuracy.
Emotional support video 32:51
Why do I keep hearing the phrase "ones I'm allowed to shoot." ??? I've asked before but don't remember the answer lol
At 4m !!! Lmao come and see me when you can hit the bull everytime at 30m to 50m.
no mg42 or mg34. I give you a F on your video. try again
Missing FG 42
a german general was once asked by hitler at the front line… ish what he wanted,
he replied 'more of these (st-44) rifles'
Surprised they didn't demo a P-38 SLP Which was carried more than the Lugar
39:40 Dude. Never point a gun at someone you're not intending to shoot. (Jonathan, clearly eyeing the barrel)
My action man had an MP40 so they must have been good
Jeez, poor Jonathan getting muzzled at 28:10. If you want that type of action just go to Turner's on a Saturday
Did he almost point the STG 44 at Jonathan?!
Sadly, no FG-42…
At 28:12 Please tell me that LUKE is not pointing that STG44 at Jonathan's face. I hope that it is an optical illusion caused by camera angle ! Otherwise, good review of these fine German weapons.
9mm vs 45 getting shot isn't fun
And definitely not like the movies where you tie a bandage around your arm to mitigate being shot in the head
God I wish I could get a Borchardt C-93 pistol irl. Those things look so elegant and beautiful.
WW2 Germans weapons are my favorite to used in Call of Duty to Medal of Honor. Most especially the StG 44 and MP 40.