Why would somebody want to scope a reproduction of a historic rifle? For one, the original STG-44s were sometimes scoped. Moreover, the low recoil STG44 was the preferred platform for mounting the original infrared scope (Vampir). So putting a low power optic, like the inexpensive 2.5x power Konus scope, isn’t straying far from the historic practice. If greater authenticity is desired, modern scope markings can be obliterated.
To install the scope mount, pull up the rear sight and depress the retainer leaf spring underneath with a screw driver. Then removed two screws and pull off the whole assembly. The short Picatinny segment replacing it sits fairly low.
The unique shape of the stock combines no-drop buttstock with a curved depression allowing lower head position for iron sights or scope. With 2.5x scope, the ghost of the front sight tower is just barely visible at the bottom. It doesn’t affect the sight picture.
Complete absence of felt recoil makes aimed rapid-fire very practical.
What kind of accuracy improvement do we get by scoping up? At 25 yards, the groups changed from about one inch to around two-thirds of an inch. That’s on paper. In practice, especially on low contrast targets, the practical effective range about doubles from just over 50 yards to about 125. The scope I used is focused at 75 yard and parallax-free at that distance. Duplex reticle worked well both for aiming at small targets and for estimating ranges and bullet drop.
The scope mount can be removed and replaced with the original iron sights. In my opinion, adding an optic really extends the usefulness of the STG44-22 and makes it more fun to use. With the rimfire ammunition being in short supply, it’s nice to have the extra practical accuracy.
Tell us what you think about scoping the STG44-22 in the comment section.
[olegv]
Thanks for the article! I just picked up a STG-44 myself and want to mount a scope as well. Just wondering, with the forward position of the mounting rail, did you need a scope with a longer eye-relief? Thanks!
Got one over a week ago, most fun .22 I ever owned, Fired over 400 rounds and only one misfire (ctg. failed to fire) The gun is accurate, 2″ groups at 50 yds.open sights. Much more fun than a noisy 223 or 7.62X39 Seems the Germans can make a quality firearm at a reasonable price, $440.00
Interesting piece. I might even consider purchasing one, if it was chambered in, oh, I don’t know, say 5.56, 7.62×39, or how about .300 BLK?
Don’t get me wrong, but this gun, as nice as it is, seems to be a lot of trouble to go to manufacture a .22. I already have nice .22s to shoot, and they did not cost ‘near as much as they’re asking for this.
I purchased my Sturmgewehr 22 Summer of 2013.
No matter what type of 22lr ammo I used (high vel, target, std velocity), the Sturm fires on target up to 30-40 yards! The tooling is just right not too precise nor too loose!
Next step was firing at 100yrds – had to make some sight adjustments for sure but taking one shot at a time , the Sturm got on my paper target (2 ft by 3 ft) almost all the time using iron sights. Of course shooting in rapid fire made more inaccuracies!
Great German manufacturing equals great fun and shooting experience on the range!