The Gewehr 43 (G43) or Karabiner 43 (K43) was a semi-automatic rifle developed by Germany during World War II. It was based on the design of the earlier G41 (W), but incorporated an improved short-stroke piston gas system similar to that of the Soviet SVT-40. Unlike its predecessor, the G43 was designed with the capability to be manufactured using innovative mass-production techniques and had a 10-round detachable box magazine that could be loaded with stripper clips or individual rounds. It was a sturdy and rugged rifle that had a higher rate of fire and accuracy than the bolt-action rifles used by most German soldiers. This weapon was widely accepted and entered service in 1943, and though its production numbers were never able to fully replace the Kar98k, it was used to equip more elite formations such as Panzergrenadier units. Following the war, it became the standard service rifle of the Deutsches Heer, complemented by the Sturmgewehr 44 which was used to arm "assault" formations such as the Fallschirmjäger, Germany's elite paratroopers.