German Gewehr Granatengerate

By Crusader1307

The German Gewehrgranatengerate (better known as "The Shooting Cup" - Schlessbecher), was designed for and deployed by The German Army in 1942. Based in part on previous prototypes used in World War I, The Shooting Cup became the primary Grenade Launcher until 1945. Effective against moving Infantry Formations and "light" Fortifications. The metal, tube-like device could be attached to any standard Infantry Rifle. Deemed a "30mm" or 1.2-inch in diameter piece, The Shooting Cup added an additional 10-inches to the Rifle's length. They weighed just under 1-pound. The maximum effective range was cited at 300-yards. The Grenade itself, a fragmentation explosive was activated by a specially designed round. A standard 7.92mm "Blank Round", was fitted with a "Sabot Round". Upon firing the Rifle, the shot traveled upwards in the barrel, until it struck the brash base of the attached round. Centered on this plate was the Priming Cap. Upon contact, the gas pressure created between "fit" of the barrel and the device, caused the Grenade to launch. Training was relatively easy. This gave Infantrymen the ability to be a "Grenadier" (with The Wehrmacht having whole Units in use).