Hitler's Zipper: The MG-42 Universal Machine Gun

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 23 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ •

  • @Kim-the-Dane-1952
    @Kim-the-Dane-1952 4 роки тому +4908

    When I was drafted in to the Danish army in the early 70'ies I became a machine gunner and this is the gun we used. You could reliably hit larger targets at 600M but it was a good idea to strap an old tin can just outside the feed port to smooth out the belt feed to prevent hang ups. It was a bit tricky to shoot if you were not lying down but they did teach us to use it in a walking stance for close combat. You had to grip the forward legs with your left hand and jam the butt very tight in towards your body. If you did not hold it tight enough the recoil would not reload the gun and it would stop. It came standard with two barrels, a cooling tray and an asbestos glove to change them with. They got real hot in a hurry. Pretty sure I could still field strip and assemble this one blindfolded. A bonus was that the cooling ports on the left side of the barrel shroud worked great as a beer bottle opener. Take the bottle in your left hand and stick the cap in while you flick the pistol grip with your right hand and Viola!... Yes that was in the days before screw top beer bottles :-)

    • @thebaumfaeller1477
      @thebaumfaeller1477 4 роки тому +143

      You have screw top beer bottles in dennmark?

    • @Kim-the-Dane-1952
      @Kim-the-Dane-1952 4 роки тому +365

      @@thebaumfaeller1477 Nah but I now live in Canada and it comes with weenie US beer

    • @yoshisaurusrex3767
      @yoshisaurusrex3767 4 роки тому +180

      Screw top beer bottles? What kind of atrocity is this? Usually you have to taste beer to judge it, but if it comes in a bottle like this, you immediatly know it will be pisswater :D

    • @asweknowit123
      @asweknowit123 4 роки тому +53

      @@yoshisaurusrex3767 Actually, I've seen local breweries here in Quebec use screw tops while still having a good product. I can't imagine it'd last very long that way though.

    • @Kim-the-Dane-1952
      @Kim-the-Dane-1952 4 роки тому +28

      @@asweknowit123 Though a champagne cork rather than screw top Unibroue's Maudite gets my vote

  • @SimonChristensen
    @SimonChristensen 3 роки тому +3783

    It was also adopted and modified by the Galactic Empire 😎

    • @saberdogface
      @saberdogface 3 роки тому +280

      And the Colonial Marines...

    • @SigurdGR
      @SigurdGR 3 роки тому +259

      And the Brotherhood of Steel

    • @garyg2318
      @garyg2318 3 роки тому +150

      Hahaha, and the Stormtroopers still couldn't hit anything, LOL!

    • @robertjanko6709
      @robertjanko6709 3 роки тому +102

      and, with little modifications, was brought to the german army as MG 3. The MG42 was also named "Hitlers Säge" = Hitlers Saw. Greetings from germany

    • @sorrenblitz805
      @sorrenblitz805 3 роки тому +56

      Well the Galactic Empire is a sci fi analogue of the Nazi SS. Stormtrooper itself is an obvious reference. That's why all the blasters in star wars are different WW2 guns mocked up to sort of look like laser guns.

  • @kamboora
    @kamboora 3 роки тому +110

    as an engineer I appreciate the time, the efforts, and the ideas of German weapons arsenals and makers, stamped sheet metal was out of box solution as it's cheaper, yet that rollers pouncing idea to load the bullet firing between bolt and muzzle not to weak receiver structure was really brilliant... thank you Ian, appreciate that you explain professionally the whole mechanical thing

  • @icefly20
    @icefly20 4 роки тому +3465

    "Would cause the gun to basically explode... Not a particularly huge issue."
    Total war is a hell of a drug.

  • @DavidLippmann
    @DavidLippmann 4 роки тому +1075

    As a former german soldier (KFOR) the MG3 / MG42 is a pleasure to shoot, esp. from lafette/carriage. The MG42 was constructed by a german engineer (who would later be a college prof. for agriculture) near my hometown in saxony.

    • @michaelbevan3285
      @michaelbevan3285 4 роки тому +137

      the same man said later that he considered it an industrial problem, not a military one. He inspected industrial feed machines in factories to see how they processed multiple units per minute, such as cigarette machines and machines that made bolts.

    • @jesperohlrich7090
      @jesperohlrich7090 4 роки тому +76

      As a danish soldier, and former light machine gunner... I LOVED it! :) fantastic weapon :)

    • @hakimzah
      @hakimzah 4 роки тому +4

      @@michaelbevan3285 interesting story. Can you tell more details about it?

    • @michaelbevan3285
      @michaelbevan3285 4 роки тому +48

      @@hakimzah he considered the task of how the gun accepted cartridges from a belt,, took them from the belt and then fed, fired, ejected the empty cases and links and then recocked itself, as an industrial process rather than a gunnery process. He was burdened by traditional concepts of gun design.

    • @Sskysnake
      @Sskysnake 4 роки тому +12

      What is your perspective on the mg4 and mg5 machineguns? It would be interesting to have your opinion on the matter, since most of us have only seen them on shotshow

  • @Rmasters33
    @Rmasters33 3 роки тому +801

    In 4th or 5th grade a classmate, a girl, insisted her dad had machineguns in their garage. Nobody believed her and we let her know that. One day she took us home and produced an MG-42 and MP-40. We played soldier with them for a couple years.

    • @neyoid
      @neyoid 3 роки тому +85

      So her grandpa brought those home? That's cool as hell.

    • @beargillium2369
      @beargillium2369 3 роки тому +36

      @@neyoid that's a lot of assumption 😆

    • @SkunkApe407
      @SkunkApe407 3 роки тому +131

      @@beargillium2369 I mean, not really. After WW2 a lot of American GIs brought home German and Japanese weapons as trophies. My great-uncle Dean was a 155mm or Long Tom gunner in WW2, and he brought home a German army helmet and a STG-44. He took them off a German soldier that had died trying to assault his artillery position in late 1944.

    • @drunkswithguns4124
      @drunkswithguns4124 3 роки тому +29

      @@SkunkApe407 Thats assuming the people in the story are American lol

    • @SkunkApe407
      @SkunkApe407 3 роки тому +140

      @@drunkswithguns4124 the fact that OP said "4th or 5th grade" instead of "4th or 5th year" or "in primary school" is a pretty good indicator that they're American. The words and phrases a person uses can tell you a lot about someone.

  • @Junkman122
    @Junkman122 4 роки тому +927

    A little note for the reassembly:
    I used the MG-74 in austrian army, it’s literally the same as the MG-42. When you reassemble the gun, you can easily make a very fatal error. When you throw the bolt assembly into the receiver without installing the charging handle before, the bolt locks into the barrel and the supply officer (he is in charge of the arsenal) has the fun of his life to get the bolt out there.
    You get a sharp rebuke and can help the supply officer with every shit for the next 3 days.
    We were specially taught not to forget the charge handle during assembly.

    • @heinrichrahm1531
      @heinrichrahm1531 4 роки тому +36

      Wait but ours has a slow (600rpm iirc) rate of fire right. I'm not sure since I was trained on the Browning M2 during my mandatory service. Meanwhile the Germans have their MG-3 with 1200 rpm.

    • @Junkman122
      @Junkman122 4 роки тому +71

      @@heinrichrahm1531 yep, and other differences:
      -Reduced the rate of fire to 850 rounds / minute.
      -The firing frequency can be varied by changing the bolt assembly if necessary.
      -Plastic buttstock to save weight (MG 42: wooden buttstock).
      -Adjustment of the visor horizontally 35 °, vertically 15 °.
      -Winter trigger that enables single fires
      -Use of the standard NATO caliber
      copied and translated from german Wikipedia ( de.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG_74 )

    • @heinrichrahm1531
      @heinrichrahm1531 4 роки тому +15

      @Right Round I think you misunderstood me I meant to say that our modernized MG-42 is slower shooting than the original MG-42 and the German MG-3. I only added the M2 to my comment because I remember hearing something about the rate of fire during training but I wasn't sure since it was not the gun I was trained on. Hope that clears it up

    • @heinrichrahm1531
      @heinrichrahm1531 4 роки тому +1

      @@Junkman122 thanks for the quick answer

    • @reacher1077
      @reacher1077 4 роки тому +79

      @Junkman van Death I expierenced this problem first hand, too. But there is a very easy fix to this: You take the recoil amplifier (Rückstoßverstärker) off the gun, it just screws off easily. Now the end of the barrel (actually the Rohrführungshülse, but i dont know how to explain this properly) is sticking out a bit in front of the gun. Now you point the barrel upwards and slam your hand really hard on the barrel. This will cause the bolt assemply to unlock and it can be removed easily. What you are doing is essentially simulating the recoil of a shot being fired. A very senior member of my unit showed me this very neat trick!

  • @GunDrummer
    @GunDrummer 4 роки тому +3666

    It BLOWS MY MIND that those rollers can move fast enough with the barrel extension for that rate of fire and work properly.

    • @randylahey2242
      @randylahey2242 4 роки тому +139

      The firing pin holder shoves them out of the way(into their recess) as it is moving forward, its not like they are spring loaded

    • @Lonestar24
      @Lonestar24 4 роки тому +251

      If you think about it, the rollers are actually significantly less "material mass" that needs to move to lock the gun, than most other guns with an entire rotating bolt head have.

    • @server1ok
      @server1ok 4 роки тому +34

      16:10 Well. They didn't -_-

    • @twojstarypijany8153
      @twojstarypijany8153 4 роки тому +238

      Your mind propably wasn't the only one blown by this gun.

    • @chiphailstone589
      @chiphailstone589 4 роки тому +19

      Timing is everything :D

  • @ManuManu-zl9uo
    @ManuManu-zl9uo 2 роки тому +82

    I have served in spanish army from the late 80 till now. We had plenty of this wonderful machines, most of them still with the marks of wermacht or even SS. Most of them are still in service. I have tracked several of them till the very early production. Coming mostly from Spanish Blue Division. Chapter apart to mention…

    • @TheLesserWeevil
      @TheLesserWeevil Рік тому +1

      That's fascinating. Where are spare parts sourced from? Does Spain produce them themselves?

    • @GundamReviver
      @GundamReviver Рік тому +5

      @@TheLesserWeevil I'm guessing other guns gutted for spares, or otherwise gotten from Mg3's which I think are nearly fully comparable (just fire slightly slower)

  • @silver9809
    @silver9809 4 роки тому +4924

    Let's be honest
    No one forgot this weapon but it just had to make an appearance eventually

    • @Atomic1710
      @Atomic1710 4 роки тому +46

      Realshit

    • @honkhonkler7732
      @honkhonkler7732 4 роки тому +184

      When the same design is still in military use today with not much more than a re-chambering, it's definitely hard to call it forgotten.

    • @ogburnher
      @ogburnher 4 роки тому +61

      ​@@honkhonkler7732 i shot with this gun in my service time back in 2006 . The new version of this gun is called MG 3 btw. and its not shooting 24/sec anymore if i remember it corretly.

    • @BackwardzCap
      @BackwardzCap 3 роки тому +51

      @@ogburnher Yea the mg3 has a fire rate of about 800 rounds per minute to 1000 rounds per minute for better recoil control. While the mg42 had a fire rate of 1200 rounds per minute to 1500 rounds I like the mg42 more than the mg3 still because you gotta admire how fast the mg42 shoots.

    • @ronmatson5502
      @ronmatson5502 3 роки тому +36

      One of my favorite weapons of all time for the simple fact of it was like the first weapon to make America go oh shit,and it was JUST a machine gun,not a cannon,bomb,ect

  • @itsconnorstime
    @itsconnorstime 4 роки тому +748

    I got to put 40 rounds through one of these a few years back. Best two seconds of my life.

    • @IRMentat
      @IRMentat 4 роки тому +58

      I’m guessing 3/4 that time was spent squeezing the trigger :)

    • @iamcondescending
      @iamcondescending 4 роки тому +68

      It took you that long? Were you firing bursts?

    • @briancreegan827
      @briancreegan827 4 роки тому +3

      I.K.R !

    • @r.shanethompson7933
      @r.shanethompson7933 4 роки тому +41

      I got to run out an entire belt on one mounted in the Lafayette mount, week before Xmas 2002. We had a beat all to hell 1980's Buick down range a little under 100 yards.She absolutely cut that damn car into pieces in no time. It was epic, never fell harder&faster for a firearm! I've loved\lusted over the MG42 ever since!
      Also shot a full auto USAS-12 that day and it was a huge letdown, 400rpm 12 gauge ain't nothing after 1500 rpm of 8mm.

    • @GunsNGames1
      @GunsNGames1 4 роки тому +3

      @@r.shanethompson7933 holy shit what an experience! I wish I could shoot more than a bolt action while serving my time.

  • @AkosJaccik
    @AkosJaccik 3 роки тому +260

    In all fairnes, I probably wouldn't see much practical difference between 7, 15 or 24 rounds per second when those rounds are flying towards me. I'd be suppressed well enough with either.

    • @xs-1b415
      @xs-1b415 3 роки тому +43

      True, but you really start to lose efficiency when firing into large masses of Soviets...

    • @carmie8329
      @carmie8329 3 роки тому +6

      @@xs-1b415 all about that efficiency with german guns, hm?

    • @weirdsciencethe2nd205
      @weirdsciencethe2nd205 3 роки тому

      There big full power rifle rounds the Germans still use em just chambered in 7.62 nato instead of the bad boy 7.92 mauser that sucker holds 1000ftlb at 600m so basically the same energy as a .44 magnum poin blank or an m4 at 50 yards lol and as the rate of rounds it puts down the recoil pattern makes it work like a shotgun like u spray a bunch of folks ur hiting various places un like say the bar or especially the bren the bren will put all the mag into a 4inch hole no pattern so if u spray in ambush u may hit 2 or 3 the 43 will hit the lot of em

    • @aleph1057
      @aleph1057 3 роки тому +10

      Perhaps it may have to do with accuracy. If you shoot more rounds down range in the general direction of a target, you'll be more likely to hit them with 24 rounds per second than 7.

    • @45auto82
      @45auto82 3 роки тому +5

      I’ve heard the MG-42 called “Hitler’s Zipper”, presumably because it would open a persons body like a zipper, or it sounded like one…not completely sure. Either way, I do know from old Wartime documentaries it scared the poop out of our troops because whenever they heard it fire, they immediately went to ground and took cover then called up a tank or air support. The Nazis were infamous tho for placing these guns at very good vantage points that made them hard to get to without a tank or plane. Would NOT have wanted to face one in combat.

  • @floydian218
    @floydian218 4 роки тому +1608

    When I was in Afghanistan we had to call on the Italian EOD to check out an IED once. It blew my mind when they showed up with a bunch of MG42s mounted on top of their trucks.

    • @hawkmoon3312
      @hawkmoon3312 4 роки тому +546

      Those were more probably MG3´s, the successor to the 42. Used by a lot of different european and eastern NATO allies. But I guess they are basically the same gun, with some iterations inbetween, in Nato 7.62 mm and a reduced rate of fire of about 1200 rpm. It was developed from a reverse-engineered MG42, since the original blueprints were lost. It was introduced in 1966 as far as i can pull from wiki. :D But since they look more or less the same, I can understand the mistaken identity.

    • @TheCaptainSplatter
      @TheCaptainSplatter 4 роки тому +31

      @@hawkmoon3312 the next generation looks completely different however.

    • @hawkmoon3312
      @hawkmoon3312 4 роки тому +78

      @@TheCaptainSplatter That´s true. But if those were some older italian Vehicles, I guess they might still carry the old guns.

    • @Atombender
      @Atombender 4 роки тому +150

      @@hawkmoon3312 The MG42 and the MG3 are basically the same gun; Only the latter one is chambered in 7.62 NATO.

    • @StUffzSpezPi
      @StUffzSpezPi 4 роки тому +32

      @@Atombender Nope. They might look quite the same. But every part has been changed. You wouldn't be able to switch parts between those two machine guns.

  • @zendell37
    @zendell37 4 роки тому +610

    Not only could it provide suppressing fire, it provided oppressing fire. The sound alone was enough to wear away at morale.

    • @chrisjones6002
      @chrisjones6002 4 роки тому +95

      Absolutely, I remember seeing a US training film that was basically dedicated to the noise of a MG42 firing and it claimed "it's bark is worse than it's bite" or something along that line.

    • @leemichael2154
      @leemichael2154 4 роки тому +25

      Could be extremely wasteful of ammunition if carelessly used ? Those supply chaps had arms like gorillas!

    • @tomicbranislav3
      @tomicbranislav3 4 роки тому +57

      @@chrisjones6002 Yep that was the quote.... And it was just the opposite of that.... the US soldiers did not call it Hitlers Buzzsaw for no reason

    • @chrisjones6002
      @chrisjones6002 4 роки тому +25

      @@tomicbranislav3 yah but they wanted to give the troops confidence to attack them still.

    • @tomicbranislav3
      @tomicbranislav3 4 роки тому +30

      @Robertino Tanos Just saying mate.... you needed to have balls to try taking out a position that is defended by one of these.... We still have them in Reserve Inventory in case of war, Designation M53 LMG

  • @RamblinRick_
    @RamblinRick_ Рік тому +12

    The key innovation about changing the barrel is that the assistant gunner could remove and replace the barrel while lying flat on the ground, thus limiting exposure to enemy fire. The American machine gunners had to exchange the barrel while kneeling.

  • @Canilash
    @Canilash 4 роки тому +402

    So, the feed system used in the MG42 and now many other machine guns was designed by a newcomer to gun design. Neat.

    • @azmanabdula
      @azmanabdula 4 роки тому +30

      Like the AK
      Made by a tank designer

    • @altergreenhorn
      @altergreenhorn 4 роки тому +27

      Like a Glock although Glock guy had a few smart ones from the Styer.

    • @huntermurphy2148
      @huntermurphy2148 4 роки тому +42

      @@azmanabdula Tank *crewman Kalashnikov did not design tanks

    • @TheBigOne0305
      @TheBigOne0305 4 роки тому +35

      Yes, but an established industrial engineer. He just looked at it as a mechanical problem, using his manufacturing process engineering experience as a basis. I think Ian's comparison to Gaston Glock is quite apt. Both came into the gun design game without any formal training in weapons design, but with a very good understanding of mechanical engineering and material science (polymers in the case of Glock, steel stamping in the case of Gruner). That allowed them to approach issues without a preconceived notion of how they should be done in a gun and come up with unconventional, but very effective, solutions.

    • @harrisonbergeron9746
      @harrisonbergeron9746 4 роки тому +6

      yeah! just like the L85... er...

  • @Chyrosran22
    @Chyrosran22 4 роки тому +2262

    Hah! I was wondering when you were going to do a dedicated MG42 video like this!

    • @Chyrosran22
      @Chyrosran22 4 роки тому +52

      @@A_Nice_Guy. Fully automatic, and so clicky it's deafening!

    • @hugopepe1722
      @hugopepe1722 4 роки тому +11

      yea his Mg34 and MG42 video was almost his most watched video. This probably is the most anticipated FW video.

    • @Chyrosran22
      @Chyrosran22 4 роки тому +19

      @@A_Nice_Guy. Beamsprings, tall order. Those are the tits. MX blue, probably :p .
      Man I'd like to fire an MG42 someday xD .

    • @GenophefeElisabeth
      @GenophefeElisabeth 4 роки тому +6

      Welp, I did definitely not expect to meet you here •_•

    • @rigbymauser
      @rigbymauser 4 роки тому

      Best machinegun ever.

  • @TomFynn
    @TomFynn Рік тому +39

    If the enemy creates training films in order to make its solders less afraid of one of your weapons, you know you're on to a winner.

  • @ComradeBenedict
    @ComradeBenedict 4 роки тому +157

    I looked up Gaston Glock after you mentioned him not having previous firearms experience, very neat story. Especially the bit about him clobbering his would-be assassin.

    • @GunsNGames1
      @GunsNGames1 4 роки тому +5

      @EnricoAwsome I been into cars after being into guns xD I was a noob could only tell the models, engine types and that's it, now I understand further mechanics on various automobiles.

    • @borisdorofeev5602
      @borisdorofeev5602 4 роки тому +7

      @@GunsNGames1Over the years I've noticed a certain type of people frequent channels like this. Whether it be cars, electronics, firearms, and on a more fundamental level physics; we crave learning how things work and the history behind it. Engineers at heart.
      I've noticed that one hobby or interest usually spawns a following similar fascination. I gain happiness by simply learning how something operates, and I'm sure there are many others like me that watch this channel. There's nothing like a great example of engineering to occupy ones mind. I remember binge watching How it's Made as a kid. I was no older than 10 and already fascinated by humans capacity for creativity and ingenuity.
      I imagine that the people in this comment section and I would have many more shared interests than just firearms and vehicles.

    • @kohinarec6580
      @kohinarec6580 4 роки тому +5

      My brother has worked with cars and boats, wood, metal and guns.
      My granddad was a ship mechanic and auto body repair specialist.
      My mom taught wood and metal work.
      I am a clumsy oaf, but I am interested in how things work.
      I also like building Lego.
      I'm 32.

  • @DjDolHaus86
    @DjDolHaus86 4 роки тому +3066

    The Russians are red
    My fingers are blue
    We're all stuck in Stalingrad
    Hans, get the MG42

  • @Hans-1917
    @Hans-1917 3 роки тому +9

    At the beginning of this year I got to take a look at one of these earlier Mg42s, got taught how to do the combat engagement drill (readying the gun for firing), was really cool to learn about

  • @DavidSmith-rc7hs
    @DavidSmith-rc7hs 4 роки тому +1315

    I love this vid, no bullshit. No silly musick no silly people, just clean and just the facts. Simply superb.

    • @whyjnot420
      @whyjnot420 4 роки тому +53

      Welcome to Forgotten Weapons. Enjoy your stay. :D

    • @Canukles
      @Canukles 4 роки тому +38

      But where's our flashy intro and tacticool montage set to royalty free 'rock' music?

    • @davecrupel2817
      @davecrupel2817 4 роки тому +1

      Silly people hier! 🤡👻💩👽🕳️😂

    • @Hymer300
      @Hymer300 3 роки тому +8

      No long begging for thumbs up and subscribe

    • @browncoat697
      @browncoat697 3 роки тому +23

      @@Canukles Don't forget the weird, vaguely far right political asides. Something I appreciate about Ian is that he's focused strictly on the history and mechanisms, not on bitching about gun rights or how ultracool the Nazis and their flashy uniforms were as many, many gun nuts are wont to do.

  • @foxtrotdelta225
    @foxtrotdelta225 4 роки тому +497

    Ian: “of only around 1000 rpm”
    Everyone: ONLY
    WHAT?!

    • @pogfish4701
      @pogfish4701 4 роки тому +22

      *EET EES WUD EET EES*

    • @mert8395
      @mert8395 3 роки тому +2

      was looking for this comment thanks

    • @LordCybot
      @LordCybot 3 роки тому +19

      There are varints of the MG42 that are around 1400-1600 rpm

    • @pogfish4701
      @pogfish4701 3 роки тому +6

      @@LordCybot seems german

    • @StarRider253
      @StarRider253 3 роки тому

      @Modern Zombie It's high for the 1930s

  • @dancingtree7199
    @dancingtree7199 3 роки тому +14

    The MG-42 is and has been my absolute favorite gun ever since i was a kid. Its fast fire rate, stamp steel, huge intimidating frame, fast barrel exchange system, whats not to love about the gun?

  • @jordancave6987
    @jordancave6987 4 роки тому +597

    Unbelievable to think this is still effectively in service as the MG3 in 2020

    • @calvingreene90
      @calvingreene90 4 роки тому +99

      Consider the Ma Deuce.

    • @calvingreene90
      @calvingreene90 4 роки тому +126

      @@ADUSN
      The MG3 is the MG42 renamed to avoid political embarrassment. Early MG3s were in 8x57mm.

    • @ryder1046
      @ryder1046 4 роки тому +14

      Can't take out a good design lol

    • @calvingreene90
      @calvingreene90 4 роки тому +23

      @@zoiders
      The first batch of MG3s built for the Bundeswehr were in 8mm also known as 8x57mm. Possibly it was to hide the WWII built guns they used.

    • @DrKlausTrophobie
      @DrKlausTrophobie 4 роки тому +6

      But last produced in 1977. The gun has to be replaced because there are no parts for replacement left.
      And the MG3 doesn't really fit as a squad automatic weapon, the idea of universal machine gun became obsolete. Different caliber then G36 and 2 man crew is mandatory. With MG4 in german service the squad got two machine guns instead of one.

  • @haviiithelegogunner907
    @haviiithelegogunner907 4 роки тому +200

    Fireing 200 round belts as a part of a „Sturmabwehrschiessen“ in Putlos with a MG3 as a German Panzergrenadier in the year 2001 was one of the gun highlights of my life. Perfect universal machine gun.

    • @michaelkroger899
      @michaelkroger899 4 роки тому +16

      putlos in winter86..firing from the hip-one hand straightdown for absorbing recoil..under gasmask..whole group attacking...earth-defender of the luftwaffe

    • @zachpalmero1356
      @zachpalmero1356 4 роки тому +4

      I hear ya, I hear ya... But perfect? Or even best? I don't know man.

    • @mananaVesta
      @mananaVesta 4 роки тому +6

      @OS Arktis The role of the MG42 in WWII was to do all the work. Everybody else was just carrying ammo for it - until the arrival of the Stgw44.

    • @riesenfliegefly7139
      @riesenfliegefly7139 4 роки тому +4

      "Sturmabwehrschießen" ... Gefällt mir :D

    • @mananaVesta
      @mananaVesta 4 роки тому +1

      @@derekakaderek Why would you miss with it? It's as accurate as any MG

  • @chuckcochran8599
    @chuckcochran8599 2 роки тому +6

    Great Vid Ian. As an amateur firearm historian (no where near as well studied as you are), I appreciate all of your videos, even those of modern era firearms. I find the period from around 1840 to the early 1920s, a fascinating one to study. The amount of firearm innovations and the transition to nitrocellulose based powders and cartridges,, is flat out exciting to study all the changes in a relatively short period of 80 odd years.
    Keep up the great work Sir.

  • @DiggingForFacts
    @DiggingForFacts 4 роки тому +888

    German high command: "We want you to design a gun with these exact features and systems"
    German engineers: *design weapons that make seemingly incompatible tech work but are fragile as a result*
    German high command: "Eh we only wanna see if we can make a stamped gun"
    German engineers: *design weapon of legendary reputation whose direct descendant is still in service 80 years later*

    • @sawyerawr5783
      @sawyerawr5783 4 роки тому +97

      I've heard people talk about MG3s coming in with parts that have WWII Markings on them. shows something of the reliability and the longevity.

    • @UnDeaDCyBorg
      @UnDeaDCyBorg 4 роки тому +87

      @@sawyerawr5783 Like scratched out swastikas? Yes, those did exist. 😀

    • @janquantrill9585
      @janquantrill9585 4 роки тому +17

      Over engineered and fragile. Bmw Merc audi

    • @alanwatts8239
      @alanwatts8239 4 роки тому +44

      @@janquantrill9585 Ford, dodge...

    • @edwardgiovannelli5191
      @edwardgiovannelli5191 4 роки тому +22

      @@alanwatts8239 LOL, ever own / work on a Porsche? I'll take a Ford any day. everything about Porsches is over-engineered and pitifully frail... and expensive... as in $400 fuel pump heating up and melting a $300 cheap plastic housing.

  • @triggerfingerstudios
    @triggerfingerstudios 4 роки тому +322

    A friend of mine served in the Bundeswehr and when they trained on the newer version of the MG42, the MG3, they were required to get 3 bursts of fire out of a belt of ammo with only 15 rounds on it, in an attempt to learn how not to eat up all their ammo immediately.

    • @sawyere2496
      @sawyere2496 4 роки тому +38

      That sounds very difficult to do

    • @VeraTR909
      @VeraTR909 4 роки тому +29

      Who can resist the brrrrt

    • @AshleyPomeroy
      @AshleyPomeroy 4 роки тому +2

      For some reason I had a vision of the CZ-61 holster from a while back, with the 10-round magazine - but on a much larger scale.

    • @sawyere2496
      @sawyere2496 4 роки тому +8

      @@AshleyPomeroy finally a suitable ccw

    • @ScottKenny1978
      @ScottKenny1978 4 роки тому +14

      @@sawyere2496 but very important to do, because it eats a lot of ammo if you don't. And there's nothing worse than having enemies left at the end of the ammo!

  • @sergius4615
    @sergius4615 3 роки тому +20

    The Russian WW2 infantry veterans called MG-42 a "Hitler's bonesaw" due to incredible fire rate. I have tried two of them in the shooting range - most handy gun with pretty light recoil. Thanks for rewiew!

    • @sashabaha9485
      @sashabaha9485 Рік тому

      Я имею в наличии мг34. Да и я русский

    • @45hand
      @45hand 7 місяців тому

      @@sashabaha9485vodka bear 🐻 🇷🇺 how are y’all likeing our tank

  • @gonnegottkehaskamp1667
    @gonnegottkehaskamp1667 4 роки тому +512

    Probably the least forgotten weapon ever produced.

    • @traffic9518
      @traffic9518 4 роки тому +25

      It is definitely Iconic but not even close to the most well known gun

    • @fritzkuhne2055
      @fritzkuhne2055 4 роки тому +16

      you should tell that lindy beige

    • @FALguy-rl3yn
      @FALguy-rl3yn 4 роки тому +21

      TrAffic probably the ar-15 or the ak 47

    • @tisFrancesfault
      @tisFrancesfault 4 роки тому +3

      @@fritzkuhne2055 He knows they exist... and as a point British troops did call them Spandau's (as was the MG36 as well as 08s), as can be read in personal diaries and memoirs.

    • @noremorsewoodworking2258
      @noremorsewoodworking2258 4 роки тому +9

      This particular video should be on "Unforgettable Weapons"

  • @niklas2021able
    @niklas2021able 4 роки тому +312

    Due to the fact that your channel exists since 9 years and you never covered this “weapon” it can truly be called a “forgotten weapon” as well!

    • @niklas2021able
      @niklas2021able 4 роки тому +5

      @@garymitchell5899 He never made a dedicated mg42 vid.

    • @niklas2021able
      @niklas2021able 4 роки тому +1

      @@garymitchell5899 can u give me a link? Because he said in his vid. that he hasn´t done one and i never saw one. I dont count the vid. about the american conversion. Because he is talking about a diferent gun and he´s not showing the gun.

    • @Fire_truck_man
      @Fire_truck_man 4 роки тому +2

      @@niklas2021able I know he did a vid on the 30-06 MG42s but I don’t think he ever did one on the regular 8mm Mauser one.

    • @niklas2021able
      @niklas2021able 4 роки тому +2

      @@Fire_truck_man Yeah as i said i dont count the american conversion cause its verry different and he does not show the weapon.

    • @Fire_truck_man
      @Fire_truck_man 4 роки тому

      @@niklas2021able true

  • @Miratesus
    @Miratesus 2 роки тому +18

    Having fired the MG42 at a few opportunities and its modern MG3 variant I feel that the high rate of fire also makes you through sheer amount of bullets per burst to hit difficult targets at range.

  • @petermuller9940
    @petermuller9940 4 роки тому +308

    I loved to shoot the MG3 in my time at the German army in 1992 .... especially, I didn’t have to pay the ammo 😎

    • @nikolasgalocego8826
      @nikolasgalocego8826 4 роки тому +1

      Nice! Did you been part of the german army?

    • @Taistelukalkkuna
      @Taistelukalkkuna 4 роки тому +3

      Didn´t the MG3 have bit slower rof?

    • @Hanz_Goober
      @Hanz_Goober 4 роки тому +3

      Sure you didnt drive a Tiger 1 in Cologne?

    • @rain_f
      @rain_f 4 роки тому +8

      @@Taistelukalkkuna MG3 have reduced rate of fire of 900 rpm, but it's still very fast compared to other machine gun of that caliber

    • @nikkorap
      @nikkorap 4 роки тому +13

      @@rain_f rate of fire is actually around 1200

  • @thomas_fb
    @thomas_fb 3 роки тому +84

    In my service at the "Bundeswehr" in 2008 the MG3 was still the standard infantry LMG. It was a really awesome gun to shoot ^^

    • @avmkaya
      @avmkaya 2 роки тому +1

      same in Turkish Armed Forces. i made my military service in 2008 and used mg3 too😁

    • @angrytigermpc
      @angrytigermpc 2 роки тому

      I mean, same as with the M2 in the US - if the design is solid, and it does everything you need it to, there's nothing wrong with keeping what works around for a century.

  • @SliceofLife7777
    @SliceofLife7777 2 роки тому +16

    I read somewhere, that this excellent light machine gun could be configured into a heavy machine gun. Part of that reconfiguration was to rig the weapon for a higher rate of fire.
    I believe it was the best mass production light machine gun produced in WW2. Thanks Ian, for this video.

    • @kingsford6540
      @kingsford6540 Рік тому +3

      Even without rpm changes, the effective role of the MG changes depending on mount. On a fully anchored tripod with tons of extra ammo and barrels? Heavy machinery gun. On a bipod being manned by two people? Light machine gun

  • @Internetspaceships
    @Internetspaceships 4 роки тому +456

    Using the MG42 cyclic rate this video is 34,800 rounds long.

    • @tidypog3272
      @tidypog3272 4 роки тому +24

      How many barrels

    • @thedrain9328
      @thedrain9328 3 роки тому +43

      @@tidypog3272 Well when you are taking barrel changes into account the round count will be much lower as well. Wikipedia lists the effective fire rate as 154rpm when taking into account barrel changes. So if this video is considered 34,800 rounds long, then the corresponding barrel count would be 1 melted barrel.

    • @jackbolton5579
      @jackbolton5579 3 роки тому +1

      nice

    • @superchickenlips1
      @superchickenlips1 3 роки тому

      Underrated comment of the year so far.

    • @tyrusvanciel2248
      @tyrusvanciel2248 3 роки тому

      You legit deserve mad likes for that

  • @Atombender
    @Atombender 4 роки тому +383

    When the German Bundeswehr was formed in 1955, there was a need for a new machinegun (among many other types of firearms). After thorough testing, it was concluded that the MG42 (now chambered in 7.62 NATO) was still the best machinegun around. I even got to shoot one during my military service back in the mid 90's, and it is STILL in use (designated MG3).

    • @AlexanderJScheu
      @AlexanderJScheu 4 роки тому +9

      Alex K, I have been 1961 in Luftwaffe (AA-FlugzeugFührer-Schule)
      Landsberg/Lech-Bavaria, as we had had also do #Exercises
      with Army; shooting with waeapons like M G42; upgraded Cal.7,62x51
      Nato- Amazing, interesting recognizing to see - All of them
      Made in WW2, stamped (very littel) w/ Hakenkreuz. Sometimes
      I thought ... if this MG .. could speak,,,,and what's happened with this Soldiers had had in Hands...and Enemies...

    • @weirdsciencethe2nd205
      @weirdsciencethe2nd205 3 роки тому +1

      I was telling people about that that's why I love Germans it works so they kept it I bet its a savage with a modern caliber like 7.62 the 7.92 is still nuts but I've put just bog standard fmj federal match 7.62 rounds through a iron manhole cover at 800m 5 shots blew it in half that was with a Rimington 700 but a real us marine sniper rifle a guy had for f class competition at my old range and it was a tack driver it was out shooting feinwerkbaus but a dude had a Enfield the one in 7.62 it was used by the British army up to when the acuracy International was born but they are still used as it's in 7.62 and there just fantastic that outshone the rem 700 big time the rem had a better scope but the Enfield had a old German Post and it was super accurate and so powerful I don't think people realise a 7.62 nato will go through a house a car and still drop someone lol

    • @WangMingGe
      @WangMingGe 3 роки тому

      @@weirdsciencethe2nd205 7.92mm Mauser is a bit more powerful than 7.62 NATO in its original military loads (still available from European ammo manufacturers). US manufacturers grossly download their 7.92 mauser for some reason....

    • @animalm4st3r
      @animalm4st3r 3 роки тому +1

      well yes but the MG3 has a downgraded firerate

    • @donnerschwein
      @donnerschwein 3 роки тому +7

      @@animalm4st3r MG3's firerate is still plenty compared to other guns. There's good reason why it's still in use...

  • @MrRogers-hood
    @MrRogers-hood 2 роки тому +1

    I just discovered this channel. It is by far my most liked now. His videos are highly informative and I like his relaxed, dry sense of humor. He has a loyal new viewer!

  • @JotaLoL
    @JotaLoL 4 роки тому +1528

    MG42, one early piece and 23 minutes video. Blessed.

    • @HappyBeezerStudios
      @HappyBeezerStudios 4 роки тому +18

      Now the math question: How many rounds could that thing shoot during the video

    • @hardstyle3878
      @hardstyle3878 4 роки тому +24

      @@HappyBeezerStudios if my math is correct you could fire 34800 rounds continously if you look past barrel changes

    • @JotaLoL
      @JotaLoL 4 роки тому +3

      @go away mostly due to seo

    • @Martinlegend
      @Martinlegend 4 роки тому +4

      @@hardstyle3878 and how many barrel changes would be needed?

    • @pericleagliateniesilettera6159
      @pericleagliateniesilettera6159 4 роки тому +6

      @@Martinlegend changing barrel every 250 rounds. 139 times

  • @pepperpeppington
    @pepperpeppington 4 роки тому +315

    The MG42 is probably the most aesthetically pleasing machine gun I've ever seen

    • @dragofill2808
      @dragofill2808 4 роки тому +3

      Not me Bergman pistols tickle my Fancy

    • @vizzy61
      @vizzy61 4 роки тому

      Aye, true that.

    • @johnpfeil4179
      @johnpfeil4179 4 роки тому +4

      The cetme ameli is cool looking to

    • @Anthus.
      @Anthus. 4 роки тому +8

      They're quite pleasing to look upon. Much like a 1911, the MG-42 is a work of art imho.

    • @borismuller86
      @borismuller86 4 роки тому +1

      Was it the MG42 or MG34 that was used for making heavy blasters in Star Wars? Sorry, your avatar makes me assume you’d be the guy to ask.

  • @melchiorvonsternberg844
    @melchiorvonsternberg844 3 роки тому +36

    One thing, is for sure: This weapon, is not forgotten...!

  • @azlanameer4912
    @azlanameer4912 4 роки тому +176

    This LMG is extensively manufectured and used in Pakistan Army under the name LMG 1A3. Every gunner is given 2 bolts....one light for sheer rate of fire and second is bit heavy and slows down rate of fire.
    I was a member of para team and number 1 gunner. I usually amazed the comrades when i used to fire just single bullet because at one time triger pull gun fires at least 2 bullets or 3.
    Love to see the video. Respects from Pakistan.

    • @jorgschimmer8213
      @jorgschimmer8213 4 роки тому +11

      I did these one-shot-thing in my service time aswell! (MG3). But i am sure with an original one it was a little bit...😁

    • @henryc7548
      @henryc7548 4 роки тому +1

      That’s really cool

    • @azlanameer4912
      @azlanameer4912 4 роки тому

      @@jorgschimmer8213
      Sure!

    • @doomermeme9975
      @doomermeme9975 4 роки тому +3

      Greetings From USA!!! Quick question. Have you or anyone you know been in formation for the birder opening/closing ceremony? I always thought it was cool watching it and seeing the two men at the gate shaking hands.

    • @jorgschimmer8213
      @jorgschimmer8213 4 роки тому +1

      @@doomermeme9975 . Sorry i was to young

  • @PizzaGrunt
    @PizzaGrunt 4 роки тому +144

    I was a machine gunner and carried a M240b. It's amazing how similar in a lot of respects it is with the 42 and to a lesser extent the 34. Always thought it was a excellent testament to a very excellent and effective design.

    • @NashmanNash
      @NashmanNash 3 роки тому +14

      The irony is that the MG34 basically still has the best barrel change mechanism for vehicle mounted use..and noone copied that

    • @silvarace
      @silvarace 3 роки тому +3

      If it ain't broke dont fix it

    • @daffyduck7336
      @daffyduck7336 3 роки тому +2

      The MG42 is recoil operated gun..the M240 is gas operated.

    • @maddogmaz1576
      @maddogmaz1576 3 роки тому +3

      I carried the M-60 and that looks a lot closer and still prefer the 60 over the 240. I like the slower rate of fire. I could keep it on target at 1000 meters during qual

    • @PizzaGrunt
      @PizzaGrunt 3 роки тому

      @@maddogmaz1576 I joined an '05 and never got to mess with the 60. But I had absolutely zero problems hitting the 1 km Target with a three round burst every time with iron sights so.

  • @antonhallergren588
    @antonhallergren588 3 роки тому +91

    One of the deadliest weapons ever created and probably the most scary thing to ever be on the other end of. All this makes it the most badass weapon ever.

    • @jspoons6619
      @jspoons6619 3 роки тому +12

      Yes properly one of the most feared weapons for any allied soldier, along with the Tiger and Stuka Dive Bomber , and the later multi launch rockets. My late Grandad told me about been under fire from such weapons , and he survived been in the BEF then the Dunkirk evacuations , then the whole North Africa campaign and Italy until the end of the war . though wounded at both Dunkirk and again late in the war in Italy he lived until 2018 , 99 years old.
      he said the sound alone of a MG42 was hated by Soldiers and something you could never forget once you heard it.
      My Grandad Father was a very understanding person and never held any hatred towards the Germans who were once is foe's
      after the war ended he was a guard at a camp in Italy were German POW were been processed to be sent back to Germany.
      He struck up several friendship's in return they made him Toys and other items .
      Much later back in Civilian life he had a German exchange student staying with his Family. even later than that he was the first person to come and visit my Then new German Girlfriend when she visited my for the first time.
      Has I type now from Hamburg Germany my home since 2009 still with the same Woman.
      He even came to stay with us over Christmas in Germany at the age of almost 91.
      The person who tough me to never hate people to be open minded and to forgive because hate just bread more hatred .
      a great person who I miss one daily basis.
      thanks again for a great video

    • @user-yo8ab1ys9e
      @user-yo8ab1ys9e 3 роки тому +4

      @@jspoons6619 That was wonderful. Thanks for sharing. :)
      Lest we forget

    • @Jebu911
      @Jebu911 3 роки тому +4

      Kar98k was probably more deadly but yeah this gun is lmg perfection from its time.

    • @damianvilaperez7144
      @damianvilaperez7144 2 місяці тому

      @@Jebu911 as casualties records tell, the kar98k was, in fact, not more deadly

  • @ericsundell9978
    @ericsundell9978 4 роки тому +41

    Never knew that the 3 wire springs were actually better than a single wire spring. I thought it was just because the Germans and Soviets were cheap and these were easier/cheaper to make than a proper 1 wire spring. The more you know. This is why I love this Channel. Keep it up Ian!!

    • @AllahDoesNotExist
      @AllahDoesNotExist 4 роки тому +2

      I'm guessing they did it to overcome their inferior metal.

    • @scrubsrc4084
      @scrubsrc4084 4 роки тому +1

      Materials and strength over length

    • @ScottKenny1978
      @ScottKenny1978 4 роки тому +1

      @@AllahDoesNotExist all springs will fail. Having the gun go "click" when you expected a "bang" is the start of a very bad day.

    • @timbrassinne719
      @timbrassinne719 4 роки тому +2

      Geissele actually makes buffer springs for ar platforms based on the mg42 design. They claim that this design primarily increases the service life and reliability of the spring. And is much quieter as well.

    • @sebastianlucius1259
      @sebastianlucius1259 4 роки тому +3

      Actually these springs are more expensive. You need more steps to produce.

  • @alistairevans4136
    @alistairevans4136 4 роки тому +314

    This is one of the few guns where you can say it 'only' had a fire rate of 1000rpm before if was increased 😆

  • @GTfour01
    @GTfour01 3 роки тому +2

    Big thumbs up. You are my go to for in depth firearms history.
    Greetings from Holland.

  • @SamSung-qy5hj
    @SamSung-qy5hj 4 роки тому +485

    Fun fact: Grossfuss literally means Bigfoot.

    • @AdamBorseti
      @AdamBorseti 4 роки тому +35

      Yeah, see everyone? They found that fuckin' thing yeeeaaars ago. Even then, big-foot wouldn't stand a chance against this bad-boy.

    • @moonrazk
      @moonrazk 4 роки тому +19

      @@AdamBorseti You got that wrong, man, Bigfoot _invented_ this gun!

    • @agrosyntrop
      @agrosyntrop 4 роки тому

      Grootvoet in Flemish.

    • @hochminus-iy7ro
      @hochminus-iy7ro 4 роки тому +7

      Fun fact: In german it would be "Großfuß" (even with the new grammar rules), only in some german speaking countries like switzerland or lichtenstein it might be "Grossfuss".

    • @SamSung-qy5hj
      @SamSung-qy5hj 4 роки тому

      @@hochminus-iy7ro bin auch Anhänger der alten Rechtschreibung normalerweise ;-)

  • @Elektrolurch89
    @Elektrolurch89 4 роки тому +87

    2:48 you are actually pronouncing the names quite good :)
    Greetings from Germany

  • @cfunkbooya
    @cfunkbooya 3 роки тому +48

    Hey Ian, My grandfather said it was the scariest sound he had ever heard. When he landed on omaha beach armed with only his M1 he made it to tell the tale.

    • @MeatzB
      @MeatzB 3 роки тому +1

      Liar

    • @marcusborderlands6177
      @marcusborderlands6177 2 роки тому +6

      @@MeatzB liar? Tons of people's grandparents served in WW2 lol. It's almost more rare for them to have not served

    • @glibglob8755
      @glibglob8755 2 роки тому

      No he didn’t

    • @mufflersponge8969
      @mufflersponge8969 2 роки тому

      M1?
      Carbine, Garand, Thompson

    • @marcusborderlands6177
      @marcusborderlands6177 2 роки тому +6

      @@glibglob8755 don't see why it's hard to believe. Most people who are adults or nearing adulthood now had grandparents who fought in WW2. It literally had a draft.

  • @wes11bravo
    @wes11bravo 4 роки тому +8

    I got to work an M60 range with our Mech Infantry counterparts in the German Army who were training with us at Ft Indiantown Gap. I got to speak at length with a Panzergrenadier guy about the M60 and the MG3 and send hundreds of tracer/ball downrange. Our grandfathers trained to fight each other a half century before yet there we were, sharing a laugh as brother infantrymen. It was surreal and very cool.

  • @DrPickle011
    @DrPickle011 4 роки тому +153

    I am a 3D modeller, and I have always found this channel super useful when looking for reference

    • @robotman5105
      @robotman5105 3 роки тому +1

      Yo same!

    • @garygarypov5060
      @garygarypov5060 3 роки тому +3

      for real tho. ian's always showing us guns that actually put bullets into charlie or jerry or ivan and you can see the materials, components, and wear patterns of that use. and then there's the engineering and history lessons as he disassembles the weapon :D

  • @harrycallahan9518
    @harrycallahan9518 Рік тому

    Thanks! Your knowledge makes me smile.

  • @gearjammergamer8560
    @gearjammergamer8560 4 роки тому +24

    My grandfather marched all the way from Normandy to the Rheine in WWII. He told me that he always thought that hearing an MG42 firing in the distance sounded like tearing cloth.

    • @rebel4466
      @rebel4466 3 роки тому +5

      My grandpa was using the MG42 in Africa with the Wehrmacht. Funny how things have changed since then. Their grandchildren talking about the weapon design while watching gun Jesus telling us all the interesting facts

  • @GoingBallistic
    @GoingBallistic 4 роки тому +25

    Great video. We just picked up a few “kits” we will build and eventually do some videos with them, but this video was a great introduction to the machine gun and pointed out a important safety issue with the bold. Thank you👍👍

    • @chrisdonnelly5904
      @chrisdonnelly5904 3 роки тому

      That's awesome, I can't wait to see them! Your channel is completely underrated!

  • @Adi-kf6bq
    @Adi-kf6bq 3 роки тому +5

    What might be interesting is that the Bundeswehr is still using a modified version of the mg42. It is called mg3. Rheinmetall still does maintenance and repairs on the mg3 and some of them still have the Hakenkreuz on them

  • @avramnovorra
    @avramnovorra 4 роки тому +19

    Finally I understand how the MG42 and it's roller-lock recoil actually worked.. I'm glad this video came out, and now I walk away knowing how and why the MG42 is easily the most recognizable machine gun of WWII.. Cheers!

  • @hedhunta52
    @hedhunta52 4 роки тому +184

    First thought: Wonder how many people this thing has killed. Second: When's Ian going to shoot it?

    • @johnnywiththetrenchsweeper6865
      @johnnywiththetrenchsweeper6865 4 роки тому +4

      He did shoot it once

    • @fuzzy1dk
      @fuzzy1dk 4 роки тому +6

      will thins do ? ua-cam.com/video/GfJkU4Sah8I/v-deo.html

    • @Martinlegend
      @Martinlegend 4 роки тому +6

      @@fuzzy1dk the video isnt as good as other videos he made from shooting other guns and the weapon itself has (like mentioned in the video) a modified bolt so its not the original rate of fire

    • @DrKlausTrophobie
      @DrKlausTrophobie 4 роки тому +4

      He noted in the video 17:30 the guns without rebounce preventer are dangerous because of possible case rupture. I doubt he will shoot this particular one.

    • @Martinlegend
      @Martinlegend 4 роки тому

      @@DrKlausTrophobie but not with the cracked buttstock

  • @feonor26
    @feonor26 3 роки тому +12

    I've fired the next generation after this, the MG-3 and it's an absolute beast. I recollect our officers in the army telling us that the germans used 3 years to educate a MG team and it really shows. They were deadly with those guns.

  • @kamikazemelon787
    @kamikazemelon787 3 роки тому +11

    In addition to being a wonderful resource to learn about the stories and people behind many historical weapons, this channel works great as a compendium of how to disassemble guns I will never see or touch in real life! Thanks Ian and the guys all at FW and IRTV

  • @meteormedia7021
    @meteormedia7021 4 роки тому +282

    Of course it was going to be roller locked...

    • @theofficialsikris
      @theofficialsikris 4 роки тому +98

      Just be happy it wasn't designed by that one dude with the toggle lock fetish.

    • @or-what
      @or-what 4 роки тому +60

      @@theofficialsikris *Toggle-locked MG08 Intensifies*

    • @burnerheinz
      @burnerheinz 4 роки тому +19

      @@or-what Comes with toggle locked knife and toggle locked naval gun

    • @noahtoombs9351
      @noahtoombs9351 4 роки тому +16

      Because obviously your machine gun needs to have sniper rifle accuracy duhhhh

    • @alexanderstrickland9036
      @alexanderstrickland9036 4 роки тому +5

      It was roller locked before roller locks were kool

  • @zakvitale1411
    @zakvitale1411 2 роки тому +20

    You know it's a good gun when it's mentioned in the same breath as m249s and 240Bs in terms of effective squad weapons, and Maxim and M2 brownings in terms of moral effect and sheer destruction.

  • @BoldAlligator
    @BoldAlligator 4 роки тому +75

    5:42 After you hit guns no no no no a suffix would be added...

    • @phrederickvonbean9474
      @phrederickvonbean9474 4 роки тому +13

      I immediately heard the Hitler clip from the movie Downfall when he said 999.

    • @Seeker-wq8jc
      @Seeker-wq8jc 4 роки тому +3

      Thank you. I was hoping someone heard that as "NEIN NEIN NEIN NEIN!"

    • @ninjahustler897
      @ninjahustler897 4 роки тому +1

      I was hoping for someone to get it

  • @Seb-Storm
    @Seb-Storm 4 роки тому +261

    Person reviewing proyect: we need a new machine gun
    Engineers: we made this cheap sexy gun
    Proyect reviewer: nice and what is the fire rate?
    Mg42 clears throat: yes

    • @martinh2783
      @martinh2783 4 роки тому +17

      Engineers: Ehm, all of it.
      Mg42 goes Brrrrrrr......

    • @badkingjohn5235
      @badkingjohn5235 4 роки тому +7

      *MG 42 clears throat: JAWOHL!

    • @albnoel
      @albnoel 4 роки тому +30

      Fire rate is one barrel per 30sec

    • @Papperlapappmaul
      @Papperlapappmaul 4 роки тому

      Very original.

    • @noremorsewoodworking2258
      @noremorsewoodworking2258 4 роки тому +3

      @@albnoel more like 6 barrels a minute - recommended cyclus is to change after each 250 shots in 'rapid succession'. If we, for arguments sake, put the rate of fire at 1500 (a bit lower than actual) and you link enough ammunition together to fire 1500 rounds - no not continuous - long bursts of 15-20, you'll go through all the spare barrels of an entire platoon and the first barrel you used will still be too hot to use when you are done shooting.
      How do I know this? I've done it - albeit with an MG62 (MG42 rechambered for 7.62 NATO).
      By the way, hot barrels can be cooled in water or snow but must be fully submerged/covered so as not to bend/warp. If that is not possible, they should be placed in the 'spare barrel carrier' to cool, rather than directly on the ground.
      Fun fact: It takes about 200 blanks to heat a barrel enough that you can make a cup of cocoa on it - just don't use a plastic cup.

  • @PeterNebelung
    @PeterNebelung 15 днів тому

    I met a couple of NCOs at the Munsterlager PanzerTruppen school in 1975. One of their stories was about finding an MG-42 with a belt of ammo in a trench in the forests around Munich. They took it back to the base, disassembled it, reassembled it and fire the original belt through it. These guys also got my dad and I into the base to look at the museum while the base was closed for training ops. We had come from Canada to have a look, so they called into the base and made arrangements. We were met at the gate at 0900 by the base adjutant, and given a very detailed tour.

  • @F74D3N8r0T
    @F74D3N8r0T 3 роки тому +9

    This is surely the least forgotten weapon you ever explained about! Well done. I would like to see one of those in WWII config running in full throttle. I heard that they managed to get a even higher rate of fire in wing mounted versions due to better cooling. Maybe you are the one to reveal some of those rumors... Thumbs up!

    • @alexm566
      @alexm566 2 роки тому

      he has several videos on the ak-47

  • @luckys1evin
    @luckys1evin 4 роки тому +31

    This was kind of a trip down memory lane. The last time I had the pleasure to work with its successor was in my time with the bundeswehr.

  • @stevendurham9996
    @stevendurham9996 3 роки тому +3

    The engineering is really interesting, as are your descriptions, thank you.

  • @MrDmitriRavenoff
    @MrDmitriRavenoff 4 роки тому +9

    Can confirm about the twisted wire springs. I've put them into AR's and solved issues more than once. Its lovely.

    • @gameraddikted
      @gameraddikted 4 роки тому

      Love the Super42’s! Run them when I’m not running SilentCapture’s

  • @devilsitez
    @devilsitez 4 роки тому +21

    Hey Ian, love your videos and the channel! Unfortunately this time some of the explanations are not as correct as you used to be normally! ;)
    You forgot to mention that there is a collar Rohrführungshülse/barrel guide collar around the crown of the barrel, right under the muzzle device, which is called Rückstossverstärker/recoil amplifier... the gases are forced on this collar and push the barrel about 5-10mm backwards (1/4”), the traveling barrel accelerates the bolt, comes suddenly to a stop, and the bolt carrier keeps traveling backwards, which pulls the Schlagbolzenhalter/firing pin carrier - the triangle with the firing pin, out of the bolt head, which allows the rollers to unlock and pull the case back. At the end of travel, the little sheet metal stick (Auswerferstange) inside the bold carrier pushes on the ejector (Auswerfer) and ejects the case.
    To reduce the risk of the bolt jumping back out of battery, a device called Schliessfeder/closing spring inside the bolt was added, which works like a self contained buffer spring.
    Hope my explanation is slightly understandable... ;)
    Source: 8 years of training and combat experience with this baby :)

  • @nixxonnor
    @nixxonnor 3 роки тому +1

    I used a similar machine gun in the Norwegian army in the late 80's. It was the MG-3. It came with a profiled scrape for cleaning propellant residue from the inside of the muzzle. If the holes around the muzzle got clogged, the rate of fire would increase as the gases would meet greater resistance exiting through the holes. Thus pushing harder and faster on the front of the barrel.

  • @kutter_ttl6786
    @kutter_ttl6786 4 роки тому +51

    I'm actually kinda surprised that it took this long to feature a gun that's as popular and common as the MG42.

    • @Slimboy025
      @Slimboy025 4 роки тому +3

      Well you can't eat the desert before the main dish. You have to keep the best for later

    • @Slimboy025
      @Slimboy025 4 роки тому +4

      @CIA BETA Wing most of the weapons here aren't forgotten

    • @JTawesome92
      @JTawesome92 4 роки тому +5

      @@Slimboy025 a lot of them are one off prototypes or non mass manufactured guns.

    • @Slimboy025
      @Slimboy025 4 роки тому

      @@JTawesome92 but still not many are forgotten

    • @Govanmauler
      @Govanmauler 4 роки тому +3

      @@Slimboy025 not to us 😊

  • @desangfroid
    @desangfroid 4 роки тому +7

    What a great video, thank you so much ! We have a version of the MG42 in the swiss army, chambered in 7.5mm and firing at 1000 rds/min.
    I was lucky to shoot with it once, best day of my life ! I was feeling all that historical background, it was a big moment.

    • @-Billerboller-Klangtherapie
      @-Billerboller-Klangtherapie 3 роки тому +1

      Some originals of MG42 lie on the bottom of the lake Walensee, probably in good condition around the deepest point in oxygen-poor water.
      I live there and at some point I'll organize a rowboat for a few weeks, a very long rope and a very strong magnet...

    • @tomiamonico8855
      @tomiamonico8855 4 місяці тому

      How do you know?​@@-Billerboller-Klangtherapie

  • @victoracevedo1078
    @victoracevedo1078 Рік тому +3

    I like seeing the German eagle markings. I love my mosin because of the hammer and sickle insignia and harsh tooling mark as a reminder that they couldn't make them fast enough. A time capsule of sorts.

  • @chuckschillingvideos
    @chuckschillingvideos 4 роки тому +113

    You would not be undergunned with an MG-42 even in any of today's front line armies.

    • @metehankap3870
      @metehankap3870 3 роки тому +8

      Turkey, Germany, Austria, Polish and Czech Army, all use 7.62 NATO MG42S modded and called as MG3s. It is still unmatched to put down shitload of rounds and still be relatively "cheap" to run.

    • @LordStarbeard
      @LordStarbeard 3 роки тому +5

      @@metehankap3870 Sorry, but Czechs are using the M249 and vz.59 as their squad support weapons....

    • @floo1465
      @floo1465 3 роки тому +1

      @@LordStarbeard still applies to all of the other ones

  • @semibreve
    @semibreve 4 роки тому +4

    Man this video is like hallowed ground. I'm glad Ian is finally giving this gun its own video.
    **The** machine gun.

  • @LastAvailableAlias
    @LastAvailableAlias 3 роки тому

    I like your videos. Just the facts, no flash, no music and a focus on the history.

  • @nullkommanix7372
    @nullkommanix7372 3 роки тому +9

    Ian your pronouncing of german names is nearly perfect, very well done👍
    much appricate your declaring of guns, best gun chanel on yt

  • @zeekwolfe5781
    @zeekwolfe5781 4 роки тому +46

    What was not mentioned was the fear factor brought onto the battlefield. GIs would say that the sound of the 'zipper' when the MG42 was in use was a source of terror. This was a sound never forgotten and the 'star' of many post-war nightmares. A distant relative faced MG42s in Europe after the Battle of the Bulge. He talked about the sound until the end of his life. A PSTS (Post-traumatic stress syndrome) victim, he jumped from the 5th floor of a veterans hospital in 1960. Remember the movie PATTON where he talks about 'your best friend's head turned into goo?' Think MG42!

  • @bad74maverick1
    @bad74maverick1 3 роки тому

    @7:40. That's not machining, that's a pressing. The barrel bushing is inserted into the shroud then an press presses the sheet metal around it to hold the bushing permanently in place. Those lines and holes are there so when the metal is pressed it has some place to move and prevents cracking.
    Also @15:40 the ejector doesn't hit a stop in the receiver, it hits an ejector spoon. You can see it right behind the ejector before he takes the head off. You can see it protruding slightly from the center of the bolt body after he takes the head off.

  • @johannesmuller8214
    @johannesmuller8214 4 роки тому +8

    Really enjoyed the video, well done! I had the pleasure to use the 42 as MG 3 in the Bundeswehr back in 2001. It's a great, durable and reliable weapon. The maintenance is not so easy as it is on the G3. But if you want to spray a lot of lead on your enemy, it's the right choice!

  • @KuruGDI
    @KuruGDI 4 роки тому +10

    Since I was working with an MG42 derivat for a longer time that has almost no changes I can tell you that
    a) Swaping the barrel is not as easy as it seems since you can not touch the hot barrel and there is no good way to grab it
    b) The receiver is hard to clean on the inside. The part in the middle can cut your finger quite easy
    c) No matter how you try to carry this thing on your shoulder it is uncomfortable to carry in pretty much any position
    d) The little flaps on the bipod are not really good for holding it into place. It works OK in design, but during combat it's not that good. The bipods pivot point also come lose somewhat often.

    • @VRichardsn
      @VRichardsn 4 роки тому

      _Swaping the barrel is not as easy as it seems since you can not touch the hot barrel and there is no good way to grab it_
      What about using a tool to "hook" it or using protective gloves?

    • @Rotsteinblock
      @Rotsteinblock 4 роки тому

      In my experince the best way to go about these problems is:
      a) use a casing to pull the barrel out
      b)"toothbrush"
      c)sideways on top of the backpack, holding the carry strap with your hands so it doesn't slide off
      d) why are you even bothering to fold up the bipod in combat?

    • @KuruGDI
      @KuruGDI 4 роки тому

      @@VRichardsn Not sure how the germans did it back then. The old tool (for me) was a tiny piece of Asbestos that could slip off very easy thus burning your hand. The new tool is indeed a glove that is large enough to be used with your regular gloves on. The downside here is that there is no real good way of carring it around. And if it get's dirty your barrel will be as well which of course is not really good for your gun.
      I have never used a hook since the barrel can drop out quite easily. We had some small boxes for the barrel that were used to carry it around. With a hook I can't quite imagine that the barrel would land in there consistenly enough to be a good option in the russian mud.

    • @VRichardsn
      @VRichardsn 4 роки тому

      @@KuruGDI Fair enough. Cartridge cases are decent enough to pull out the hot barrel. I think Ian did exactly that many years ago: ua-cam.com/video/GfJkU4Sah8I/v-deo.html

    • @KuruGDI
      @KuruGDI 4 роки тому +1

      @@Rotsteinblock
      a) I didn't really try that one, but since even the large glove we didn't work that well, I'm not sure if the bulky casing we had would even be good enough to even try to pull it out.
      c) After carring it for more than a kilometer you don't want to hold it on the strap any longer. The best way I found is to rest the left side of the gun at the point where the charging handle is in your neck. The top cover has the sight, the right side has the charging handle and the bottom side has the resting lug for the gun carriage. All other parts are too far off the center of mass to balance it there.
      d) depends on the travel length, but when you have to carry it a bit further than through rough terrain it can hit something and pop off or break.

  • @ecwashere8735
    @ecwashere8735 3 роки тому +131

    It's insane to think that this ACTUAL gun that he's sitting behind murdered God knows how many men.

    • @Bravo-Too-Much
      @Bravo-Too-Much 3 роки тому +69

      More like it’s awesome to think this mowed down many a Bolshevik with no regard to the safety of their internal organs.

    • @marcusborderlands6177
      @marcusborderlands6177 3 роки тому +45

      It's a war, so technically not murder.

    • @averhan
      @averhan 3 роки тому +47

      @@Bravo-Too-Much Didn't you hear him say this one probably came out of the Afrika Korps? No Russians were harmed in the making of this video, but a bunch of Brits instead.

    • @WeebLord69
      @WeebLord69 3 роки тому +25

      @@averhan even better

    • @Wickedonezz
      @Wickedonezz 3 роки тому +5

      @@WeebLord69 bri'sh

  • @GunsNGames1
    @GunsNGames1 4 роки тому +57

    Legendary weapon. Still modern to this day. Those Germans, what can I say?

    • @gunguide9201
      @gunguide9201 4 роки тому +4

      Das ist der germanische Geist...

    • @patatasuper8565
      @patatasuper8565 4 роки тому

      Meine Güte viele deutsche hier

    • @Athrun82
      @Athrun82 4 роки тому +1

      And nowadays Germany can't create a new assault rifle for it's military without creating an uproar. How times have changed.

    • @rockwellsecrest4398
      @rockwellsecrest4398 4 роки тому

      It’s still modern cause 80,000,000 of the best minds died

  • @vncube1
    @vncube1 4 роки тому +127

    Ah yes...
    The German electric toothbrush :D

    • @lycossurfer8851
      @lycossurfer8851 4 роки тому +7

      That definitely (and permanently) would solve someone's dental issues..........

    • @Niko-xt5bs
      @Niko-xt5bs 4 роки тому

      @@lycossurfer8851 this gun can solve a lot more problems not only dental ones

  • @lollorosso4675
    @lollorosso4675 2 роки тому +2

    Brings back fond memories of cleaning this thing, and cleaning this thing, and cleaning this thing, schlepping this thing through the forrest… did I mention the cleaning?

  • @ErikS-
    @ErikS- 4 роки тому +5

    What a beautiful, beautiful weapon! One of my favourites!
    So this is a great video ;)
    Would be a nice one if you could make a comparison of the mg34 and the mg42: dissassembled & comparing the different parts. To see what milled parts are replaced in what way by stamped parts.

  • @quadg5296
    @quadg5296 4 роки тому +37

    My favourite German nickname for this gun is Knochensäge = bone saw.
    The Germans built their infantry squads around MG instead of rifles.
    So where each US or British squad had a BAR or Bren.
    the German squad had 2 mg42 or mg34.
    why the allies hated them so much.

    • @huntforandrew
      @huntforandrew 3 роки тому +2

      Well I mean the standard German infantry weapon was still a bolt action rifle. They basically had to form squads around this weapon to have any amount of firepower. Imagine a squad of guys with M1 Garands going up against a squad with Kar98's.

    • @wanderschlosser1857
      @wanderschlosser1857 3 роки тому +2

      @@huntforandrew The British standard infantry weapon was a bolt action rifle as well!

    • @thomaskositzki9424
      @thomaskositzki9424 3 роки тому +2

      @@wanderschlosser1857 But also with a higher ROF due to a very easily to operate bolt. In fact it was so easy to operate that experienced British infantrymen operated Lee-Enfield's bolt with their little finger, practically turning it semi-automatic like the Garand.
      Greetings from Germany

  • @DARIVSARCHITECTVS
    @DARIVSARCHITECTVS 2 роки тому +1

    The anti-bolt bounce device was developed by Mauser prior to the end of the war. Many MG-42's were issued one, but many in service were used without it, which entails some risk. Most MG-42's I have seen use the postwar version of that same part.

  • @ColourOfTheGods
    @ColourOfTheGods 4 роки тому +7

    WHERE DID 23 MINUTES JUST GO?!?! Such an enjoyable video, the time just melted away!

  • @Mongo63a
    @Mongo63a 4 роки тому +34

    Nice early example. One MG that I've always wanted but have never seemed to pick one up.

  • @willschaust7978
    @willschaust7978 3 роки тому +6

    The engineering that goes into stuff like this is very cool. Just found this channel and it’s awesome to learn about guns like these.

  • @baronofhell2277
    @baronofhell2277 4 роки тому +41

    Hardly forgotten, by friend and foe alike. Glad to see it.

    • @planetenwanderer5329
      @planetenwanderer5329 4 роки тому

      I dig your SCP profile pic. Also another way this weapon is not forgotten: it was one of the templates for an imperial gun in Star Wars.

  • @hansgruber3397
    @hansgruber3397 4 роки тому +9

    During my Service, the MG 3 was my favourite gun. Reliable, accurate, robust and with a lot of firepower. Just awesome

  • @MrErikchaugen
    @MrErikchaugen 2 роки тому +1

    When i was serving in the Norwegian airforce,we had the MG-3,and it was a fantastic machine gun!!The rate of fire was between 900-1100 rpm,so the rate is reduced on the MG-3.

  • @Noodles.FreeUkraine
    @Noodles.FreeUkraine 4 роки тому +17

    Loved to shoot that thing during my time in the service. The sound alone is better than any Spotify playlist.

  • @davidheller8540
    @davidheller8540 4 роки тому +4

    When my unit was deployed to Bosnia back in 2000-2001 we spent some time with some Danish troops who still used this gun. We got to take it out to the range and shoot it. Also got to go in a patrol in one of their Leopard tanks....what a blast!

  • @jordoo1978
    @jordoo1978 2 роки тому +1

    Info requested -
    mg42 =1500-1550 rpm ( 25/26 rnds a sec) ,
    mg3 = 1200 rpm ( 20 rnds a sec ). mg3 is a slowed down for nato standards version of the 42 in 762.nato.
    m53 = 960 rpm ( 16-18 rnds a sec ) produced by Yugoslavia after the war using german tooling left behind .
    besides the heavier bolt introduced for the mg1 later mg3 the rpm is regulated by the the exit hole in the muzzle cone booster ,the smaller the exit the higher rpm. A m53 which is highly passed and mistaken for a 42 can have its rpm raised to war time rpm with a smaller exit hole ,a 42 blank firing cone can be drilled out to the appropriate size of 10.5 or 11 mm.

  • @StealthEagle21
    @StealthEagle21 4 роки тому +94

    No, after you hit NEIN NEIN NEIN NEIN a suffix was to be added!

    • @yrjomatilainen2815
      @yrjomatilainen2815 4 роки тому

      By the way, there is a song "Nein nein nein" by "Sleepy Sleepers", Finland. Check You Tube