The Sturmpistole ("assault-pistol") was an attempt by Germany during World War II to create a multi-purpose weapon which could be used by any infantryman.

It consisted of a modified flare gun (Leuchtpistole) which could fire a variety of grenades, including a 600 g (1 lb 5 oz) shaped charge Panzerwurfkörper 42 which could penetrate 80 mm (3.1 in) of rolled homogeneous armor.

The idea was not pursued wholeheartedly, and took second stage to the then current anti-tank rifles and later weapon developments, such as the Panzerfaust recoilless and Panzerschreck rocket.

The Sturmpistole was a multi-purpose weapon for signaling, illumination, target marking, or concealment with a smoke grenade.

Later during World War II, explosive rounds were developed to give German troops a small and lightweight grenade launcher for engaging targets from close range which could not be engaged satisfactorily by infantry weapons or artillery without endangering friendly troops.