MG 42 bolt lock?

[oakrodent]

I am nearing the end of my mg 42 build. Hopefuly the first rounds will be going threw it this weekend. I have built a nice mg 34 that I shoot all the time. My question is: Is there a bolt lock to lock the bolt in the open position? I don't see anything to hold it open.

I also cut my main spring today and heated it As per pirates ( Bending a spring, a tutorial ) it turned out nicer than I could have hoped. Both ends look exactly the same. Thanks pirate!

[oakrodent]

I have searched this site high and low for a good way to hold the bolt open. I am very *?*?confused *?*? as to the best way to do this. I am going to be test firing it this weekend. I then want to get the thing stripped and refinish, but I can't refinish it without a good way to hold the bolt open finish. What is the best way to do this and still have it look original?

[waffendude]

oak

the 42 fired from an open bolt. so on a real full auto the bolt remains to the rear when you let off of the trigger---easy to load

now on semi's it's a pita to load ---so some guys have used a fal "bolt hold open" piece---welded it on the back of the charging handle and have it engage the back of the ratchplate---thus you can open the bolt -move the fal "bolt hold open" part inplace and load the weapon---when you are ready to chamber a round---just pull slightly back on the charging handle ---"bolt hold open" part "releases" and chambers a round
i hope this helps---it's kinda hard to explain

waffen

[JBaum]

check here:

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1074&p=49266&hilit ... pen#p49266

and here:

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=3372&p=48038&hilit ... pen#p48038

[oakrodent]

Thanks for the info. I built mine today sort of like this. I welded on a small tab on the ratchet plate infront of the rear stop and a small tab on the charging handle. I just have to pull it back and there it stays. Push the handle forward just a little and SLAM, in goes the next round.

[flemgunner]

I like that, can you post a couple more pictures please?
Thanx
Glenn

[oakrodent]

Here are some more pics. Please excuse the rough finish. I like to test fire them before I polish all the weld and put on the finish.

[42rocker]

I bring this up for those just doing a build and want more info on bolt hold opens. Most of the links and pics are there.

Later 42rocker

[snekrz]

Theres also my most recent attempt at a BHO that is working great.
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=11303