The MG 34 (shortened from German: Maschinengewehr 34, or "machine gun 34") is a German recoil-operated air-cooled general-purpose machine gun, first tested in 1929, introduced in 1934, and issued to units in 1936.

Both the MG-34 and MG-42 were known for their accuracy and range. The MG-34 had a maximum effective range of around 1,200 meters, while the MG-42 had a slightly shorter range of around 1,000 meters.

The MG 42 (shortened from German: Maschinengewehr 42, or "machine gun 42") is a German recoil-operated air-cooled general-purpose machine gun used extensively by the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS during the second half of World War II.

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.

Feb 2, 2023 · Designed and put into service in 1942, the MG 42 with its stamped metal parts was cheaper, easier to produce, more reliable, more user-friendly and arguably more lethal than the MG 34. 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.

Feb 6, 2025 · For American combat troops, the MG42 was a deadly problem, from their first encounters with the gun in Tunisia to the last day of the war in Europe. While its predecessor, the MG34, cycled fast at...

Lafette 34 sleighs converted to Lafette 34/42 can be recognized by the MG34 rear weapon mount with cuts, and the rear buffer mount for the MG34. The front weapon mount is a replica of the original MG42 mount, and has replaced the MG34 weapon mount.

Aug 24, 2021 · The MG34 and MG42 were not only fearsome weapons but the first general-purpose machine guns (GPMG). To this day, most of the modern world has embraced the GPMG in some form or another.

Jul 1, 2020 · Learn everything a collector should know about the MG 42 and the MG 34. Find out what differentiates the two, and why the German MG’s were superior to the Allied forces machine guns throughout WWII.

Jan 20, 2005 · The main difference between the MG 34 and MG 42 is reliability in combat action. The MG 34 was a precision manufactured weapon and quite unreliable in muddy, dusty, cold and humid conditions. In comparison the MG42 was mainly manufactured with stamped metal parts and had higher tolerances.