New GSG Sturmgewehr STG-44 .22 Long Rifle

Let me first say that this is in no way a full gun review. I got to shoot one magazine through this rifle back in January and finally found the video so I figured I’d share my thoughts from that day.

A month or so ago the geniuses at Ammoland.com released a story about GSG sending their all new STG-44 (The 44 standing for 1944 when it came on the scene, and Sturmgewehr which literally means “storm rifle” in German. It served as a precursor to the Kalashnikov design, though he would probably tell you that’s not true) to stores for sale. I fretted immediately because I thought for a second that because of the crappy audio I had scrapped the SHOT Show Range Day footage I had of actually shooting this rifle. Well, while setting up the new H.o.G. editing machine I found it! Like I said, the audio sucks, but at least it’s a good look at the prototype of this rifle. Not sure I’ll ever get one in for a rifle review, but it’s fun to track back.

• The trigger is awful. If they’re going for an exact match form the replica to the original they’re doing well.
• It was a submachine gun. Both in form and function. So shouldering it and throwing your cheek on the comb and trying to get low on the iron sights feels terrible. TERRIBLE.
• It’s heavy, and has great heft to it, like the original. Similar to other GSG replicas in that light.
• Because of it’s weight, and in spite of the trigger, it’s a pleasure to shoot.
• At 25 yards it was very accurate. I could ring the 6″ steel plate they had set up with boring regularity.
• The crate/box and accessories it comes with just how the original was shipped is way high on cool points in my book.

All in all it was great fun. Not as much fun as say a certain HK416 .22 Tactical replica rifle I just ran for the last couple of months. BUT, for the sake of a new spin on an old relic and WW2 memorabilia fanatics this one is sure to be wildly popular.

Apologies for no pics beyond the video. My main reminder for Range Day that I’ll take into next year is MORE PICS and less video. LESSON LEARNED.