MG34 OR MG42 FOR DURABILITY?

[chutemup]

HI Fellas, I am a new to forum and would like to know if 3600$ for original MG34 parts rebuild is outlandish or not? also would majority choose the 34 over the 42 for better quality product?? Thanks in advance Ed

[chutemup]

Guess it depends on how much you want/need it?????????

[JBaum]

An MG42 is a lot less trouble to have it work consistently. The MG34 is much more complicated.

[Roscoeturner]

An MG42 is a lot less trouble to have it work consistently. The MG34 is much more complicated.

Guess it depends on the individual firearm. I owned an MG42 years ago that was nothing but trouble. I have an MG34 now that worked right out of the box and has never given me a bit of trouble. Both full auto C&Rs.

[JBaum]

And airplanes are safe to fly, except for the one that wrecks if you happen to be on it.

[Roscoeturner]

And airplanes are safe to fly, except for the one that wrecks if you happen to be on it.

Well, aware of that. I did not realize the MG42 you were writing about covered the entire production run.

[Bil]

Hoo boy-and in this heat,too! ---bil

[junglewalk]

We all know each gun of both types & models have their own personality with individual cycle quirks!...as the point john was making.
...I had the sa (TNW) mg-34 for almost 7 yrs, and just getting it to fire blanks half-way reliable was a task. When firing live, all things had to be carefully considered, ammo, recoil spring strength, ejector pin condition, ejector plate, lousey ejector plate screws, f/p spring, firing pin condition, etc.....(I've been begging Woulffe spring co.to make new mg-34 f/p springs)
...>then Gordie K. resurrected a sa-mg-42 for me, with a 'Pirate' trigger group; Holey cow, less moving parts, no nutty bolt twist,(reminds me of crazy-crap-M-73 coax mg we had on out tanks in Viet Nam!) and fast cycle action, what an improvement.....>> Then, the Wiselite mg-42/53 started to be fielded on the re-enactment btl/field, and shooting live on the range. So much more reliable and cycle sure, both firing live & blanks.Not finickei about most ammo....Tougher extractor, harder and positive acting ejector pin, no stupid ejector plate & screws to break, and bolt to barrel extension engagement that is far superior than the mg-34.
.......That is how I see it, but it is just my opinion, and in many ways, it is an individual thing, but my vote would be for the 42 instead of the 34..........bh

[JBaum]

HI Fellas, I am a new to forum and would like to know if 3600$ for original MG34 parts rebuild is outlandish or not? also would majority choose the 34 over the 42 for better quality product?? Thanks in advance Ed

To answer the first part of your question, considering how complex the semi build for a 34 is, $3,600 isn't a bad price. You could also buy an MG42 build for similar or less money.

[chutemup]

Well, the 34 is on its way and now I've got the scat scared outta me when hearing about all those parts! But Thankyou Gentlemen for all the advice. Its more than likely going to set around more as a tv tray than going out to the dirt..They look so sweet??? I got the manuals for it and the lafette manual and opticsmanual and for that type of spending and(hidin) I had better read thoroughly!!Thanks again,Ed

[42rocker]

Well with a mg34 on it's way I guess that we should wish you the Best of Luck on a MG34.....
John's books will help out a lot and their are a lot of nice folks on this site that can help out also. That's when they are not poking fun at each other. LOL

Later 42rocker

[junglewalk]

Yes, yes good luck, and it will be great when you get it........as 42rocker said, any problems, this site is the best place to get help from. (I'm sorry I alarmed you with the above, but I was just comparing them the best way I knew how)....You're going to love it!....bobh

[chutemup]

Thanks again and like the bottom of your post states "Some are meant to look at"!

[Bil]

I am assuming it will be a reweld receiver.Be very careful and precise doing this,and even the 'pros' get them wrong.Take your time,and you will have a real nice piece of history on your hands.Read up as much as possible,both here and on weaponsguild.Some of us are on both sites. Good luck! ---bil

[RoninPHX]

I just ordered several of John's manuals for the '34 and '42. I have one '42 kit, one '53 kit and most of a '34 kit. I am looking forward to building these. It sounds like I should start on the '53 kit first.