MG 42

[Yoozername]

That's a nice clip, it also shows how you long you can make a 50 round belt last by taking short bursts.

The MG42 on the bipod is meant to be fired in bursts typically. Its worth noting the bipod is actually hinged to rock backwards. Basically, the firer acts as the 'buffer' spring. It is important that the barrel is moved back inline and not introducing an angular motion. If you have ever seen a US M1919A4 firing from the small tripod, you can see the barrel motion that would introduce great variance in flights of the bullets.



Anyone see what he did around second 55??

[Yoozername]

https://mg34.com/product/mg42-heavy-bolt/

[LineDoggie]

The MG42 on the tripod mount has a buffer spring built into the mount that allows the weapon mount to take up the recoil and not angle up like a US 1919A4 does when firing. I believe there was a heavier bolt option that slowed the rate of fire. Can't recall where I read that.

Nice but thats a POSTWAR MG3 tripod not a Lafette 42

[Yoozername]

I was making a point but thanks! Both tripods have a buffer spring built into them?

[Stiltzkin]

Drehkopfverschluss vs Rollenstützverschluss,
minor accuracy advantage vs higher cyclic rate.
The main advantage of the 42 is actually manufacturing cost and time.

[Sarge]

I got my first MG 42 in 1960. Do love that gun. I have my shooter converted to 7.62 Nato. Much cheaper to shoot, both for live & blanks.
While not "necessary" to put a sand bag on the front tripod leg it also does no harm. I've found that it holds the gun steadier when firing long bursts.
A good/experienced gunner can single shot the 42 with little problem. Took me a bit of practice, but I then could do single or double shots whenever I wanted to. It makes no difference whether shooting live or blanks.
I quite often would catch a GI or Brit exposed and shoot him once which left the others thinking they had a rifle in front of them. After doing this a couple of times they would figure out about where I was and several of them charge me - GOTTCHA! I then let go with a couple of 10/12 rd bursts.
I like to hear a 42 run, it has a sound like no other on the battle field - you know instantly what is shooting.
Sarge

[OpanaPointer]

Is this an MG-42?

[shamirnewell]

Is this an MG-42?

Yes a damaged one.

[OpanaPointer]

Thanks. I note that they haven't discarded it. I also note that they seem to have an identity crisis going on, the GI helmet being waved to stop Blue-on-Blue?

Source claims this was on the Cotentin Peninsula on D-Day.

[shamirnewell]

Thanks. I note that they haven't discarded it. I also note that they seem to have an identity crisis going on, the GI helmet being waved to stop Blue-on-Blue?

Source claims this was on the Cotentin Peninsula on D-Day.

I always thought he is trying to draw fire so he can ascertain where German fire is coming from
Ans that the mg42 is recently battle damaged. The top receiver cover is opened and damaged, there is no barrel mounted in it, damage to grip and shoulder stock.

[OpanaPointer]

Thanks. I note that they haven't discarded it. I also note that they seem to have an identity crisis going on, the GI helmet being waved to stop Blue-on-Blue?

Source claims this was on the Cotentin Peninsula on D-Day.

I always thought he is trying to draw fire so he can ascertain where German fire is coming from
Ans that the mg42 is recently battle damaged. The top receiver cover is opened and damaged, there is no barrel mounted in it, damage to grip and shoulder stock.

I think the Heer would notice a helmet virtually floating in the air? Of course we'll never know for sure.

[Yoozername]

From the camera height/angle, it seems that the picture was taken by a standing man.

[yabint]

From the camera height/angle, it seems that the picture was taken by a standing man.

Good point. A lot of the "battle photos" are actually staged. After all who has time to frame a photo (with a manual camera, no point and shoots then) with bullets flying in the air?

Also I have read that it was common for infantry to destroy captured machineguns by breaking the stock and bending the action. Saves carrying it to prevent it from being re-captured.