Hello collectors, I am a collector from Austria, Europe, and I have some new detailed info about the MG42. So there are 3 different MG42 receiver types, but no one of these types matches the MG 53 receiver type.
Look at the pdf file, it will be very interesting for you
But I want you to help me with my little comparison, so send me the info of your guns as I mentioned in the pdf.
Christian, check out my post: German vs. Yugo Cam section. The 1st set of photos are from what I think is a German receiver. The 2nd set is from a Yugo M-53 receiver. I also have a barrel bushing that I think is German, and it has 4 spot welds you can see. I'll post a photo if you like. If you need some Yugo M-53 photos, I can get you some.
Hi Clarence, I know nearly all differences between MG42 and MG53 and if you want I will post them here. But first I go to bed now, because here in Austria it´s 1:47 AM
Ok, here´s one picture. The number 1 is from an MG53, 2 +3 are from MG42. The MG53 does not have the step on the left side.
searchandfind, i have noticed those small holes in the barrel shroud, but never could verify they were only for mg42's. Very nice information, take you very long time?
Christain, those are some great photos! I wish we could still own real DEWAT's here! Have you checked out the differences in the receiver cutout under the feed tray / cover? Do you also make notes of the proper maker codes & WaA's? I'll like to get my MG-42 MG-1 or 2 clones as close as possible. Thanks
Mattcdavis, OCP doesn't just run the Cop's, they run the whole world! I'm not dead, I've been cloned & am working underground. If you see a 6000SUX driving by with a big rifle barrel inside, watch out! They really need to do a remake / sequel with Kurtwood Smith in it. They could have him kill all the "That's 70's Show" cast, except for Jackie & Donna! I wish my parents named me that. I bet they woudn't let you in public school's with that name now!
Christian, I forgot to ask did the German's parkerize / phosphate finish any of the MG-42's. I love the color on the gun on the right. You don't happen to have any extra green Steyr buttstocks & grips lying around?
Hello, yes there were parkerized and phosphated MG42, but they are really rare, because postwar nearly all were overworked. But a few are still alive;-)
If you want I could take photos of each detail you want. I´ve got 5 nice MG42 in my collection and also some spare parts. And in my database I´ve got more than 2000 pictures. I still work on a comparison and if it´s finished I will publish that info.
Maybe I´ve got the green grips and the green butt from the MG74, but I have to look in my spare parts chest...
Christian, which makers did the phospating? I have some IMA marked rears, and the ones I like best are the Gustloff-Werke dfb. Any chance that dfb phospated them in '42 or '43. I like that date marked receivers better. Is there a set date for change over from wood to bakelite buttstocks? How many DEWAT FG-42 1st models have you seen in Europe? What are the DEWAT's (DEactivated War AnTique; an IRS / ATF term from 1955) called over there? Thanks
Hello, the first two pictures are from a Gustloff MG42 from the year 1944 and is parkerized. The other 2 pics are from a latewar Steyr (1945) and it is phosphated, I´ve got also pictures from a latewar Maget MG42 (also 1945) and is same phosphated as the Steyr MG42.
First of all, there were bakelite butts as Myrvang mentioned, then came the wooden buttstocks without the metal band, but this type has often been strengthened with a wire like thyeYugo buttstock. Then came the wooden buttstock with the metal band. And all latewar MG42 in origin condition I have seen had a bakelite buttstock.
bakelite > wood > wood with wire > wood with band > bakelite
In Austria such guns are called "Dekowaffen", in English "deactivated guns". Only the barrel and the bolt is deactivated. FG42 are really rare, I have seen only 2 pieces yet, all in museum...
As for original condition, that's doubtful. Probably the only original parts to the gun is the finish and receiver and camming pieces. Here in the states we still get to use our guns to the full extent. So typically parts are worn out and replaced. While finding an all original MG42 for sale here wouldnt be impossible, it would be pretty rare and far more expensive than a typical MG42.
Hi David, nice to hear that you use it. In Austria it is nearly impossible to shoot with such a gun, but as a weapon technician I had the chance to. It was really impressive