Sturmgewehr Turns Up at Police Buy Back Program

The Hartford Connecticut Police Department recently received quite a surprise when during a gun buy back program a woman walked into the station with a World War II era Sturmgewehr 44; widely recognized as the world's first assault rifle. Heavy and awkward by today's standards, nevertheless when introduced the Sturmgewehr quickly became a prized possession capable of laying down tremendous firepower at standard combat ranges.

Manufactured in Nazi Germany during World War II only around 400,000 of these assault rifles were produced, and far fewer survive today. Given their rarity these weapons rank as among the most valuable Second World War small arms collectibles; on average each rifle is worth $20,000-$25,000. This particular weapon had been brought back from the War by her father as a souvenir, and had apparently spent part of the past 60 plus years casually stored in a closet.

The police officers quickly let the woman know the value of her rifle, which she plan on selling. In the meantime she is leaving the weapon at the police station for safekeeping.