MG-42

MG42 Machine Gun

The MG-42 was designed to make the gun more economical and easier to mass produce than the MG34. It used plastic in the butt and pistol grip and stamped and die cast metal components instead of expensive machined steel. In place of riveted or screwed joints, it was spot welded. It was lighter, more compact, and more reliable.

The re-design allowed the MG-42 to be used in most climates. The previous German machine guns could not be operated by crews wearing mitts (which proved fatal in winter battles, especially in Russia). The MG42 was also more resistant to jams caused by dust and dirt (excellent for use in the African campaigns). Because of re-design, the barrel could be changed out much more quickly an experienced machine gunner could change a barrel in the field in under 30 seconds.

When mounted on the bipod, the MG-42 was less accurate than the MG-34, but it's crushing power was a terrible force against Allied troops in Normandy. Because of its rapid fire rate, infantry troops provisioned with the machine guns were burdened with large quantities of heavy ammunition to feed the machine guns, which tended to make them less mobile, but more deadly.

Specifications: The MG42 is air cooled and fitted with a quick-change barrel.
Muzzle velocity 755 meters a second
Fires 1,550 per minute.

Excellent photograph Polar and great info about the MG42 Bombardier, but this beauty is not an MG42 is an MG34.

You can see som pics of the MG34 here: http://world.guns.ru/machine/mg32-e.htm

And some of the MG42 here:
http://world.guns.ru/machine/mg33-e.htm

Both webpages also have a lot of interesting historical and technical info about MG42 and MG34