The
StG 44 (abbreviation of
Sturmgewehr 44, "assault rifle 44") is a
German selective-fire rifle developed during
World War II that was the first of its kind to see major deployment and is considered to be the first modern
assault rifle. It is also known under the designations
MP 43 and
MP 44 (
Maschinenpistole 43,
Maschinenpistole 44 respectively). The StG 44 was the first successful weapon of its class, and the concept had a major impact on modern infantry small arms development. By all accounts, the StG 44 fulfilled its role admirably, particularly on the
Eastern Front, offering a greatly increased volume of fire compared to standard infantry rifles and greater range than
submachine guns. In the end, it came too late to have a significant effect on the outcome of the war.