Gildwiller1918 Posted January 16, 2020 Share Posted January 16, 2020 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 Leuchtpistole which could fire a variety of grenades, including a 600 g (1 lb 5 oz) shaped charge Panzerwurfkörper 42 which could penetrate 80 mm of 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 and Panzerschreck. Conversions of both the Leuchtpistole 34 and Leuchtpistole 42 are reported to exist. The conversion included adding a buttstock and sights for the different grenades. The first photo shows a German Army Officer with the Panzerwurfkörper 42, which was a HEAT grenade that could be used against enemy armor. It had a range of 69 m (75 yd) and could penetrate 80 mm (3.1 in) of RHA. It was similar in layout to the Wurfkorper 361 and used a rifled cartridge case. Note the cuff title of Grossdeutschland with Sutterlin script. The second photo also shows this weapon used by an Army NCO. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gildwiller1918 Posted January 16, 2020 Author Share Posted January 16, 2020 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 78 m (85 yd) at 45° because the grenade had a 4.5 second time fuze. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fritz Posted January 16, 2020 Share Posted January 16, 2020 I had a Leuchtpistole, normal version, many years ago, most parts in aluminium construction, these with some of the bluing remaining. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gildwiller1918 Posted January 16, 2020 Author Share Posted January 16, 2020 Very nice Fritz, the pistols themselves are not too uncommon and can still be found from time to time. However the other parts, especially the ordinance is very hard to find. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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