Actually, that's the MP44 configuruation. It was called Maschinenpistole to keep the project below Hitler's radar. For Hitler, bolt action=good, semiauto=bad, machinepistol=okay.
When rave reviews kept coming back from the Russian front, Hitler finally asked to see a "MP44". He reversed himself, and declared it the best thing since sliced pumpernickel. He also coined the term, "sturmgewehr", which literally translates to "assault rifle". The weapon, with slight changes in furniture, was blessed with the designation "StG45".
As with all good ideas, Hitler made sure it was too little, too late. But it made quite an impression on the Russians.
hey, I didn't click the link... ;o)
I always mix up the STG and MP configs... and it was a knee jerk reaction...
a buddy of mine has a real STG... his dad took it off'n a dead SS Grenadier... still in great condition... and completely off'n the grid...
it also made a helluva'n impression on the GIs and Tommies that faced it in Holland, Belgium, and der Fatherland...