Brno Zb-30

[Nightcrawler]

The Czech BRNO ZB-30 was an automatic rifle that the famous British Bren Gun was based on. Many sources, including this one, say that the ZB-30 was widely used by Axis forces during the Second World War. (Heck, I even saw a German soldier holding one in the movie The Longest Day.)



So, to what extent was the ZB-30 automatic rifle used by the Germans? How common was it in the Wehrmacht (spelled wrong), SS divisions, Paratroopers (not even going to attempt to spell the German word for paratrooper), etc? Was it used mainly on the eastern front or on the western front?

It seems the Germans had a lot of good weapons. Thankfully, Hitler decided at some point that Germany wouldn't acquire much in the way of small arms. So, Germany went through the war with the bulk of its infantry forces armed with KAR-98 bolt rifles and MP-40 submachine guns, despite the sucessful (but limited) fielding of weapons like the FG-42, G-43, and STG-44. It seems that the Germans never really had a proper automatic rifle, either, though the way they employed the MG-34 and MG-42 probably reduced the need somewhat. (On the other hand, the Allies never had a GPMG like the MG-42....)

 

[Nightcrawler]

Bump

Anybody?

 

[Gabe]

AFAIK that's a ZB-26. The ZB-30 had the gas piston shortened like the BREN and it had a 30rd magazine not 20 like the one in that picture.

When Germany captured Czechoslavakia they took over all the ZB-26 and 30s in stock for their own forces. I don't think they were all that common with the 3rd Reich. At the time they had a shortage of MG-34s and I'm sure any machinegun chambered for the 8mm Mauser was welcomed.

I do recall seeing lots of file footage of German ally forces such as the Romanians using them on the Eastern Front. Perhaps that's where they all ended up when MG-42 production picked up.

My "ideal" oldtime infantry squad would be equipped with M-14 rifles and ZB-30 LMG, with a 20 round mag that can be used by both weapons. The gun team will use 30rders and switch to rifle mags when needed. Top that off with MG-42 at the platoon level and you got a big can of whoopass.

 

[Lone Star]

Nightcrawler-

The word for German paratrooper is, "Fallschirmjager".

And, now that you've mentioned the FG-42, why do you suppose they made only 7,000 of them? My guess is that it kicked too much for good control, and they were about to phase-in the STGW-43/44, which might have filled the need for an auto rifle not used in lieu of a LMG.

Anyone really know?

Lone Star

 

[Nightcrawler]

The FG-42 was, I think, a different class of rifle than the STG-44. While the FG-42 could be used as a light machine gun (on full auto mode it actually fired from the open bolt!) I don't think it had a heavy barrel or anything, so it'd probably be less effective in that respect than a BAR or later FAL-O.

The FG was often issued with a scope, though. Think about it; a semiauto rifle, 20 round mags, issued with an optic. The FG-42 was probably the first main battle rifle to take detachable box magazines. Not to mention being issued with a scope!

The STG-44 was better suited to close in street fighting, where the range of the Mauser, FG, and G43 weren't needed. It lacke penetration, of course, but it was better in that respect than an MP-40 submachine gun. (Though, it was larger than an MP-40. An all-around better infantry weapon, though.)

I'm given to understand that the G43 was actually issued in some quantity.