Yep, that’s right – we will finally again have access to museum-quality new semiauto MP-44 Sturmgewehr rifles from Germany! I spent some time yesterday speaking with Lars Brüggemann with EL BE Tac, who is the US distributor for these rifles, and the prospects are very exciting. A full line of reproduction semiauto German WWII rifles will be coming to the US, starting with the MP-44 and MP-38. The ATF has already approved the designs for these two, which is the biggest obstacle to bringing in guns like these.

There were no samples at the show, as importation is still pending permit approval (the guns have to come into the US in a sporting configuration to comply with import law), but the first guns should be here during the summer. Unlike the somewhat infamous PTR-44 debacle from several years ago, these new guns will use materials and heat treat fully up to modern spec.

MP38: The classic German WWII submachine gun

The MP-44 will be offered in 7.92×33 (8mm Kurz) only, and will accept original MP-44 magazines. The MP-38 is a closed-bolt conversion and will be sold as a pistol, with a stock fixed in the folded position (but repairable for folks who was to file SBR papers for them). Exact prices are not yet determined, but the MP-44 will likely be around the $5,000 mark. A lot of money to be sure, but an awesome opportunity to have the rifle that is truly the inspiration behind today’s entire combat rifle concept. Stay tuned for a first look at the guns when they arrive here in the States!