Volksgewehr

[flyingdutchman86]

Hi gents,

This week I found myself with a surprise stop in Ottawa and a few days to kill so I went to the Canadian War Museum; side note what an incredible place, the building, staff, exhibits, can't say enough good, and being an ex CF member they gave me and a friend free admittance and free parking.

Anyways, I found this piece particularly interesting as I had never seen one before, its a Volksgewehr rifle. They were crude cheap last ditch production rifles that equipped the dead-enders holding out in Berlin during the last days of the war. Thought you guys might find it interesting. Sorry for the poor cellphone pics.

 

[tiriaq]

Get hold of a copy of W. Darrin Weaver's "Desperate Measures", if you are interested in the Volkssturm.
The two weapons most widely issued to the Volkssturm were the Carcano in 6.5mm and the Panzerfaust.
The different VG firearms were made in relatively small numbers and were not widely distributed.
VG1 (Walther design) rifles of the pattern in your photo were made by a number of manufacturers; ones stamped "ng" were made in a Walther factory inside a KZ.

 

[tacticalkimchi]

I remember seeing that rifle this march when I visited the museum. did u also get a chance the see the blackbolt, refurb sks? I could only think to myself, my rifle is a more accurate and genuine representation than what the museum has produced

 

[Mr. Dynamite]

Cool, I have been thinking about going to that museum later on this year. What's it cost to get in/park? Never been to Ottawa before, would like to go see the sights.

 

[flyingdutchman86]

Cool, I have been thinking about going to that museum later on this year. What's it cost to get in/park? Never been to Ottawa before, would like to go see the sights.

Not sure what the cost was exactly, I think it was around $13 dollars. Its well worth the trip.

 

[flyingdutchman86]

Get hold of a copy of W. Darrin Weaver's "Desperate Measures", if you are interested in the Volkssturm.
The two weapons most widely issued to the Volkssturm were the Carcano in 6.5mm and the Panzerfaust.
The different VG firearms were made in relatively small numbers and were not widely distributed.
VG1 (Walther design) rifles of the pattern in your photo were made by a number of manufacturers; ones stamped "ng" were made in a Walther factory inside a KZ.

Thanks, great info, Ill have to see if I can track down that book. Do you know roughly how many of these rifles were produced? Id never seen one before this week.

 

[tiriaq]

Estimates are in the book. Will look it up. These were made by a number of firms, but total production was limited.
Most surviving specimens are in excellent condition, i.e. not used.
The one pictured has a laminated stock; most are plain, lower grade wood.

 

[antiqueguy]

is it just me or does the name seem very odd Volksgewehr translates into the peoples gun

 

[Corps]

is it just me or does the name very odd Volksgewehr translates into the peoples gun

You are correct.

After all, it was made for the Volkssturm, who were also issued the Volkspistole, the Volkssturmgewehr, and others of the sort.

 

[antiqueguy]

You are correct.

After all, it was made for the Volkssturm, who were also issued the Volkspistole, the Volkssturmgewehr, and others of the sort.

I see a militia makes a little more sense now im guessing these guns are really rare I have never seen one before

 

[john@]

In the country where they made the "peoples car"

 

[Recce21]

Not odd at all. Make for the people, by the people.

is it just me or does the name seem very odd Volksgewehr translates into the peoples gun

 

[antiqueguy]

Not odd at all. Make for the people, by the people.

in 1940's Germany its very odd "gun control" was at its peak in those days

 

[scott585]

these were desperation weapons, made and used in the closing days of the war, mostly to keep the russians at bay, most germans would much rather have found themselves and their countrymen surrendering to the brits/americans than the russians

anyone who could stand and hold a rifle could be given one of these most the old and young that were already passed over for service before

 

[Dark Alley Dan]

It was for use under direct government supervision, and in defense of Der Reich. That's why it was OK.

I enjoyed the CWM when I was there a couple of years ago. Thought it was very well put together and thought out. But the signs in the parkade lie - clearance is half an inch short of what they say. Damn signs ate the deer whistles off the roof of the van...