A Gun A Day Keeps The ATF Away

The STG-44, or “Sturmgeweyr“ MP-44. Developed by Nazi Germany based on captured m1 Garands, it’s considered the first assault rifle, at least to be in service.

The FAMAS, or “Famous F1”, an extremely fast-firing bullpup carbine. This French model clocks in at an astonishing 1100 RPM. Its main faults come from the non-detachable carry handle and controversial bullpup design.

The mg42, or “Hitler’s Buzzsaw”, nicknamed because of its blistering speed of 1200 RPM and, however obvious and unfortunate, its service in WWII for Nazi Germany. Laying down that much hate in 7.62 causes the barrel to heat up very quickly, so to counteract this, the external barrel is vented and the internal barrel can actually be removed and replaced very easily if it overheats.

The m1 Garand, the American service rifle of WWII. It uses a revolutionary gas operated system that would later be used by the Germans in the STG-44. The signature ping sound the reload makes is the release spring slamming into the bottom of the clip to send it out the top. And yes, the small piece of metal that was used to slide bullets into the internal magazine was called a clip and it was what caused the confusion over the name of a magazine and the constant and eternal pain of all gun guys.

The Winchester 1897, or the “Trench Gun”, named as such because of its power in the trench warfare of WWII. It fires red-hot buckshot that can ricochet off the concrete walls of a trench bunker, wiping out its occupants. It compensates for the immense heat with the signature vented barrel and an insulated charging pump.

The KRISS Vector .45, one of the fastest-firing conventional firearms ever designed, hitting 1200 RPM. Its light, sleek and efficient design makes it a top contender, but .45 ACP firing that fast causes some notable handling issues.

Fun Fact: Practically the only step to field-strip a Makarov is to remove a single pin from the top of the trigger. It’s the only thing keeping the slide from moving forward.