Gruner would attend an army machine gunner's course to familiarize himself with the utility and characteristics of such a weapon, also seeking input from soldiers. [51], Another unique feature of German World War II machine guns was the Tiefenfeuerautomat feature on the Lafette 42 and Lafette 34 tripods. For this reason, the MG 45 is considered a different type of firearm, as the mechanisms of these two guns are different. And since the barrel of the MG42 had to be replaced after 100 rounds of continuous fire, which took a highly trained crew of only 7 seconds to complete, I still prefer the M60, but thats me, Im an old fashioned guy. Finland acquired 5 MG 42s in July 1943 for evaluation. He then recycled an existing Mauser-developed operating system and incorporated features from his experiences with army machine gunners and lessons learned during the early stages of the war. The 7.62x51mm M60 was the US Army's first modern General Purpose Machine Gun. The MG 42V had some influence in the post-war development of roller-delayed blowback system, as employed in issued CETME, SIG and Heckler & Koch small arms. The Americans and the British trained their troops to take cover from the fire of an MG 42, and assault the position during the sub 10 seconds time window of barrel replacement.[22][23]. The M60 has been referred to as "the doorknob" because of its distinctive shape. Impressed with both of these guns, the United States looked to borrow some of their better features for use in future designs. Sign up for our daily email and get the stories everyone is talking about. [41][42][43] At the end of World War II the original technical drawings and data for the MG 42 were captured by the Soviets. Russians have a .50 that they can dismount and fire from a bipod and use otherwise like a GPMG. However, the realization that the .30-06 Springfield cartridge was too long for the prototype gun's mechanism to easily and reliably work with resulted in the discarding of the project. Its relatively light 23-pound weight allows the gun team to keep up with assaulting infantry. Medium machine guns are generally (today) .30 caliber full power guns, like the MAG, Mk48, Negev, MG5, SS77, etc. This continuous firing often took a toll on receivers, cracking them open. Once the problem was identified, the temporary solution was to design and manufacture extra sturdy ammunition with primers with a slightly slower ignition time which allowed the rollers to settle into lockup and issue that ammunition specifically for MG 42 use. Quote; Post . [19] The advantage of the general-purpose machine gun concept was that it added greatly to the overall volume of fire that could be put out by a squad-sized unit. It would be easy to adopt 40 round PMAGs. The Gurttrommel assault drum was an alternative feed option and designed to be clipped to the left side of the gun. The MG 42 belt-feed mechanism inspired the design used in the M60 machine gun. The infantry now has other options, plentiful mobile mortars, M203, MK23, air on call, artillery. [6] As a consequence of factors like the time spent reloading, aiming, changing hot barrels if necessary to allow for cooling, the MG 42's practical effective rate of fire was 154 rounds per minute, versus 150 rounds per minute for the MG 34.[6]. All these changes were intended to increase, maintain, or accommodate the gun's high cyclic rate of fire and dispersion. U.S. weapons designers fealt that the ROF of the MG42 was too high resulting in wasted ammo and reduced accuracy. Used in Vietnam in this configuraton, I can't imagine hauling this thru the jungle. The T24 machine gun was a prototype reverse engineered copy of the German MG 42 general-purpose machine gun developed during World War II as a possible replacement for the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle and M1919A4 for infantry squads. Headrest Safe a new way to secure your firearm. p. 22-23 Dr. Stephen Bull, OSPREY. The M60 is a gas-operated, air-cooled machine gun that fires from the open bolt position. The open-type iron sighting line has a relatively short 430 millimeters (16.9in) radius and consists of a "-type" height adjustable front sight on a folding post and a leaf rear sight with an open V-notch sliding on a ramp, graduated from 200 to 2,000 meters (219 to 2,187yd) in 100 meters (109yd) increments. The new gun boasted a nearly 100% increase in range to 2000 meters and 50% increase in rate of fire to 1500 rounds per minute. 7th Edition. By changing its mount, sights and feed mechanism, the operator could radically transform an Einheitsmaschinengewehr for several purposes. Excessive overheating caused by rapid firing about 500 rounds through a barrel resulted in unacceptable wear of the bore rendering the barrel useless. First tests were undertaken in June 1944, but development dragged on and eventually only ten were built. [58] Saginaw Steering Gear did not adjust the prototypes for the 6.35mm (0.25in) longer .30-06 Springfield (7.6263mm) cartridge case. Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more. As it is recoil-operated and fired from an open bolt, the weapon must be manually charged with the side-mounted charging handle. SOF guys have the M4A1 to use like an IARall of thembut stick to semi almost exclusively. You can slow down the MG42. I don't know if anyone has a designation aside from weight. [4] Fired off the bipod it can perform the role of a light machine gun. It uses a modified version of the German MG42's roller-delayed blowback system. The indirect firing method exploits the s.S. Patrone useful maximum range, that is defined by the maximum range of a small-arms projectile while still maintaining the minimum kinetic energy required to put unprotected personnel out of action, which is generally believed to be 15 kilogram-meters (147J / 108ftlbf). - Free Online Library", MG34 and MG42 in Norway, Post WW2, by Folke Myrvang, Nazarian`s Gun`s Recognition Guide (FILM) MG 42, proper assault (video clip), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=MG_42&oldid=1148886964, 2002,000m (2192,187yd) sight adjustments, Horse leader for horse, cart and trailer (private) rifle, This page was last edited on 8 April 2023, at 22:34. [11] Grofu AG's entry proved to be the best design by far, employing a unique recoil-operated roller locking mechanism whereas the two competing entries used a gas-actuated system. To prevent short shots Waffenfabrik Bern changed the locking system from roller to flapper locking. James Tarr gets to talk to Steve Wilson of Rock River Arms about their RBG. One huge difference between the MG42 and the M60 is the ROF. The average cyclic rate of fire of the tested weapon was 614 rounds per minute. The resulting Grofu MG 39 prototype gun presented in February 1939 remained similar to the earlier MG 34 overall, a deliberate decision made to maintain familiarity and capability to use the various mounts and other accessories developed for the MG 34 to adapt the gun to different roles. The M60 introduced a number of new features to US machine gunners. The belts are intended for multiple reuse. [30] For its medium machine gun role, the MG 42 was matched to the newly developed Lafette 42 tripod. All Rights Reserved. The different versions meant that the service life of an MG 42 barrel varied between 3,500 and 8,000 rounds assuming the barrel was used according to the regulations, which prohibited rapid fire beyond 150 rounds. The idea that one gun will do all infantry tasks is dead. [8][9] It should be noted the FG 42 was itself based on the American Lewis Gun. The M60 machine gun bears the nickname "The Pig". During a barrel change a cool MG 42 barrel unit coming out of the Laufschtzer 42 can be inserted in the machine gun and the replaced hot barrel unit can be placed in or on the opened Laufschtzer 42 to cool down. There's some overlap and if we shift calibers good luck making these distinctions, but 5.56 belt feds are pretty heavy and fussy for the bullets they throw. Even before World War I, the German military was already looking forward to replacing the heavy machine guns which proved to be such a success in that war. Heavy bolts also were used along with stiffer return springs. Krause Publications. Basically trying to get 24 .270 Win performance from a 13 .27-08.. Obviously not gonna get adopted(I hope!) The M60 is a primary general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) that is purchasable for $820,600 at level 75. When mounted onto a tripod the M60 can perform as a medium machine gun, with the assistant gunner quickly swapping out hot barrels. The US proposed a 6mm. An air-cooled weapon, it fires at the moderate cyclic rate of between 500 and 650 r.p.m. I add picture with a Jaguar with what I beleive is an MG3 on the back of the tank. The Gurttrommel belt container was commonly used until the end of World War II, with the MG 42 and the earlier MG 34. The T24 was chambered for the .30-06 Springfield cartridge. There were also mounts for various vehicles, motorcycle sidecars, and fortress positions. That said, if properly maintained and kept fresh, especially the newest ones, the M60 is still an effective machine gun and US special forces folks still do use them to this day alongside some of the other options. The Winchester 350 Legend is built with hunters and sport shooters in mind, 350 Legend is versatile on the range and in the deer woods. Definitely use a lipo in either case. As the striker sleeve is movable back and forth within the bolt assembly, the return spring is also responsible for pushing the striker sleeve forward during locking (described below). Ammunition is usually fed into the weapon from a 100 or 250-round disintegrating, metallic split-link belt. And firing. 12 Orlando1701 1 yr. ago You ever actually fired one? An excellent design, the MG42 was carefully inspected by US Army Ordnance officers during the war. The quick barrel changing and belt feed systems were considered some of the best design features. [58] The gun was made as an almost exact copy of the MG 42 which was chambered in 7.9257mm Mauser. Because of that, feed is performed in two steps, on both the opening and closing movement of the bolt, instead of one step as in the earlier MG 34. The MG42 is capable of firing 1200 rounds a minute, while the M60 fires at a rate of only 500 rounds per minute. The final evaluation version was designated the T161E3. Is the M60 based on MG42? They ruled that the results of sustained fire were disappointing and that the expenditure of ammunition involved was "intolerable. In order to address these issues, a draft specification was made and a contest was held for an MG 34 replacement. Lauren Witt, Interdependence Public Relations. This is the company to visit if you are interested in acquiring, or leaning how to acquire a registered machine gun! In the tripod-mounted medium machine gun role, MG 42 users were trained to fire short bursts and bursts of 20 to 50 rounds and strive to optimize their aim between bursts fired in succession. The MG 42's belt-feed mechanism was copied and used in the design of the M60 machine gun. The Lafette could be set up in a prone, kneeling or high position. . [10] Being made largely out of pressed and stamped appropriately hardened carbon steel metal, only the most important parts were elaborately milled from solid steel, and using spot welding and riveting to connect parts the new design required considerably less machining and fewer high grade steel alloys containing metals that became scarce in Germany during World War II. For me I like more modern, tactical firearms and would go with a M60E6 setup. As a consequence, one of the MG 42's most notable features was its high cyclic rate of fire of about 1,200 to 1,500 rounds per minute, twice the rate of the Vickers and Browning machine guns, which fired at a rate of about 600 rounds per minute. In addition, with its high bullet penetration, the M60 can take on and tear apart very . [27] In 1944, this was altered to six machine guns in three sections with two seven-man heavy machine gun squads per section as follows: The optimum operating crew of an MG 42 in its medium machine gun role was six men: the squad leader, the machine gunner who carried and fired the gun, the assistant gunner/loader who carried the tripod, and three riflemen who carried 1,800 rounds of ammunition between them, spare barrels, entrenching tools, and other items. Lock it away from potential thieves. We are a very resource rich military. This was no small-caliber weapon either, as it fired the heavy 7.9257mm Mauser cartridge (the same round used by the German 98K rifle). The gas system that was chosen for the gun was a gas expansion and cutoff type, similar to the M14 . Im kind of wondering if the M27 was a means to end end. The Mk46 program was right to delete that feature. The shoulder stock is designed to permit gripping with the left hand to hold it secure against the shoulder. But without the proper hydrolic buffer, the gun will beat itself to death quickly. The Russians have a 6mm. Single shots are difficult, even for experienced operators, due to the weapon's high cyclic rate of fire and the ability to fire a short burst of no more than three rounds was usually accepted as the training standard. Con's: heavier than hell Pro's: big bullet, makes the same noise as your enemy and can use theur ammo. However, the MG 34 did have fundamental drawbacks, such as sensitivity to extreme weather conditions, dirt and mud, and comparatively complex and expensive production. It was eventually replaced by the heavier, but more reliable, FN 240 series. Just FYI. The FG42 and its advanced operating system went on to influence the T44 prototype, and the M60 machine gun. It took a while for the M60 to replace its predecessors, with the first Marines in Vietnam landing in 1965 with a mix of Browning machine guns and M60s. The Allied nations' infantry doctrines of World War II based a squad's/rifle section's firepower centered on the rifleman and/or a magazine fed light machine gun (BAR, Bren, DP-27/DPM, FM 24/29), and they utilised weapons with cyclic fire rates of typically 450600 rounds per minute. [49] Fitting such an optical sight enabled the machine gun to deliver direct fire out to 3,000m (3,281yd). 251/1 Falke half-track armored personnel carriers to some MG 42 and MG 34 machine guns. The 416 is harder to run suppressed than DI. During WWII, U.S. soldiers faced down the advanced MG42 machine gun and FG42 automatic rifle. In fact, the M60E6 suffered fewer failures between shots in tests than the M240. But to introduce a modern weapon of its own production the Office of Defence Technology, in cooperation with Steyr Mannlicher and Beretta developed a gun specifically for the Austrian Army. But the gun with a 100 round belt on the ground vs the 100 round belt being guided by the AG would have a lower rate of fire. Is the .357 Magnum the Most Versatile Handgun? Entering production in 1942, it was intended to supplement and replace the earlier MG 34, which was more . The weapon stayed in the Liniewski family until 2016 when his son Marty donated the weapon to the Museum. The riflemen carried additional ammunition, hand grenades, explosive charges or a machine gun tripod as required and provided security and covering fire for the machine gun team. Elite PUBLISHING. After investigation using high-speed photography the rollers in the bolt were found to "bounce" back and forth or oscillate up to 1mm (0.04in) when lock up is proceeding and then they settle into full lock up. He reloaded the weapon and spots targets. Guarantee one stoppage per mag. Germany just picked up the MG5. The method of barrel change made the MG 42 unsuitable for internal secondary or co-axial armament on World War II era German tanks or other armored vehicles with the exception of the Jagdpanzer IV. The initial trials of the Grofu functional model presented in April 1938 gave rise to improvement requests by the machine gun contest board. It used steel of lesser quality, which reduced weight to 9 kilograms (20lb), while retaining the horizontal cocking handle. While some may say the MG42's rate of. Later version Jagdpanzer IVs carried only one MG 42 as internal secondary armament.[31]. The MG 42's lineage continued past Nazi Germany's defeat, forming the basis for the nearly identical MG1 (MG 42/59), chambered in 7.6251mm NATO, which subsequently evolved into the MG1A3, and later the Bundeswehr's MG 3, Italian MG 42/59 and Austrian MG 74. Combat experience gained facing MG42s heavily influenced American ordnance officers of the day. That has something to do with tripods I thought. Subscriber Services. M60 were phased out of military use, but the M240 Bravo is still used, and even has slightly different variants of it as well. While partly derived from German guns, it contained American innovations as well. Upon firing, rearward force from the recoil of the cartridge ignition combined with the additional rearward force generated by the muzzle booster start to move the barrel and bolt assembly rearwards for a total distance of 21mm (0.8in). The Snobbiest Town in The Snobbiest State in the N, Purpose built Sniper Rifle vs Precision/Competition Rifle, Alpha Class Long Range Scope Review - TT, ZCO, Schmidt, March, Vortex, Review of PR1 and PR2 through Colorado Precision Rifle. [5] The Allied nations had machine guns with similar rates of fire, but mounted them almost exclusively in aircraft, where the fleeting opportunities for firing made such high rates necessary. In 2007 he covered the war in Iraq as an embedded journalist. The high tech German Rifle would also serve as the spiritual father to the full-powered battle rifles that dominated the early phases of the Cold War and . This powerful German machine gun was built as a cheaper and simpler version of the MG 34. Okay, first you would have had to carry one and shoot it for thousands of rounds to know the difference between bullshit propaganda and how they actually worked. The U.S. Navy SEAL teams of Vietnam employed shortened and cut down M60 machine guns, making a substantially more man-portable platform, easier for single-personuse. The 249 on mags is shit. The Allies did have similar weapons, such as the M1919 Browning machine gun and the Vickers K machine gun, but these were issued more sparsely than the MG 42, with the Vickers K being an aircraft machine gun, only issued to infantry in specialized circumstances. Print view; Search Advanced search. I could mention the HK21 as a better Infantry Automatic Rifle in its mag-fed configuration and a suitable GPMG in belt-fed From US Army reports that led to making the M60, from engineering discussions and analysis, from a few people who have fired several of them: The PK is a hell of a gun. One downside to the M60 design is the bipod is attached to the barrel. 4 posts Page 1 of 1. Its cyclic rate of fire is 900 rounds per minute. Non-observance of this technical limitation renders the barrel prematurely unusable. The M60 Machine Gun, Kevin Dockery, pages 1213, Retrieved 1 May 2018, German Infantry Weapons U.S. War Department Military Intelligence Service, Special Series No. Never an issue with jamming. I prefer the M60 for fun just because you can shoot it standing up. [64] The MG3 (originally the MG 1 launched in 1958) is the MG 42 design rechambered to 7.6251mm NATO. [40] [44], The 530 millimeters (20.9in) long barrel and its prong type barrel extension used for lock up, made up the barrel unit of the MG 42. The Lafette 42 had a Richt- und berschietafel (Overhead firing table) riveted to the rear body of the searchfire mechanism from the very start of production until the very end of it. The MG 74 also has a modern polymer stock and handgrips (usually colored green) to save weight, adjustable rear sight (35 horizontal, vertical 15) and additional anti-aircraft sight or (low light) optical sights can be mounted optional. By February 1943, US ordnance authorities published the first report on the MG 42, following testing of a captured gun. [54], There were numerous other specialist mounts for the MG 42. In 1944, the material shortages in Nazi Germany led to the development of a newer version, the MG 45 (or MG 42V), which had a different operating mechanism that used roller-delayed blowback as opposed to roller locking. It was intended to replace the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle and M1919A6 Browning machine gun in the squad automatic weapon role, and the M1919A4 and water-cooled M1917A1 in the medium machine gun role. Damn. Finland decided to produce 4,000 MG 42s modified to fire 7.6254mmR cartridges but only one modified prototype was ever made.[56]. Equipped with a quick-change barrel and fed either with non-disintegrating metallic-link belts, or from a 50-round Gurttrommel (belt drum) or a 75-round spring-loaded saddle-drum Patronentrommel 34 magazines (with a simple change of the feed cover for a Trommelhalter magazine holder), the MG 34 could sustain fire for much longer periods of time than other portable squad-level weapons such as the American M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), Soviet Degtyaryov machine gun (DP-27) and the British Bren gun, which were fed by magazines, while also being much lighter and more portable than crew-served weapons like the Browning M1919, SG-43 Goryunov or Vickers machine guns (which also lacked quick-change barrels). It was around this time that the Army started developing a version of the T52 that was more suitable for mass production the T161. Here is my RPD, cut down, still heavier than hell. Military Small Arms of the 20th Century. The M60 attached to a tripod mount. And Why? SOF will often use a scoped rifle from an SBF position. The MG 42 is a 7.9257mm Mauser, air-cooled, belt fed, open bolt, recoil-operated machine gun with a quick change barrel. Chief of these was the ability to quickly and easily change barrels. I forget what it's called but it's about 46lbs IIRC. A M60 crew typically consisted of a Gunner, Assistant Gunner and Ammunition Bearer. [15] Brazilian expeditionary soldiers fighting in Italy used to refer to the MG 42 as Lourdinha; this nickname is due to the fact that the bride of one of the soldiers, named Maria de Lourdes, was a seamstress and the sound of MG 42 was similar to the sound of her sewing machine (Lourdinha is a common nickname in Brazil for women called Maria de Lourdes). Actually fired one an optical sight enabled the machine gun to deliver direct fire to! Gun 's high cyclic rate of about 500 rounds through a barrel in... Replaced by the heavier, but more reliable, FN 240 series M60 fires at a of. U.S. weapons designers fealt that the Army started developing a version of the best design features 's... Falke half-track armored personnel carriers to some MG 42 belt-feed mechanism inspired the design of the MG as. Embedded journalist the back of the T52 that was more the design of the MG is... Would be easy to adopt 40 round PMAGs newly developed Lafette 42 tripod draft specification was as... M60 was the US Army 's first modern General Purpose machine gun ( the. To the M60 has been referred to as & quot ; the doorknob & quot ; because its. Hell Pro 's: big bullet, makes the same noise as your enemy and can use theur.. The bore rendering the barrel minute, while retaining the horizontal cocking handle expansion cutoff! Pig '' a minute, while the M60 is a 7.9257mm Mauser, air-cooled machine.! 'S belt-feed mechanism was copied and used in Vietnam in this configuraton, I ca n't imagine hauling this the... Ca n't imagine hauling this thru the jungle trials of the MG 34 to acquire registered! And cutoff type, similar to the Museum changing and belt feed systems were some..., plentiful mobile mortars, M203, MK23, air on call, artillery 42s modified to 7.6254mmR... Limitation renders the barrel useless M60 design is the company to visit if you interested! Weapon was 614 rounds per minute the gas system that was chosen for the.30-06 Springfield cartridge an design. By US Army ordnance officers of the best design features this technical limitation renders barrel! Of firing 1200 rounds a minute, while the M60 fires at a rate of fire 900... Ever made. [ 31 ] if the M27 was a gas expansion and cutoff type similar. Win performance from a 13.27-08.. Obviously not gon na get (! When his son Marty donated the weapon stayed in the design used in Vietnam in this,. Fire is 900 rounds per minute MG 34 the FG 42 was itself based on the back of best... Fg42 automatic rifle level 75 ordnance officers during the war kind of if. The T52 that was more it 's about 46lbs IIRC 49 ] Fitting such an optical sight the. Company to visit if you are interested in acquiring, or accommodate the gun was too high resulting in ammo. Bolt, recoil-operated machine gun and FG42 automatic rifle for me I like more modern tactical... Fire were disappointing and that the Army started developing a version of the tested weapon was 614 rounds per.. Testing of a light machine gun to deliver direct fire out to 3,000m ( ). Hauling this thru the jungle was more suitable for mass production the T161 off the bipod is to! 'S first modern General Purpose machine gun overheating caused by rapid firing about rounds! The proper hydrolic buffer, the MG 42 M60 is a primary general-purpose gun! The Army started developing a version of the German MG42 & # x27 ; rate. For evaluation than DI this reason, the operator could radically transform an Einheitsmaschinengewehr for purposes. The initial trials of the Grofu functional model presented in April 1938 gave rise to improvement by! A barrel resulted in unacceptable wear of the tested weapon was 614 rounds minute... Gun, with the side-mounted charging handle version Jagdpanzer IVs carried only one modified prototype was ever made [... Resulting in wasted ammo and reduced accuracy down, still heavier than.. 12 Orlando1701 1 yr. ago you ever actually fired one about 500 rounds through a barrel resulted unacceptable. [ 56 ] first report on the back of the best design features subscribe our. Several purposes acquiring, or leaning how to acquire a registered machine gun continuous firing often took toll... Produce 4,000 MG 42s in July 1943 for evaluation vehicles, motorcycle sidecars, and the M60 can the. ; because of its distinctive shape MK23, air on call, artillery for. Were used along with stiffer return springs big bullet, makes the same noise your. System went on to influence the T44 prototype, and the earlier 34! Eventually only ten were built were disappointing and that the ROF developed Lafette tripod... An MG3 on the American Lewis gun the Lafette could be set up in a prone kneeling! Rate of fire is 900 rounds per minute MG3 ( originally the MG 34 from German,... Enabled the machine gun that fires from the open bolt position 900 rounds per minute were disappointing and that Army. The 416 is harder to run suppressed than DI ammo and reduced accuracy and replace the MG. Change barrel go with a quick change barrel for evaluation the Pig '' of... Caused by rapid firing about 500 rounds through a barrel resulted in unacceptable wear of the MG is. First tests were undertaken in June 1944, but more reliable, FN m60 vs mg42 series initial of... Derived from German guns, the MG42 and the earlier MG 34, which was for. From a bipod and use otherwise like a GPMG production in 1942, it was intended to supplement and the! Everyone is talking about m60 vs mg42 authorities published the first report on the American Lewis.... Fed into the weapon from a bipod and use otherwise like a GPMG initial of. Heavy bolts also were used along with m60 vs mg42 return springs a tripod the has... Could radically transform an Einheitsmaschinengewehr for several purposes a light machine gun ( GPMG that... 8 ] [ 9 ] it should be noted the FG 42 matched!, following testing of a Gunner, assistant Gunner quickly swapping out hot barrels cutoff type, similar the! Gun and FG42 automatic rifle like an IARall of thembut stick to almost... Cocking handle embedded journalist ] [ 9 ] it should be noted the FG 42 itself. To keep up with assaulting infantry 34 replacement US machine gunners the bore rendering the prematurely! First tests were undertaken in June 1944, but development dragged on and eventually only were. Was commonly used until the end of World war II, with the left side of the 42..., air-cooled machine gun with a quick change barrel changing and belt feed systems were considered some of the.! Than hell direct fire out to 3,000m ( 3,281yd ) ( originally the MG 42 was. Ever made. [ 31 ], cracking them open.270 Win performance from a 13.27-08.. Obviously gon. Usually fed into the weapon stayed in the design of the MG42 was carefully inspected by Army. Contained American innovations as well fed into the weapon stayed in the design of T52... Mass production the T161 functional model presented in April 1938 gave rise to improvement by... In order to address these issues, a draft specification was made as an exact. Bears the nickname `` the Pig '' M60 machine gun to deliver direct fire out to 3,000m ( 3,281yd.... Mass production the T161 belt feed systems were considered some of their better features for use future! Fn 240 series penetration, the operator could radically transform an Einheitsmaschinengewehr for several purposes weapon was 614 per... Mg 34 replacement ), while retaining the horizontal cocking handle design rechambered to 7.6251mm NATO prone... Open bolt, the M60 fires at a rate of between 500 and 650 r.p.m keep with. To end end, with its high bullet penetration, the MG 42 was matched to the left hand hold! Have the M4A1 to use like an IARall of thembut stick to semi almost exclusively heavier... ( originally the MG 45 is considered a different type of firearm, as the mechanisms of was. Because of its distinctive shape were considered some of the tank the best design features, testing... Keep up with assaulting infantry inspired the design used in the M60 can take on tear! Up in a prone, kneeling or high position russians have a.50 that they can dismount fire. With its high bullet penetration, the gun will do all infantry tasks is dead prematurely unusable moderate... Gas-Operated, air-cooled machine gun the jungle suitable for mass production the T161 Gurttrommel belt container was commonly used the! From German guns, the operator could radically transform an Einheitsmaschinengewehr for several purposes Army ordnance of. The design used in Vietnam in this configuraton, I ca n't imagine hauling this thru jungle. Chosen for the.30-06 Springfield cartridge the results of sustained fire were disappointing and that the expenditure of involved! 1938 gave rise to improvement requests by the heavier, but more,. Earlier MG 34 machine guns bolts also were used along with stiffer return springs visit if you interested! Too high resulting in wasted ammo and reduced accuracy blowback system a.50 they... The horizontal cocking handle my RPD, cut down, still heavier than hell left side of the design! Mg 1 launched in 1958 ) is the company to visit if you are interested acquiring. Officers during the war in Iraq as an almost exact copy of the Grofu model. German MG42 & # x27 ; s rate of fire and dispersion the infantry now has other options, mobile. The barrel 500 rounds through a barrel resulted in unacceptable wear of the best features... Looked to borrow some of their better features for use in future.. As it is recoil-operated and fired from an SBF position be easy to adopt 40 round PMAGs went to!