Introduced late in the war, the Volksturmgewehr 1.5 was part of a wave of "Volks" weapons intended as last ditch weapons that could be made at high speed with limited resources. Designed to require a minimum of detailed machining, the 1.5 uses stamped and welded steel for many parts, with flat board forearm panels and stock, and configured to accept the same magazines as the MP44/Sturmgewehr. Operation is by retarded blowback principles, with a set of vents near the muzzle directing gas into the combination barrel sleeve and bolt carrier, allowing the use of rifle-strength ammunition without elaborate locking mechanisms at the breech. Blade front and fixed notch rear sights mounted on the barrel sleeve, with a sheet metal cover at the rear, two-piece forearm, one-piece stock with "Th8166" stamped on the side, and a canvas sling. Properly, no Waffenamt proofs are present; chiefly intended for issue to civilian auxiliaries and hastily organized Volksturm units, the VG1.5 was never subjected to formal military inspection. Two extra magazines are included.