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The MP 44, or Sturmgewehr (assault rifle) is considered to be the first military production "assault rifle" with an intermediate cartridge. Although not a complete copy, the Soviets took some inspiration from it when they developed the AK47. It's reported that Hitler didn't much care for the stamped metal design of the weapon. So what if Hitler, for whatever reason, decides to put the kibosh on the MP44? How does this affect future rifle designs? The US stuck with full power rifle cartridges all the way up until the early stages of Vietnam, long after the Soviets. Would there be a Soviet intermediate cartridge rifle? Would the M16, or something similar ever exist?
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