BD-44: The New Semiauto Sturmgewehr from D-K Productions

[@AldanFerrox]

In Germany, this rifle is "just" 3875 €. One of the rare situations were a rifle is cheaper in Germany than in the US.

[@robertkoonce8365]

Isn't the Euro valued at like a dollar and a half US? Just a smaller number, but not a smaller price.

[@banaana1234]

@@robertkoonce8365 Nope. 1 EUR is 1.02 USD currently

[@theholyduck90]

@@robertkoonce8365 1 euro is 1.02 usd. so no. its essentially 3875 usd

[@tstststs]

@@robertkoonce8365 3875 euro is currently ~3955 US. Doesn't take long to check...

[@RobinVerhulstZ]

@@robertkoonce8365 currently the difference is merely 2% so no, there's a 2100USD difference (and the german price probably includes 19% sales tax already)

[@Royce16727]

To paraphrase: "There are some manufacturing flaws... Perfect! It's historically accurate!" 🤣 I love the specific brand of nerdiness unique to gun nuts. Great video!

[@sergiom9958]

@@Royce16727 remember that t he Germans had to dump no less than 1 in 3 receivers they made due to manufacturing flaws

[@Royce16727]

@ that is absolutely wild to think about... Imagine having that kind of quality control issue during peacetime...

[@raznaak]

It's really impressive how deep the attention for these details this company had for this gun... Like, they voluntarily nerfed themselves and used older and less commonly used back in that period to make as close of a copy as it could be. No cutting corners in pretending to be cutting corners like Germany was doing in that period XD

[@johnanon6938]

Crazy to think its so much like the originals that you'll want a bag of mags to find out which ones run reliably with your Sturmgewehr!

[@scottwatrous]

I'm working on making a replica AKM with modern machining, it's very hard to get it historically accurately shitty. I cannot seem to replicate those toolmarks with modern tools even when I try. I've used damaged tools from my scrap bucket and they still leave better finish.

[@NavyCuda]

Hey Ian, I've had the BD44 for a little over a decade and I've only put a few magazines through it. I can't believe this long in production and the magazine problems haven't been solved. The issue isn't the mag stops, it's the magazine catch recess on the magazine. It's too loose. The magazine points down and rams the cartridge into the trunnion. You have to hold the magazine, push it forward to keep the magazine lined up correctly for feeding. The bolt can be a bit of an issue too, it occasionally will try to exit via the ejection port. It's also prone to slam fire with reloaded ammunition.

[@Chris_FMS_Redfield]

Sounds like a bit of JB Weld would fix that.

[@KB3AOL]

@@Chris_FMS_Redfield JB Weld to make a $6K+ gun run reliably is a travesty and a rip off.

[@coopandcarter]

I have an original full auto mp44 and it has the very same problem with not feeding properly unless you hold the magazine against the receiver.

[@AntonAdelson]

Maybe that's exactly why the magazine stops don't line up - as Ian pointed out???

[@keystone117]

@@Chris_FMS_Redfield flex seal is better! 😅

[@EpicTyphlosionTV]

Unlike the Hill and Mac ones, you can actually buy them!

[@nathansghs7144]

And the PSA don't leave them out

[@hamie7624]

​@@nathansghs7144 hill and Mac are owned by PSA.

[@connorburnes7697]

These are also mechanically true to the original gun.

[@YesMan702]

​@@nathansghs7144PSA cancelled it

[@YesMan702]

you can buy it if you qualify for a loan anyway

[@alfamontydog]

I'm in Canada and bought one of the original BD44 in 1910 from Marstar, the importer at that time. Within a year I had all kinds of failures, bolt broke the ears off, started shooting doubles because the sear wore down etc. No help from importer or SSD. Long story short, thanks to the internet I sourced original WWII NOS parts .Replaced pretty well all internal parts, bolt, bolt carrier with gas piston, sear with disconnecter, and hammer . Thank God that the gun is such an exact copy of the original one, all the parts fitted perfectly, only headspace neede a bit of adjustment, but now it functions nearly flawless. I said nearly, because the SSD magazines also needed a bit of modification as well, it shoots the most reliable with original WWII mags of wich I have a few. And I handload the ammo for it, have lots of brass and bullets so looking forward for shooting it this summer again.

[@terrywarner8657]

If it was a 1910 import, those Germans were decades ahead of themselves!

[@alfamontydog]

@@terrywarner8657 Haha, yes of course I meant 2010.

[@zchris87v80]

People call the AK a copy of this, but the Germans were copying something from 34 years prior!

[@roddydykes7053]

1910 damn you are old

[@alfamontydog]

LOL, yes I'm old but not that old. (Born during WWII)

[@RichCommander]

I love Ian man. One of the few KZbinrs who does not let success get to his head. He has been the same, lovable gun Jesus for over a decade. I appreciate that.

[@gregcampwriter]

It's a beautiful copy, but over $6,000 for a gun that doesn't always work, assuming you can even find ammunition for it, is not going to create a brisk market.

[@seeharvester]

Correct.

[@slimjim2584]

There is a 3D printed design that just came out that dresses up AR15 parts into a functional simulacrum of thr Stg44

[@MrNicoJac]

This is aimed at hardcore historical collectors. People who want old shitty guns to actually be shitty, for realism. Presumably, those types of collectors are used to forking over much bigger sums to get original guns. So this gun is great for that niche in the market. But I agree, it's a _very_ specific niche!

[@seeharvester]

@@slimjim2584 No plastic.

[@swedishfarmboy]

A swedish semi ak5 A sold for over 20000 euro on a auction

[@JiphoMilHistory-sr9bk]

Holy heck, that is one very cool, rare and valuable jacket Ian is wearing in the range footage. An East German Flächentarn pattern jacket, judging from the camouflage loops on the back and the cuffs it is the 1966 manufactured cut. Nice condition ones like that appear only rarely in Ebay. The faux fur collar has been taken from a later winter jacket I presume.

[@jackhubbard4234]

Was hoping someone would say what the jacket was. Thank you!

[@g-hawk3849]

@@jackhubbard4234 It's also called flower-camo (Blumentarn) or potato-camo (Kartoffeltarn)

[@jackhubbard4234]

@@g-hawk3849 I love the pattern but not the price!

[@bluewickedburner]

Forgotten Weapons as forgotten more about firearms than most people know. Bravo to this fine channel. Great content, no self promotion nonsense, just knowledge passed onto others.

[@ruebenblack3495]

The forged parts are incredibly cool.

[@MGood-ij1hi]

I read where during the war most American soldiers would pass on the opportunity to grab an MP44 to use in addition with their own weapons because the MP44 was heavy at almost 12 pounds , especially compared to a 9 pound M1 Garand rifle. It also fired a round similar to the .30 Carbine , and even the Germans had great difficulty getting 7.92x 33 ammo for the MP44. On the other hand the Germans loved the little M1 Carbine and there are combat photos of German soldiers using them.

[@ForgottenWeapons]

The most popular American gun in German hands was the M1 Carbine (because handy), and the most popular German gun in American hands was the Luger (because souvenir).

[@geodkyt]

Germany captured so.many M1 Carnines they actually assigned them a Wehrmacht nomenclature (K43(a) or something - Carbine, year of German introduction, and a parenthesis initial for "American"), made official pattern web gear and slings for them, etc. As for Americans with StG44s, yeah, the *mistaken* belief that it was basically the same ballistics as an M1 Carbine, combined with the difficulty of capturing enough ammo to keep it running, and the shine wore off fast.

[@hendrikg3616]

There was a Kriegsmarine vet at my gun club that had to fight as regular infantry in the last days of WW2. He came across some dead Americans, took a M1 Carbine as well as the ammo and used it until the end of the war. When the war ended he buried the rifle near a water gate. Some years after the war he was part of the crew of a inland cargo ship, came across that watergate and took this M1 Carbine had it registered during an amnesty and owned it until short before his death when he gave it to another member at my gun club that collects German service rifles, handguns and captured weapons from 1871 - 1945. Great story, I think.

[@AldanFerrox]

@@geodkyt The correct designation was "Selbstladekarabiner 455(a) (Self-loading carbine No. 455 (American)".

[@zchris87v80]

​​@@ForgottenWeaponsand the Luger for thieves as well. My scoutmaster's father, during WWII, captured a Luger with grips made with glass from a downed B25. Unfortunately, someone broke in and stole just that gun, likely knowing how much resale value it had.

[@mabs9503]

Finally someone making a reproduction that's actually faithful instead of "modernized."

[@BiigiieCheeese]

It even has unreliable manufacturing of mags and alignment just like 1940s Germany

[@conradwright7959]

Only difference is the original cost the Reich $565 per rifle instead of $6200.

[@Unsikaubunki]

D-K automatically translates in to Donkey Kong for me, so I'm just imagining an ape with a machine gun rampaging through his platform world.

[@ricks.1092]

Ian....I own one of these clones. Had the same issues you had in the video. What I found with my sample of one. Is there was a break in period. After 100 rounds, maybe every 3-4 mags would get a failure to feed. Around the 200 round mark, all the internal parts smoothed out and it runs flawlessly now. I should note, I didn't purchase this firearm to shoot a lot. I bought it because I wanted one in my collection...which is pretty extensive. Normally when I purchase a collection piece, I get two sample. One for using, and the other to keep in pristine condition...for value purposes. I did this with my FNC in select fire. I have two of those. When I purchased my FAMAS (semi-auto). back in the mid or late 1980's couldnt afford 2 samples. Was a struggling med student. But most firearm's I got in the 80's and 90's I got 2 of the same model. And you right, the forged gas block & front site not being polished finished off, is a really nice attention to detail. And a general note to the avid collector. Check your homeowner insurance coverage. Many insurance companies Will NOT cover firearm collections that are KEPT inside the Home. I had my firearms in a gun room that was upgraded to store firearms. I have now had an actual walk in Gun House to store my firearms. Sort of like a separate walk in vault. It's wasn't cheap to make this thing. Then I had a old beat up barn (on the outside) built around the main housing structure. Also, suggest keeping a list of make, model and serial number and several pictures of the collectable piece. ANd finally, video all the firearms with serial numbers, make, model revealed in the video per piece. It's a pain in the ass, but well document your collectables. This will come in handy provided you need to submit an insurance claim. Due to theft, fire, vandalism, etc.

[@emergingloki]

I love the way you can see shadows of many post war legends in this, HK/cetme, FAL, AK. You have to wonder where post war military firearms development would have gone without this.

[@Akveet]

M14-like guns, probably.

[@sergiom9958]

@@Akveettechnically you should say CETME/HK and not the other way around, since CETME existed prior to HK and was the designer and producer of the original CETME battle rifles and G3. But I totally agree with your comment.

[@quentinking4351]

M14, SKS, and AK-47

[@karlsteiner]

@@Akveet Or the M1-carbine branch - also living proof of the "Mittelpatrone" concept working and being well-liked by front-line troops. But since militaries like having as few cartridges as possible for logistics reasons, the rifle+machinegun cartridge would probably have received the most support.

[@sergiom9958]

@ the SKS is a PTRS41 anti tank rifle down sized to the 7.62x39 cartridge. I don’t see the relations with the stg44

[@MrKronikDeception]

The craftsman and history nerd in me loves the accuracy of the reproduction and attention to details. The gun nerd in me is irritated that a 6k rifle didn't have perfect reliability.

[@Jimtheneals]

I feel exactly the same on both counts as well. I kept thinking, great looking gun, great detail, but for 6k it should run perfectly.

[@notinspectorgadget]

Did the STG44 have perfect reliability?

[@Jimtheneals]

@@notinspectorgadget This is NOT the STG-44 it is a 6 thousand dollar reproduction that is designed to shoot. I'm sorry but if I'm spending that much money on a reproduction rifle that I can take to the range and shoot, I want it to actually shoot.

[@adamioppolo1884]

​@@notinspectorgadgetit didn't cost 6 grand

[@Foocho]

Why do you have two people inside of you?

[@Hortifox_the_gardener]

They really nailed down the Endsieg scenario manufacturing quality.

[@suddenwall]

14:26 before the 1st malfunction the ejection was repeatedly weak, with a short throw back, low, and left. A few rounds after the 2nd malfunction you can see ejection get much more pronounced, flinging casings up and out much further and in different directions. Maybe it just had to be broken in?

[@Milner62]

Makes you wonder why it wasnt test fired before shipped out. Every new production gun Ive bought had been test fired for function and you get two projectiles from said test firing to show proof of test firing as well as a record to provide to police in case of a investigation.

[@MarkBluck]

PSA announced in November 2024 they are shelving the STG44 project indefinitely.

[@кяуртіс]

Not indefinitely, until they figure out thr 556 issues.

[@sergiom9958]

@@кяуртіс making a 556 STG44 copy should be ilegal hahaha.

[@inhumanfilth681]

So you dont want to shoot it?​@@sergiom9958

[@namelessking4146]

@@sergiom9958would prefer 762/39 but just as good

[@nicholasyacoub795]

​@@кяуртіс link to that? Last thing I saw about it was the video where they said they were shelving it.

[@kbfan6955]

Curious that I was kinda digging into the STG 44 some days ago due their beauty and amazing engineering, what a coincidence that you uploaded a video about this rifle, excellent video!

[@robertsolomielke5134]

TY Ian for the look into. I think something didn't go right in the jump over the pond. Magazines, mag well not fitting nice is perhaps a reject at the factory. I recall you saying a number of WW2 guns never made it out the door , bad from the start, never issued. We remember what Colt did to diemaco , so it could happen again. The companies involved here are much smaller.

[@NO_LOVE_LOST]

original NVA "leaf camo" jacket with the proper fur collar? a man of taste!

[@Mr.9x19mm]

Now I know who is sitting on all the 7.92x33mm Kurz in the U.S. Share with the rest of us Ian. Thanks for sharing your recent acquisition, very nice! Cheers!

[@ForgottenWeapons]

I've been sitting on this stash since I bought it thinking the HMG guns were imminent...

[@Mr.9x19mm]

@ Makes sense. At least now, many years later, you finally have the firearm to go with the stash of ammo. :)

[@penguiin12]

surely the caliber it shoots isnt extremely important if theres another modern caliber that is close enough and not exorbitantly expensive right? they really shouldnt have made it in a caliber that is expensive and rare...

[@salvadorsempere1701]

@@penguiin12 If you buy a 6000+$ gun and care about the price of the ammo, you have made the wrong choice.

[@GAMO-yn8ti]

This is one of my favorite WW2 weapons. I first saw one when I went to one of my dad’s friends houses that worked on some of his hunting rifles. This guy has everything you could think of. When you walk in the living room there’s machine guns and ammo everywhere. 50 cal on tripods hanging on the walls. Even the WW1 machine gun that had the water cooled barrel. Can’t remember the name. This place was awesome. And hanging on the wall there it was. I thought it was the meanest looking thing even though there was a M16 right beside it. It was way cooler. As a 80s kid I was in love with machine guns from then on. And my dad hated it. And never liked them. Even though he was a Vietnam vet But I’m glad I found you channel I love seeing all the old stuff that as a kid sitting looking through gun mag or old gun books dreaming of shooting the wild and crazy designs. It’s not the full auto that gets me. It’s the design the tooling the quality good or bad. And the story. Thanks for your great content.

[@cmpm7195]

LOL wow this is funny because my very first thought when I saw this was "Oh cool another MP-44 repro... but hmmm I wonder when someone will make a reproduction of the MKb 42" ! And well here we go ! Ian answers that question and I'm just loving it. Its just so amazing that they have decided to go all in on this historical deep dive for the very first real Assault Rifles ! Well done and who cares if its a closed bolt.

[@luger700]

I love that they’re making these and other authentic reproductions!

[@Isakovich-bq7br]

Finally, reproduction of STG.

[@spqr_5168]

It’s $6,200 dollars lol

[@Puxi]

Yeah, but US style... no one can surpass german ingenuity, precision, and supremacy. So have fun with this knock-off toy. Stg 44 @ wish. We got Stg44 @ home, moma.

[@Isakovich-bq7br]

@@spqr_5168 I not worry because don't have money T-T

[@ArcticWipeout]

That barely works.

[@hehoohooington510]

The roblox pfp is crazy

[@Bbonno]

On the topic of goop lubricants: can we have video about about notable advance in cleaning and lubrication improvements over the years? Surely there are some toxic stories to tell...

[@someguynamedmatt2907]

Dude! That'd be a great idea fot a video

[@andersjjensen]

I third this idea!

[@123456gordon]

Very nice, such a beautiful weapon.

[@stuartparsons572]

Great review of an interesting gun, bravo to the manufacturer for keeping it such a close copy. The mag problem is a bit disappointing but it seemed to be running well after the first several rounds. Not the first brand new gun that needs some cycles to get into its stride.

[@mp15a]

Ian Buys the Shirts That I've Always Wondered Who Would Buy Them! Thanks Brother! Beautiful Rifle!

[@antoinecontat7923]

Very nice, I have a BD44 for a few years now and i had great fun with it despite some reliability issues some time. I just receive the BD42/II and it look fantastic, i can’t wait to try it !

[@TheFlamethrowerExperts]

Did a review last week on my MP43/1. Great rifle. After talking to others, these guns have a wear in period. I had no issues or malfunctions. Dk productions has a specific tool to cut the magazines so they lock in correctly. Sturmgewehrs always have had issues with their magazines. I think the way dk production mags lock in is for positive feeding.

[@Mr.9x19mm]

Nice MP43/1 in your video. Just happened to check a few minutes ago and looks like SGAmmo got in some PPU 8mm Kurz..

[@TheFlamethrowerExperts]

@ yeah i orded a case painfully this morning.

[@Brav_Soldat]

I had one of these built from their parts kit that was available a couple years ago. I remember the gunsmith having all sorts of issues and even problems with heat treat. The ejector was way too soft so it needed sourcing elsewhere (RTG) The recoil spring had to be shortened due to it being too strong, was causing feed issues. I'm quite happy with mine since it doesn't look brand new as these prebuilt ones now; if only my smg FG42 looked the same/ worn...

[@WarlordEnthusiast]

I've got a suspicion that the reliability issues can largely be fixed by just putting some more rounds through the gun, probably just needs to be worn in a bit.

[@theonemoo]

Its clear to see how excited you are for this. I love that

[@roberthavens7700]

Maybe just a little break-in is necessary. Seemed to run a little better the more you shot it. Would appreciate an update after you have shot a few hundred rounds through the rifle. Thanks, Ian for another great video.

[@oldesertguy9616]

I just said the same thing. That thing seemed really tight, and getting the wear patterns started would smooth it up.

[@jamespray]

Agreed, and it wouldn't detract from the rifle (IMO) if that were the case.

[@ryanjohnson3239]

@@oldesertguy9616 Ian says he's sitting on a lot of 8mm kurz. This would be a cool one for him to follow up with.

[@ganndeber1621]

A 6K firearm should not need that, it should function from the box. This is a dishonest video.

[@raymondeddy3733]

@@ganndeber1621 what exactly is dishonest about it?

[@dannyhartwig5898]

The fact that this is basically an AR15 is a testament to the German engineers and gunsmiths of the time

[@thegoldencaulk2742]

Damn, if only I wasn't in Illinois. I NEED this.

[@WetWiIIy]

It’s the golden caulk!

[@ericb4127]

I remember seeing video years ago when the Syrian war first started of troops throwing hundreds of actual STG 44s into the back of trucks because they had no ammo for them

[@robertcuny934]

DDR exports courtesy of the USSR.

[@Gameprojordan]

East Germany kept producing them after the war for about 13 years

[@DB-yj3qc]

Ran across some MG-42s in Iraq even as late as 2008 in same situation. No ammunition or repair parts.

[@darthhodges]

You have said in the past, Ian, that military standards for accuracy of issued rifles 50 and 100 years ago were far lower than what modern consumers expect from their rifles. Is there any documentation to show what an acceptable level of reliability was during that period? Are we also spoiled in that regard?

[@eddyguizonde401]

iirc 2moa for a sniper rifle, and 5 for a mainline. between 9-hole, fw, othias, and inrange, many channels have talked about it, and yes, today we are spoiled when a "bad" rifle only gets 2moa

[@triggrhaapi]

We are definitely spoiled in that regard, especially in the AR market. To have standardization on extremely precision machined parts at the point that you can assemble a rifle using a different manufacturer for every single discrete part and have it all work reliably in the end is completely unheard of.

[@0Asterite0]

bolt actions are 100% reliable.

[@brucewilson4200]

​@@0Asterite0 Never had any member of the Mosin family, I see. I love my Garbage Rods, but they suck.

[@SlingAndStones]

​@0Asterite0 Not true. The extractor can be broken and dirt can gum up the works and cause cartridges not to feed.

[@danielrushin3811]

Thank you for another informative video and a thorough assessment of this rifle. As of the date of this comment, I saw new PPU 7.92x33 Kurz ammo is available at SG Ammo at $1.20 per round. Compared to many other calibers (.303 British, .45-70, to name a few), this price is not unreasonable for new, high-quality, non-corrosive ammo that is reloadable.

[@alexanderunterberg1384]

I have one and mine works just fine. Sorry to hear that yours had some issues Ian! They did release a video showing some dimensional issues with PPU ammo, did you see that Ian? They show that as a result PPU ammo can nosedive in the magazine and cause a FTF. This issue does not exist with original or DDR ammo. I think they informed PPU.

[@Bolo2028]

This seems like a very valuable comment. I hope Ian sees it.

[@connorburnes7697]

@@alexanderunterberg1384 I’m sure PPU will take this seriously. I’m glad yours is working well. These seem like a worth while rifle.

[@MrCarGuy]

The magazine fitment itself is obviously most of the issue

[@alexanderunterberg1384]

@@MrCarGuy My magazine looks just like Ians and works fine

[@noahfyan9617]

​@connorburnes7697 no they wont their 6.5 carcano has been undersized for years and keyholes so i wouldnt hold my brwath

[@AllAboutSurvival]

It'll be interesting to see how they improve this model in future iterations. Overall, I think it’s a unique offering for collectors and fans of historical firearms!

[@silvermane1741]

I wonder if D-K productions will make a MP-43/1 with the ZF-4 scope and mount.

[@ForgottenWeapons]

They do plan to make a 43/1 with the ZF41 rails on the rear sight block: www.dkproductiongroup.com/product/bd-431/ I'm sure the ZF4 rail will be an option at some point.

[@silvermane1741]

@@ForgottenWeapons That would be a cool semi-auto 43/1 with reproduction ZF41 rails.👍

[@TheFlamethrowerExperts]

I have one. Made a video

[@Ingsoc75]

Or you could put a ZG1229 on it. There is some guy in Germany or Austria who is making reproductions or they were. Not practical considering you need the rest of the Vampir gear but it would like cool.

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

I've had mine for a few weeks now and absolutely love it!

[@kodiakkeith]

My Dad was 30th ID in WWII, They had a horrendous battle with the 1st Waffen SS Panzer Division at Stavelot-La Gleize along the Ambleve River, and my favorite photo from that fight is a 30th ID soldier walking past a burning King Tiger carrying a Sturmgewehr. They trapped almost the entire armored portion of the 1st SS in a loop of the river and wiped them out, and then "cool gun" I think I'll take until I run out of ammo.

[@lurebenson7722]

I would like to know what the WW2 US soldiers finding these STG 44 thought of them. Must be crazy fast on full auto with a short cartridge. Being held down from one of these on full auto being shot at had to be nuts to keep your head down !

[@phyllisknudsen2100]

I fired an Stg 44 at Battlefield Las Vegas (since I do not have the cash to buy an original!). The rate of fire is , slightly faster Rds per minute, an M3 grease gun. control ability. aids in it's controlability.

[@phyllisknudsen2100]

The weight helps manage the recoil and improve it's control ability

[@Theman3806]

@@lurebenson7722 The SOP for German soldiers at the time was to use semi auto only. Only in case of emergency were they to use full auto fire, and even then, the SOP was to fire short bursts of 2/3 rounds. The MP43/44 was mostly developed to counter the PPSh-41on the Eastern Front. Volume of fire wasn't really an issue at the time for Germans as they had a lot of MG-42s and MG-34s attached to their infranty units vs Allied SOP which dictated one MG per squad. Different tactics between the two forces.

[@uraigroves7898]

Sorry but that unit wasn't wiped out...most surrendered....

[@RJM1011]

Ive been saying for years someone should team up with SSD in Germany and bring these and other into the USA. Nice to see someone has now bothered to get things done. Well done to them. I was willing to invest in something like this but being from the UK can not do this in the USA even with a green card if it ever turned up. Thank you for the video.

[@Grasyl]

4:01 There was a closed bolt Version of the MKb.42(h) the MKb.42(h)z. Z for "zuschießend" lit. (closing shooting) the German term for closed bolt, because Germans tent to name bolt position by the thing the bolt will do when firing, not by were the bolt is.

[@cmpm7195]

neat didnt know that

[@maxm1652]

bought one roughly a year ago. On the frist 10 rounds a pice of the bolt broke off ;D. Got it repaired. Now the only problem is that the last round of the magazine gets jamed above the barrel. overall nice gun

[@Antigonus.]

The problem is finding enough ammo to test your rifle so you know whether it needs work before the warranty runs out...

[@billlexington5788]

PPU makes it

[@Antigonus.]

@@billlexington5788 They do but it's always out of stock... Waiting for them to make another batch but I bet it'll sell out immediately.

[@razor1uk610]

@@billlexington5788 ..reading across the comments, the PPU ammo seems to be partially the cause of feeding mishaps too - likely due to either.. a differing bullet construction & balance, a minor productional &/or an assembling tolerance variated issues related to their 7.92x33 rounds from what is written.

[@lurebenson7722]

@@razor1uk610 That PPU loaded ammo in 7.92x33 is extreme underloaded I found out. I build and sell AR 15 uppers in a kit in 7.92x33 Kurz so the loaded PPU ammo can be a bad problem. I am using some 8 grains of powder more than PPU loaded ammo to get the pressures up to ram the bolt carrier back to catch the next cartridge to push into the chamber. I did the first AR 15 -7.92x33 in a 20-inch barrel that I think added more problems so the next AR 15s in 7.92x33 will be 16 inch and 18 inch. I want to make and offer for sale an AR 15 home defense & personal defense model with 16-inch barrel in7.92x33 . It turns out the 7.92x33 can be loaded to the same as commercial 7.62x39 ammo. I may have bought the last 1200 7.92x33 brass in the US?

[@christhesmith]

Heartwarming seeing Ian this excited!

[@ExpeditionOverlanding]

The brass dispersion is all over the place.

[@brandonszymanski4797]

I had a lot of teething issues with my BD38 when I got it from Tor, it was a low sn. Even a year and a half later I had issues. Hopefully they all have been fixed now. I think I’ll wait a while before ordering one of these. Hopefully they will have everything squared away by the time they do a run of the MP43/1

[@connorburnes7697]

$6k is honestly a bargain for what goes into doing these things on such a small scale like this. That’s a lot of specific tooling etc. for something that won’t be recouped in volume. The fact these are mechanical true to the real deal is cool. This blows the PSA/HMG thing out of the water.

[@ArcticWipeout]

If you want to spend 6000 dollars on a piece to look at and nerd out over when you take it apart, sure this thing is great. However it looks like it shoots like shit and can't go more than 10 rounds without a malfunction. I'd much rather have a gun that I can actually shoot properly.

[@manicmachinegun6253]

Even with tooling 6k is ridiculous for a stamped steel

[@connorburnes7697]

@@manicmachinegun6253 Stamped steel guns are cheap in volume, not in low boutique numbers.

[@connorburnes7697]

@@ArcticWipeout That’s exactly who this is meant for, although ideally any kinks will get worked out in production.

[@slimjim2584]

​@@connorburnes7697seeing the responses to the price in other comment chains on this video, some people clearly have too much disposable income if they think $6K for a gun is no big deal....

[@rogersparker5875]

D-k: modern problems require modern solution

[@tonymcelveen2237]

Over $6k for the STG-44 clone but of course they're Out Of Stock everywhere I've seen

[@tedundercarriage8183]

cheaper than an original lmao

[@100lancey]

Made in the USA. My how the mighty have fallen heh.

[@doctordoggo8604]

You have to go onto their own website and get onto a waiting list.

[@wirelessone2986]

If this Dietrich guy doesn't give up maybe he will eventually make them RELIABLE...(mag and mag well) and then get the price down

[@verycreativ233]

@@wirelessone2986 You don't seem to get that that's not what he wanted to do. He makes 1:1 (or atleats as close to as legally possible) copies of the originals uneliabilities included. you're not gonna use this for anything that matters like self defence or competition im sure you can handle a couple malfunctions if you realy want a historically accurate copy. Now im not saying that thats a good approach but i can see why this thing is the way it is.

[@Goc4ever]

Ian, i have only one word to describe the BD-44: gorgeous. It may be quite expensive but it's a near-perfect reproduction of the MP44 that is just one beauty of a gun, kudos to Dittrich and D-K Production for designing this fantastic copy of the firearm that inspired the development of the AK-47 and all of its variants and copies.

[@Sugarmountaincondo]

Out of all the WW2 Infantry weapons made during the entire War, I think the STG-44 is the most iconic of them all. Of course there are many others right behind it like the PPsH, Grease Gun, Sten and BAR, MP-40, and the Thompsons in no particular order. But esthetically speaking, I feel the STG takes #1 spot. The fact that the charging handle is on the left side is very cool and practical since most people are right handed and you could keep your firing hand on the grip & trigger which is important in battle. It also has that "Intimidation" factor that many weapons lack and ranks up there with a break block double barreled shotgun or a "Street Sweeper".

[@thequickestfox6106]

It's the defining moment that closes the door on 'how things were' and opens the next on 'how things will be'. I think it's just unique in that it's got a foot in both doors forward and back that give it a unique and yet familiar aesthetic.

[@americanpatriot2422]

Outstanding video and presentation.

[@AjackLee4]

From what I understand, the modern PPU ammunition is not the exact same dimensions and spec as original, and the new bullet shape seems to cause nose diving issues. DK posted about this issue on their Facebook page a while ago. I'm also assuming these will need a solid break in period.

[@garagegnome1]

I love how excited Ian was to take his new gun all apart to see how accurate the internals were to the originals.

[@dksfollies4772]

In Pakistan 8x33mm ammo is available at a cost of 3 rpunds per dollar in local currency . Rs 100 per round . It is also called 44 bore some how

[@crudboy12]

I know the market for these things is limited, but that price is nuts for something that was designed to be as cheap as possible to manufacture during wartime.

[@lorenzogiuliani9144]

Finalmente, per la PRIMA volta si parla dello stg44

[@RaiderCat12]

In teoria potrei permettermene uno, si tratta solo di importarlo.

[@JonesMetalCraft]

That's beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

[@origami26]

Will they make a reproduction of the G43? I'd love to see a video on that!

[@BrettBaker-uk4te]

They have one listed on their website!😊

[@ForgottenWeapons]

They make one in Germany. Not sure if it will come here; it would be more expensive than originals.

[@100lancey]

Makes for a strong case to adapt modern operating systems (piston AR15, Deawoo K2 etc) to these reproductions of retro firearms.

[@brianhamalainen8817]

It might have been a good idea to test the 'bad' mag a bit more by putting slight forward/backward pressure on it to rock it in the magwell to see if the problem 'goes away' in one way or another. Sounds like the makers are willing to admit they have issues and look into correcting them.

[@ibannymous]

I got burned by Estes Adams for my deposit on his semi FG-42 product. Then I got burned for my deposit by Charles St George for his repop Leader T2MK5 product. That cured me of the retro rifle bug. I will live safely vicariously through others.

[@ForgottenWeapons]

Sorry to hear it - I learned that lesson from Estes Adams & Co myself.

[@lurebenson7722]

@@ForgottenWeapons Say if you would like to try the AR 15 chambered in 7.92x33 Kurz I have the first done and bugs worked out ready to start offering uppers in kits for sale .

[@tomw.6511]

@@lurebenson7722 I'd definitely be interested in that.

[@ibannymous]

@@ForgottenWeapons You used to be able to trust people in this hobby but now you can't trust anybody or anything which is sad but misery does love company. I don't feel quite as bad knowing I share your esteemed company.

[@manchagojohnsonmanchago6367]

Damn st George ripped you? Ruthless. He always struck me as slippery

[@LeadDennis]

I have never heard him so excited.

[@JustClassicStuff]

Your dream is kinda really vintage wood'n'metal AR-15 in .300 Blackout? Here we go!

[@_faultee_]

thought the same thing, in 556, 5.4, or 300blk

[@TransistorBased]

I guess I've never looked super close at either this or the MP5s, and oh my god the design language transfer is insane. That's almost exactly an A2 stock

[@lorddestructive]

i would really love to see a stg44 modernized like an ak or G3 style rifle would be modernized. toprail, modern handguard, straighter stock (more inline recoil and higher to use modern optics that sit above iron sights), modern muzzle device like silencer or muzzle brake. of course the psa cheap version would be way better for those things. funny thing: here in germany we have a company making modernzied FG42 rifles

[@rebel6301]

would be interesting

[@Squib1911]

Thank you for the honest review.

[@Notsure92]

$6200!! There goes my interest.

[@wes11bravo]

Hats off to the guys who can afford it. I sure can't.

[@pablopeter3564]

Correct !

[@olddirtbiker5088]

I gotta say, I have the 22 caliber version of this gun and it's a pretty good replica for about $400. The feel and weight are like the original and it's reliable and quite accurate.

[@jmjedi923]

Honestly that's what I would get, it's just gonna be a range toy anyway and look cool on the wall it doesn't need to be EXACT and I ain't paying thousands of dollars for a range toy

[@robertcuny934]

I saw one of those well finished .22 caliber magazines at a gun show. Regrettably I do not own the gun.

[@seeharvester]

@@robertcuny934 We're going to have to discipline you soldier!

[@thejayman1886]

Oh you're talking about the GSG STG 44? I was saving up money to buy one of those when the Canadian government randomly decided that they wanted to ban all semi-automatic 22s and then ship them to Ukraine for.......... Reasons.

[@robertcuny934]

@seeharvester penal battalion equiped with malfunctioning BD 44s and no gloves?

[@eisenheinrich4036]

thx a lot for showing this weapon and especially manufacturer. whole time i was afraid i need to pay gigantic sum for the fg 42 repro from us send it to officials for testing and certifying. now i got introduced to a germna gunsmith who prodces the sports equipment i dreamed off

[@Mygg_Jeager]

Last time I was this early, we we're still fighting against MP-44's in the Ardennes Forest. :P

[@MadCDeeJay]

GUTEN MORGEN!

[@MrNicoJac]

Ardennes*

[@terraplane1116]

You just put a whole new perspective on Shakespeare...

[@Mygg_Jeager]

@@MrNicoJac Blame my voice to text, it's supposedly set for British English and yet can't pick up French words. It's the worst with "programme"... i have do manually type that the right way, every single time lol. Thanks though lol.

[@Mygg_Jeager]

@@terraplane1116 Oh? Please elaborate. :P

[@JozefLucifugeKorzeniowski]

DK should hire lugerman to inform them on how to make a reproduction that runs flawlessly. i still can't believe that 45 luger runs as it does.

[@juver890]

There's also the 3d printable version

[@MrCcfly]

where

[@jonh2798]

​@@MrCcflyit's an ar15 outer shell

[@_Matsimus_]

That is one pricey gun! But BEEuuuutiful! ❤

[@thatdudeinasuit5422]

Hurray for the early gang!!!

[@ericmitchell985]

That ejection was wild - nowhere was safe for the cameraman, lol.

[@Thee_Sinner]

The PSA one has been put on indefinite pause.

[@collinb.8542]

I'm surprised he even mentioned it given it's been canceled for a bit now. I do hope they re-ignite the project though someday.

[@Thee_Sinner]

@@null6634 ahh, I missed that

[@Sube-Tube]

I get that it's PPU ammo, but that ejection pattern is wild. Like a full 130-degree spead of wherever that gun wants to send that brass

[@reggiedixon2]

They need to make an FG-42 next ( assuming they don't or you would have mentioned it I thought)

[@ForgottenWeapons]

SSD does make them in Germany and they already have them listed on the US DK website, so I'm sure they plan to bring them over sooner or later.

[@Kaktus965]

They’ve already made a pre-production FG-42, and are working on ATF approval now.

[@mikemcintosh9933]

So odd to me that the "very first" assault rifle looked as futuristic as modern ones. Such an eye catching piece.

[@GrzegorzBrzeczyszczykiewicz123]

Movie prop market?

[@MichaelSmith-ct1xl]

Awesome,thanks Ian!✌

[@tnoomsk5897]

13:29 Heilige Scheiße! I didn't know that Ian McCollum have a east German NVA Flächentarn (or sometimes called Blumentarn or Kartoffelacker) jacket. Original ones are super expensive.

[@100lancey]

Very cool jacket. Very cool rifle. Very jealous.

[@displacedyankee7819]

I want to know if it is original or repro.

[@3rdyoutubechannelstopdelet914]

​@@displacedyankee7819its ian.. I would bet it's original

[@percy6070]

holy shit TNO

[@aaronmcgoldrick2439]

Sellior & Bellot make 7.92×33 in both loaded rounds and brass for handloading. I've seen 7.92 Kurz made from shortened 308Win brass.😉

[@alfredjr2k556]

Congratulations, DK Production.

[@jasonphilbrook4332]

2:49 the 8x33kurz is in the PPU-USA catalog and I've seen it retailed in a well known Maine store. I have no reason to go looking for it, but probably retailers who have have a visibly wide variety of PPU would might have some.

[@GigAnonymous]

Old posts (10-15 years ago) on French forums indicate the STG44 magazines from SSD have quite the bad reputation among owners. This might be the issue here.

[@AnimeFanatic5602]

I remember hearing that original guns were finicky with magazines, maybe these are too. It seems that once Ian got past the initial malfunctions things smoothed out, which might just be part of the break-in process.

[@allannoah9675]

Dunno about the gas block and sight tower- the parting lines look really narrow, more like a casting than a forging?

[@GroidedLimeHead]

i have no idea but I wouldn't doubt stuff is cast

[@kennethstaszak9990]

I thought the same thing.

[@TheTrueNorth11]

It's forged.

[@davidstone2319]

When I got my PTR44 I found the magazine catches were positioned too high in th magazines supplied with it, causing the magazines to sit too low and feed poorly. I bought some repros from Sarco, I think, which had an fxo stamp on them. Those worked as well as my originals, but I don't think they are available anymore..

[@Blodhelm]

Beautiful gun, but for that price it should run at least as smoothly as a $500 plinker rifle.

[@minuteofcan]

That’s awsome, never gonna buy one but I’d sure like to see it out in the wild!

[@williamjanak2013]

Part of me like how they stayed as close as they could to the real thing. But for $6k, I would like something more reliable. I know its a collextor gun but still.