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MG34 & MG42 Machine Guns

The MG34 was the first modern, general purpose machine gun to be produced in large quantities. Various models of the MG34, with small differences, were produced for the German Wehrmacht during World War II. The MG42 was an improvement over the MG34 and much easier to manufacture. Both weapons were adopted by other countries after WW II.

Werhmacht soldier loading 50-round drum magazine on MG34.

Wehrmacht MG34 Maschinengewehr

World War II photo of U.S. Rangers firing Maschinengewehr MG34 light machine gun. Rangers were required to be familiar with enemy weapons as well as their own.

MG34 (Maschinengewehr 34) was a recoil operated, air cooled light machine gun with a high cyclic rate of fire, 800 to 900 rpm. It had a quick change barrel (necessary because of overheating at the high fire rate) and was very easy to field strip. It incorporated a combined recoil booster, flash housing and barrel bearing and had an innovative high-impact plastic stock.

Specifications:

Weight with bipod	26.5 lb (12 kg)
Weight with tripod	69 lb (31 kg)
Length	4 feet (1.22 m)
Barrel length	24.6 in (0.62 m)
Muzzle velocity	2500 ft/sec (755 m/sec)
Effective range	2200 yds (2000 m)
Rate of fire	800 to 900 rpm
Ammunition	7.92 mm

Ammunition was fed from 50 round open belts, often linked together into 250 round belts, or the belts could be housed in a 50 round metal drum. Another option was the 75 round saddle drum which did not use a belt.

Wehrmacht MG42 Maschinengewehr

Captured German weapons including MG15 with 75 round saddle magazine (center) and MG34 (left of center), Tunis, Tunisia, 20 May 1943. Thanks to Steve for proper ID.

MG42 (Maschinengewehr 42) was also a recoil operated, air cooled light machine gun with a very high cyclic rate of fire, 1200 rpm. Although similar in operation to the MG34, including the valuable quick change barrel, it incorporated many improvements. The MG42 was made of stampings and pressings to lower manufacturing costs, is more reliable, and has an improved feed mechanism (copied in the U.S. M60). The rugged and effective MG42 continued to be produced after World War II, modified for different cartridges, for the military of many countries.

Specifications:

Weight with bipod	25.5 lb (12 kg)
Weight with tripod	68 lb (31 kg)
Length	4 feet (1.22 m)
Barrel length	21 in (0.53 m)
Muzzle velocity	2500 ft/sec (755 m/sec)
Max effective range	2200 yds (2000 m)
Rate of fire	1200 rpm
Ammunition	7.92 mm

Books About the MG34 & MG42 Machine Guns

• German Automatic Weapons of World War II
• MG34-MG42 German Universal Machineguns by Folke Myrvang. Sold by Collector Grade Publications

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