mg34 barrel question?

[biochembri]

I have a barrel with what I believe to be an unusual characteristic, seems to be an extra 2 holes. I checked my other two barrels and Mvrang, and did not see anything that matched. I wanted to know if this was some sort of variation, modification, demilling......? Attached are four photos of the barrel. Please let me know if this is something you can identify or perhaps you have never seen. I am concerned the extra holes may make it nonfunctional.

Thank you,

Brian

[Blanksguy]

I believe that the two additional holes on the side of the MG34 barrel-extension were put there on earlier MG34 Barrels as a source for "high-pressure" gas to exit the chamber-area instead of having it blow more to the rear where the "gunner's" face would be.
You see these on some military rifles.....if memory serves me right, the M1903 Sprinfield Rifle has gas-exscape-holes in the receiver just behind the chamber-area.

Your barrel should still be usable.....I have fired many rounds of live-ammuntion through barrels like the one in your photos.

Regards, RichardS in MI.
Blanksguy2001@chartermi.net

[JBaum]

Not really an uncommon barrel. I've seen many like that.