Watch Tales of the Gun online: Episode 21 German Small Arms of WW2

Germany's stealthy quest to re-arm led to the creation of some of the most infamous names in the history of the gun. In 1918 Germany was stripped of its military might and forbidden to re-arm by the Treaty of Versailles. Yet 15 years later, a new, revitalized German Army under the command of dictator Adolf Hitler marched into combat once again, armed with Lugers, P38s, Mauser Pistoles and Karabiners and other devastating weapons that would write their names in blood over the next 12 years. This fascinating program documents the rebirth of the German weapons industry and profiles the infamous weapons they created for the infantry soldiers. Discover how manufacturers hid their real products from the rest of the world until they were powerful enough that discovery no longer mattered, and see rare archival footage of their disguised factories. Hear from the men who wielded these weapons in combat, and relive the battles where they proved their worth. From armistice to World War II, this is a fascinating portrait of the secret birth of some of the most effective guns ever made.

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