MG34 vs. MG42

Attribute	MG34	MG42
Manufacturer	Mauser Werke	Mauser Werke, Grossfuss AG
Weight	12.1 kg (26.7 lb)	11.6 kg (25.6 lb)
Length	1219 mm (48 in)	1220 mm (48 in)
Rate of Fire	800-900 rounds/min	1200 rounds/min
Caliber	7.92×57mm Mauser	7.92×57mm Mauser
Effective Range	800 m (875 yd)	2000 m (2187 yd)

Introduction

The MG34 and MG42 are two iconic German machine guns that were widely used during World War II. Both weapons were known for their reliability, firepower, and effectiveness on the battlefield. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the MG34 and MG42 to see how they stack up against each other.

Design and Development

The MG34 was developed in the early 1930s and was the first general-purpose machine gun to be adopted by the German military. It was designed to be a versatile weapon that could be used in a variety of roles, including infantry support, anti-aircraft, and vehicle-mounted applications. The MG34 featured a quick-change barrel and a rate of fire of around 800 rounds per minute.

The MG42, on the other hand, was developed as a replacement for the MG34 and entered service in 1942. It was designed to be cheaper and faster to produce than its predecessor, with a rate of fire of up to 1,200 rounds per minute. The MG42 also featured a more simplified design, with fewer parts and a higher level of reliability.

Rate of Fire

One of the key differences between the MG34 and MG42 is their rate of fire. The MG34 had a rate of fire of around 800 rounds per minute, which was considered to be quite high for the time. This allowed the weapon to lay down a significant amount of firepower on the battlefield, making it a formidable weapon in the hands of a skilled operator.

The MG42, on the other hand, had a rate of fire of up to 1,200 rounds per minute, making it one of the fastest-firing machine guns of World War II. This high rate of fire gave the MG42 a distinct advantage in terms of suppressive fire and made it a feared weapon among Allied troops.

Weight and Portability

Another important factor to consider when comparing the MG34 and MG42 is their weight and portability. The MG34 weighed around 26 pounds without its bipod, making it a relatively heavy weapon for infantry use. However, it was still considered to be a manageable weight for a well-trained soldier to carry into battle.

The MG42, on the other hand, was lighter than the MG34, weighing in at around 25 pounds without its bipod. This made it slightly more portable than its predecessor and easier for soldiers to carry over long distances. The lighter weight of the MG42 also made it easier to maneuver in tight spaces and in urban combat environments.

Barrel Change and Cooling

Both the MG34 and MG42 featured a quick-change barrel system, allowing operators to swap out hot barrels for cool ones in a matter of seconds. This was crucial for sustained fire and preventing overheating of the weapon during prolonged engagements. The MG34 had a slightly more complex barrel change system compared to the MG42, but both weapons were known for their reliability in this regard.

In terms of cooling, the MG34 featured a perforated barrel jacket that allowed air to circulate around the barrel and dissipate heat. The MG42, on the other hand, had a simpler barrel design with fluted cooling fins that helped to dissipate heat more efficiently. This made the MG42 slightly more effective at preventing overheating during sustained fire.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the MG34 and MG42 were formidable machine guns that played a significant role in World War II. While the MG34 was the first of its kind and set the standard for general-purpose machine guns, the MG42 improved upon its design in several key areas. The MG42's higher rate of fire, lighter weight, and more efficient cooling system made it a preferred weapon among German troops on the battlefield. Ultimately, both weapons were highly effective in their own right and contributed to the German war effort during the war.