Maschinengewehr

Mauserwerke Maschinengewehr Model 1934 (MG34)

Designed by Mauser from the Swiss MG30 as the first general purpose machine gun, it could be carried by one man for general infantry assault roles, mounted on a tripod for long range precision firing, or mounted on an AA mount for anti-aircraft roles. The 26lb 11oz, recoil operated 7.92 x 57mm belt fed machine gun fired 850 rounds per minute. The close tolerance of parts made the MG34 vulnerable to stoppage under combat conditions. The overall length is 48 inches. The weight is 26 1/2 lbs with bipod and 42lbs with tripod. The practical rate of fire as a LMG is 100-200 rounds per minute, and as a HMG 300 rounds per minute. The effective range as a LMG is 600-800 yards, and as a HMG is 2000-2500 yards.

Maschinengewehr Model 1942 (MG42)

The MG42 was adopted in 1942 by the Wehrmacht and first used in North Africa. The 25lb 8oz weapon was constructed of steel stampings and featured a quick change barrel system which enabled the operator to install a cool barrel within 5 seconds. The weapon has a recoil firing mechanism and fired 7.92x57mm ammunition at a cycle rate of 1200-1400 rounds per minute. The overall length is 49 inches, and weighed 23 3/4lbs. The practical rate of fire as a LMG is 250 rounds per minute, and as a HMG 500 rounds per minute. The effective range as a LMG is 600-800 yards and as a HMG is 2000-2500 yards.