www.MG42.us

Two quick questions on how to load my semi auto mg42.
I pull the charging handle back to open the bolt, open the cover, place the starter tab with the first round holder on the tab empty(the round spot that does not have a nipple). I place this empty spot over the bolt. Then I close the cover, then pull on the starter tab until a round is placed above the bolt. Then slide the bolt foward and im ready to go??

Correct? I have seen many different ways of doing this and want to be 100% sure I am doing it right tomorrow.
Pictured below is the different ways I figure it should look before dropping the cover and letting the bolt close. Please tell me which # is right.








Secondly
I have a 50rd drum case, I have it loaded correctly. But when I go to attach it to the feedramp rails, it will attach to one side but is just MM off from the other. I do not want to bend the feed ramp on the mg.. but is that the only solution or do I need a new drum? Perhaps I am putting it on wrong?

Thanks in advance and hopefully someone can answer this today before I go to the range tomorrow!!

Looks like you got it.

The downloadable semi auto BRP manual lists 2 ways - one like you plan on and the other like I use.

On the belt, I either use a starter tab or leave about 5 or 6 spaces empty so I can grab it from the right side.

I don’t have a bolt hold open so when l load mine (with the bolt home) I place the first round right next to the left of the opening. So with the round to the left of the opening, next I make sure the feed arm is to the left, then I close the cover.

Then I sharply pull the belt to the right, pulling a round under the pressure plate, it will click when it goes under the plate.

Then I charge it.

As you know you don’t want to close the cover on a round when the bolt is forward with a semi conversion as you will bend the pressure which will lead to feeding problems.

I would only load one round on the belt for the first shot, check it, then two, etc, leave some empty spaces. At least till you are sure everything is ok. Oh and BTW, should for some reason you have a run away (from a stuck FP or something) just remember to twist the belt to stop it.

On the drum, most likely one your feedtray drum mounts needs a little tweak. A lot of the ones from the kits are bent. I had to straighten mine to hold a drum as well.

Good luck on you first outing.

Well I think that all of the bases have been covered. As it was said the arms on the feed tray need a little adjusting. Work with it till the drum stays on the feed tray.

Good Luck and we hope to hear a good range report.

Later 42rocker

Thank you for the good advice, I have learned more about these guns in the past 10 hours than I have in the past year of reading up on them. I guess it takes being hands on for me to learn.

I hope I do not have a run away.. Not at the public range im going to. It can save such fun events for the private range I go to.(Sadly now 2 hours drive from me since I moved recently, which is why I must go to the public range).

Will update tomorrow, hopefully with good news.

In the case of a run away -- twist the belt to stop it. Next start taking things apart. Don't try again. Go home or where ever and work on it. If you do try again and it runs away you could find the wrong folks talking to you.

Good Luck

Later 42rocker

Heres a couple pictures. My question on the receiver is the eagle marking.. It looks post war? Says something and an 84?

I just lazily tossed a belt on there to make it look better for a quick picture.





Any idea on what the eagle marking is?

Well can't see everything. There is more info on this site. But in a nut shell the receiver markings show that it was made in 1943 and the the Eagle 84 means that it was rebuilt in 1984 by the Reinfeld (spelled that name wrong sorry) normally in .308. Which with a barrel change and a few other things it goes back into 8mm.

Later 42rocker