Newbie - Questions on MG42 ownership

[dover7838]

Hello. I've been a lurker for a few weeks. Been fascinated by the MG42 since watching Saving Private Ryan, and the technology of the German Army as a whole in WWII. My mind is numb from reading though the forums, and absolutely amazed at the craftsmanship displayed in the kit guns on here.

Which leads me to my initial questions/query: I live in Indiana. Looking through the State Statutes, it doesn't appear that a person needs a license to own a 'firearm' in this state. You do need a permit to carry a hand gun, and we do have concealed and carry permits. I believe from what I've read, the ATF would classify a semi-auto MG42 qualify as a 'firearm'. I've tried looking through some of the FAQ's on here, and other topics, but really haven't found any concrete answers. I probably haven't been looking hard enough.

I was looking at Gun Broker.com, and saw this MG42 kit:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =236979519

I understand the part about having the item shipped to a FFL Dealer. I assume there would be some form of criminal background check performed before I could take ownership of the gun. Further, after looking at some of the builds on this site, how much of a 'kit' is the above linked 'kit'? There appear to be some kits that require extensive welding and machining skills. I really admire those with the ability and patience to accomplish such builds. Outwardly, it appears that its fairly 'intact' and wouldn't necessarily require all that machining work. I am fairly mechanically inclined, and have the ability to do assembly. I just don't have a welder, nor access to some of the complex machining tools that are required. Also, I don't necessarily want a full automatic machine gun from the outset, semi-auto is fine by me. Especially concerning the legalities of owning a fully automatic weapon. I suppose the option to go full auto would be 'cool', but not necessary. I live in the city, so shooting would be relegated to a gun club, or my parent's place in Michigan.

So, if I am going to pursue ownership of an MG42, what legal ducks would I have to have in a row? Further, when I see a 'kit' such as the one listed above, are these kits 'shake the box' or do all of them require quite a lot of work for the reward in the end?

Thanks in advance!

[drooling idiot]

Welcome to the forum.

BATF determined the SA42 to be a rifle not a firearm.
We'll need to get an Indiana member in here to better explain state laws.
Not to discourage you but these are complex guns to build and to shoot, probably not a great choice for a new shooter.

[railsplitter]

Building a semi auto firearm from a kit, when using torch cut parts is no walk in the park. Further finding skilled machinests and welders that will work on guns is even harder. Good news is you can obtain SA MG42's in complete working condition with a warrenty. The choice is yours and you need to balance the cost of a finished SA with the poetential that your build will turn out inoperable. For some the challenge is "the build" not the end product

[anjongni]

The folks here have some incredible stuff. Much of it can't be duplicated; it's just not available. Admire the photos, and give thanks that these guys collected this stuff before it went to history's smelter. That said.......
If you're not a gun owner, better to join a range, perhaps purchase a revolver, practice marksmanship. It's an investment in time and money. Probably not best to start your shooting career with a f/a MG42!
A lot depends on your budget. Some of the fellows could help here:
-MG42 replica w/acces Allegheny $700+ Already built, inop, looks realistic, upgradeable
-MG42 clone kit Centerfire $300+ Lots of work, welding, more parts to buy/build
-MG42 Wiselite kit s/a GB $1200+ Lots of work, already engineered, FFL
-MG42 Wiselite s/a Centerfire, GB $3200+ Ready to shoot (sorta), FFL
-MG42,M53 f/a GB,Sturm $35000+ The big boy-backround check, waits, $1000
ammo/minute, class 3, tripod, glass, $$$
Good luck in your quest! Phil

[dover7838]

Welcome to the forum.

BATF determined the SA42 to be a rifle not a firearm.
We'll need to get an Indiana member in here to better explain state laws.
Not to discourage you but these are complex guns to build and to shoot, probably not a great choice for a new shooter.

Yeah, been shooting since I was a kid. My dad bought me my first .22 when I was two weeks old. So I've been around guns, respect them, and know what they are capable of.

Talked with an acquaintance that is into re-enacting for WWII. He said that if its semi-auto, no license needed in the state of Indiana. If its a Class III weapon, then background check, registration, etc. Appears *most* of the Midwestern States don't have problems with Class III weapons from what he said.

To the other poster, thank you for the information on the types of 'kits'.

[www.Prussia.us]

Always first check the federal laws, which are fine regarding an approved semi-auto 42.

Then check with your state laws by calling the headquarters of your state police who are usually charged with executing the state gun laws of a given state (though your state constitution and codes may assign this duty to another law enforcement body, if so obviously then contact them); then ask if your state has any gun bans in place like the 1994 Federal AWB; if yes, ask for the statute and read it and/or prod further as to what is limited (i.e., pistol grips, bayo lugs, compensators, certain models, etc.).

If no state ban exists, then you have to check with your local city ordnances if you live in a municipality that is vested with such authority.

Then if everything checks out, buy the semi-42, lots of 8mm, some cold beer, and have a blast

[dover7838]

After further research, and digging through this forum, am I correct in assuming you cannot take one of the Wiselite receivers, a parts kit, and make a fully auto MG42? Anything with the Wiselite receivers must be semi-auto to comply with the 1986 law?

Practice Safe CSX

[JBaum]

For civilian ownership, no new manufacture of MGs is allowed, regardless of where the kit comes from. That's why existing MGs are so expensive, and why people make semi autos instead of MGs.

Licensed people can build an MG for "research purposes", or make one to sell to a government agency (police, etc.), but that gun can't be sold to the public. Only guns made before May 1986 can be sold to private individuals.

[oakrodent]

The folks here have some incredible stuff. Much of it can't be duplicated; it's just not available. Admire the photos, and give thanks that these guys collected this stuff before it went to history's smelter. That said.......
If you're not a gun owner, better to join a range, perhaps purchase a revolver, practice marksmanship. It's an investment in time and money. Probably not best to start your shooting career with a f/a MG42!
A lot depends on your budget. Some of the fellows could help here:
-MG42 replica w/acces Allegheny $700+ Already built, inop, looks realistic, upgradeable
-MG42 clone kit Centerfire $300+ Lots of work, welding, more parts to buy/build
-MG42 Wiselite kit s/a GB $1200+ Lots of work, already engineered, FFL
-MG42 Wiselite s/a Centerfire, GB $3200+ Ready to shoot (sorta), FFL
-MG42,M53 f/a GB,Sturm $35000+ The big boy-backround check, waits, $1000
ammo/minute, class 3, tripod, glass, $$$
Good luck in your quest! Phil

First, of Wise Lite is a Yugo M-53 not a German MG-42, closely related but not the same thing. Wiselite receivers are also 1" longer than all other designs, so you have to remove the butt stock to fit on a Laffette stand.

There are more options.
BRP has German MG-42 semi auto kits and parts kits. One of his assembled S\A MG-42s will set you back $6,000 and they do run perfectly out of the box. You get what you pay for.

[dover7838]

Based upon what I'm reading here, probably best to go with the .308 barrel from the get go because the 8mm ammo is getting harder to find. Also, it appears that with .308 ammo you could do a reloading setup if you so desire. I doubt I'll be shooting 2000+ rounds at a time, so reloading wouldn't be a hugely daunting task after a shoot.

Also appears that the parts kits are getting tougher to come by, so irregardless of when I have time/skill/interest in doing a build, I should pick up a kit now before they are gone for good.

[42rocker]

If you are thinking about a kit.
Well this one is not that bad. Has a new level price tag to it not like the old days but with rear receivers going away the prices are going to be going up.

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=10855

Unless you want to buy the "wiselite" setup for about $25,000 and start making them for everyone.

Later 42rocker

[dover7838]

Yeah, don't think I'll be dropping $25K anytime soon! I think my better half would kill me if I did. If I had that kind of bread to drop at once, I'd probably be putting that towards a full auto MG42. Full time job with the railroad pays well, but not THAT well!

I've got my eyes on that parts set. After looking at the builds others have done, I don't have the skills currently to pull one off. The guys that have done it are definitely artists to say the least! But, with the shrinking availability of parts, I think now is a good time to put together a complete kit. In the long run, I could pay someone to assemble it, or build my skill sets to attempt it myself. But, right now it appears getting the parts necessary is key before they disappear for good.

[42rocker]

Remember the $25,000 is just for the equipment to make them and build them.

That parts kit starts at $1100 and buy now for $1300, if I remember right.

Later 42rocker

[dover7838]

I have a question about ammo. 8mm ammo is what is/was fired from original MG42's, M53's, etc. When 8mm ammo is listed on sites, would it all fit into an MG42? I've seen surplus Romanian, Yugo, Iranian, etc. Then I see 8mm Mauser stuff. Is all of that the same if it carries the 8mm tag?

Thanks again for all your help.

[JBaum]

It will all fit the chamber, but there are variables like hard primers, old ammo that will still fire, old ammo that usually fires, old ammo that likes to hang fire, and old ammo that fires sometimes. Also there is old ammo in steel shells that are corroded from the inside out that is dangerous to shoot. Lots of variables, but it will all fit in the chamber. Whether it's worth the risk is another question.

Blown up guns are hazardous to your health.

[dover7838]

I was able to purchase a complete SA build of a Yugo M53. Upon reveiwing the literature that came with it, I see reference to a 'bolt hold back device' to be used for unloading, removal of the barrel, etc. Looking through the additional parts that came with it, I don't see anything that jumps out as such an item. Anyone have a photo of one so I know what I'm looking for/missing?

Thanks in advance!

[42rocker]

I don't have a clue as to what a wiselite bolt hold open looks like, if wiselite has one. But there are pics of several bolt hold back devices on this website. I know that tomcatshaas had posted a copy of pics of one and I believe told how he made one. Use your search button and hopefully you will find some pics.

Later 42rocker

[42rocker]

Just found tomcatshaas topic on it

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=10099&p=76841&hilit ... pen#p76841

Later 42rocker

[Der Alder]

The WLA "bolt hold open device" is simply a piece of wood dowel, a bit thicker than a pencil.
That's really all you need, just something to hold back the bolt while swapping barrels etc.

[dover7838]

Posting a photo, so I hope this attaches:



Been cycling my M53. It doesn't appear the bolt travel is enough for the bolt stripper to engage a shell, and force it towards the chamber. Before I go cutting the buffer spring shorter, wanted to make sure I was on the right path. Photo is taken with the bolt as far back as it will go. Charging lever is about 1/2" to 3/4" away from the stop pawl, so it does have more possible travel. The buffer spring is fully compressed at its current length, and I think that is causing interference with the bolt and keeping it from fully traveling.

So, if the buffer spring needs to be trimmed, what is the best way to do that?

Thanks in advance