5,000 SGT-44's in Syria

[moonshot5]

World War II history buffs are going to lose their minds. A Syrian rebel faction called the al-Tawhid Brigade stumbled on an arms cache of 5,000 German WWII-era Sturmgwehr 44 (STG-44) rifles.

http://www.wearethemighty.com/uncategorized/rebels-in-syria-fought-with-rare-expensive-nazi-made-rifles

 

[Butcherbill]

So awesome!

 

[Grizzly Adams]

Some things are only valuable if you can get them some place where there is a market for them. Otherwise these are just hardware.

Grizz

 

[Robert Nicholson]

This story about 5000 STG-44 found in Syria, dates from 2012 and was reported in 2015 as not having all the facts. Still, a great story and
there was some background about how the STG-44 continued in service up until 1980 in various militias.

 

[bearhunter]

Last fall there was an interview being done where one of those rifles had been hooked up to a relatively crude computer aiming/triggering system. They had a camera attached to it and a were using it as a sighting device for sniping. The operator was of course hidden behind a concrete wall and only the rifle was exposed. They also showed the two buildings where the rifles and accessories for them had been sealed in since some time from the early fifties. They seemed to have a lot of ammunition that was also made during WWII.

After that first blurb not much has been reported on the whereabouts of the rifles or their use. I have a feeling the ammo may not be as plentiful as the owners would like.

 

[5point9straight6]

If they put all those on auction in the US, they could raise enough funds to pay Assat to leave them alone.

 

[Robert Nicholson]

If they put all those on auction in the US, they could raise enough funds to pay Assad to leave them alone.

Good point! I wish this could become reality, it would be a win for everybody. Especially if those STG-44 were stockpiled in the '40s and in mint shape.

 

[Armourall]

Watched the video - the guy is walking on them!!!! OMG

 

[Shooting Centre]

If they put all those on auction in the US, they could raise enough funds to pay Assat to leave them alone.

Only importable as parts kits though and doubtful anyone would pay top dollar.

 

[mbogo3]

Must have found or acquired ammo to make them run..........Harold

 

[Recce21]

More info. https://wwiiafterwwii.wordpress.com/2015/09/27/stg-44-in-africa-after-wwii/

This story about 5000 STG-44 found in Syria, dates from 2012 and was reported in 2015 as not having all the facts. Still, a great story and
there was some background about how the STG-44 continued in service up until 1980 in various militias.

 

[Robert Nicholson]

Thanks for posting this ^^ it multiplied my knowledge of the Stg-44. Fascinating, reading the final paragraph about the unused, in the original
crate example that may have come from Quaddafi's stockpile.

 

[Coyote Ugly]

Nice find but...Where's the Ammo if they are using them for a battle?

Or is it just a find of 5,000 MP44's?

Useless without ammo in Syria, unless used as a club. Not like you can substitute an AK47 or M16 round in it for 7.92X33 Kurz.