HIW VSK

The Hessische Selbstladekarabiner also known as HIW VSK refers to 2 prototype weapons, a rifle and a carbine, of German origin developed by Hessische Industrie Werke and August Cöenders in 1944. They were intended as Volkssturm weapons and the carbine variant used blow forward operation.[1][2][3]

Hessische Selbstladekarabiner
TypeBolt Action Rifle Carbine
Place of originNazi Germany
Service history
Used byVolksturm
Production history
Designed1944
ManufacturerHessische Industrie Werke
VariantsWetzlar Rifle
Wetzlar Carbine
Specifications
Cartridge8×57mm IS (Rifle)
8×33mm Kurz (Carbine)
Caliber7.9mm
ActionBolt-action (8x57)
Blow forward (8x33mm)
Feed system5-round internal box magazine.
SightsIron

Variants

Battle rifle

Chambered for the 7.92×57mm Mauser rifle round. It used standard 5-round stripper clips to fill the fixed internal magazine. To operate, the "bolt" handle is actually attached to the barrel, and pushed forward to feed a new round to a fixed bolt and breech face.

Carbine

Chambered for the 7.92×33mm Kurz round. It used special 5-round stripper clips to fill the fixed internal magazine. The barrel is blown forward by drag of the bullet and propellant gasses and returns under spring pressure, chambering a new cartridge.

References
  1. Sturmgewehr! From Firepower to Striking Power, Hans-Dieter Handrich, ISBN 0-88935-356-5
  2. The German Assault Rifle 1935–1945, Peter R. Senich., ISBN 1581606729
  3. Desperate Measures: The Last-Ditch Weapons of the Nazi Volkssturm, W. Darrin Weaver, ISBN 0-88935-372-7


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