WW2Steel.com
page last modified 25Mar'08
MG42:
History:
The MG42 appeared in 1941 to supplement the MG34,
though not totally replace it. The MG42 was easier and faster to
build than the MG34, with nearly twice the rate of fire. The
MG42, due to its looser design parameters could ingest higher volumes
of foreign debris and continue to function. Jamming was not a
particular problem for the MG34 though. The bolt was greatly
simplified from an intricate twisting locking mechanism to a much more simple dual roller lock which both locked it
to the barrel momentarily upon firing and held the firing pin retracted
until the bolt was fully seated in the barrel. Though the barrel
removal is notable cool on the MG34, it is faster on the '42, reducing
time from roughly 7 seconds to 5 for an experienced crew. There
was also less chance of getting dirt into the receiver with the MG42
swap. Due to the reduced tightness of the MG42, and the recoil
effect of the higher rate of fire, the accuracy was largely
reduced. The MG34 was a beautiful show off display of pre-war
arms; the MG42 was a wartime functional replacement. Imagine the
In short... The
MG42 could be made faster and more easily by unskilled (and forced)
labor. It jammed slightly less per round (but more often over
seconds of firing duration- especially with later steel cased
ammo). The barrel swap is improved. It could be stripped
and operated by Volksturm (more
simple). It was less accurate, but projectile density over area
remained the same (twice as many rounds over twice as large an
area). The MG34 remained in service until the end of the war and
as the exclusive internal tank armament in the modified panzer
derivative.
The MG42 is still in service today as the MG3 (among several
others), chambered for NATO 7.62.
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Country of Origin: |
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Caliber: |
7.92 * 57 Mauser |
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Weight: |
25.35lb (11.5kg) |
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Feed/ Capacity: |
50 round belt - linkable up to 250 rounds = 1 box (per manual). |
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Rate of Fire: |
1200 rpm |
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Muzzle Velocity: |
2650fps (800mps) |
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Range: |
10,000' (3000m) + (on tripod) |
Gas Simulators:
This is known in reenacting circles as a 'gas gun'. For those not
familiar with the term it denotes a unit which mixes a fuel such as
propane and oxygen into a combustion chamber. A small computer opens
and closes the gas solenoids and times an ignition circuit which fires
a spark plug inside the chamber. This type of simulator is safer than
blanks, as no burning powder is expelled. NOTHING CAN BE LOADED INTO
THE CHAMBER OR EXPELLED FROM THIS UNIT. This makes it perfect for
reenactments, living history displays, and even movies. I no
longer build gas simulators as it is very time intensive and they can
be quite temperamental. I am still glad to answer questions
about them and assist the guys who already bought them from me (years
ago). I do offer a small manual that helps with the construction
of one for $5. This manual is explained and available here.
(Still part of my website.)
