Developed relatively late in World War II, the MP44 was a very important milestone in military weaponry, being the namesake of an entire class of weapons, the intermediate caliber, select fire, infantry "assault rifle". Influenced by the situation on both fronts, the MP44 made heavy use of stamped components, limiting costly and labor intensive machined or forged components to critical areas and speeding production. The adoption of an intermediate power cartridge allowed each trooper to haul more rounds in their combat loads and kept the recoil manageable in a relatively lightweight arm. While the full power "battle rifle" would be the western standard for the start of the Cold War, the MP44's spiritual children gained more traction in the 60s and 70s and still hold a place as the de-facto standard for infantry weapons. This example was originally manufactured by Haenel. The receiver is marked "MP44" and "8073y/45" on the left side and "fxo" on the underside. The forearm is constructed from stamped and ventilated sheet metal, the hardwood buttstock is fitted with steel reinforcement at the toe and heel.

Fine as deactivated, with 85% of the original combination blue and 90% of the original phosphate finish, both showing minor spotting and wear overall. The buttstock is fine and shows some scuffing and dents, with some splitting on the left side near the receiver socket. The breech of the barrel has been welded closed (with what appears to be lead as it readily scratches), and the firing pin is stuck in the forward position; while not currently functional, the item is not a "DEWAT" as defined by the law. NOTE: This weapon is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) that is classified as a "Curios or Relic" as defined in 27 CFR, 478.11. These weapons are still subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 478.